Swan's Island

The Free Ferry Island

Swan’s Island sits in Blue Hill Bay, about six miles south of Mount Desert Island, and the ferry that takes you there is free. It is the only free ferry in the Maine State Ferry Service system, a fact that reflects the island’s dependence on the mainland for goods and services and its residents’ successful argument that the ferry is their road. The 40-minute crossing from Bass Harbor on the M/V Captain Henry Lee is an easy, no-cost add-on to any visit to the Acadia region.

What you find on the other side is a working island with roughly 350 year-round residents, three small villages, a beloved lighthouse, and a sandy beach that rivals anything on the mainland. Swan’s Island has no tourist attractions in the conventional sense. There are no galleries, no gift shops, no whale watch boats. What it has is the unvarnished reality of Maine island life: lobster wharves, general stores, white clapboard churches, and the kind of quiet that only exists when you are surrounded by water.

Burnt Coat Harbor Light

The Burnt Coat Harbor Light, perched on Hockamock Head at the entrance to Burnt Coat Harbor, is the island’s landmark. Built in 1872, the 32-foot tower and attached keeper’s house sit on a grassy point with wide views of the harbor and the outer islands. The lighthouse was automated in 1975 and the keeper’s house is now maintained by the town. The tower is open to visitors in summer, and the views from the top are among the best of any lighthouse in Maine.

The walk from the road to the lighthouse crosses a meadow and then descends to the rocky point. From the lighthouse grounds, a path leads down to the shore where you can explore tide pools and granite ledges.

Fine Sand Beach

Fine Sand Beach (also called Quarry Pond Beach or Carrying Place Beach) is a surprising stretch of white sand on the island’s southern shore. The beach is sheltered, the sand is genuinely fine, and in midsummer the water is about as warm as Maine ocean water gets. It is a lovely spot for families and one of the nicest beaches in the Downeast region.

Access is from a short path off the main road. There are no facilities at the beach.

The Three Villages

Swan’s Island has three distinct villages, each with its own character:

Atlantic is the ferry landing village on the north end. The ferry terminal, post office, and a small store are here. This is where you arrive and depart.

Minturn sits on a harbor on the western side of the island. The lobster wharf is active, and the harbor is picturesque. A small library serves the community.

Swan’s Island (the village) is in the center of the island and has the town office, fire station, and church.

The drive between the three villages takes only a few minutes, but the roads wind through spruce forest with occasional water views.

Getting There

The Maine State Ferry Service operates the car ferry from Bass Harbor, on the southwestern tip of Mount Desert Island. The crossing takes 40 minutes. The ferry is free for all passengers and vehicles. No reservations are taken.

Summer hours run Monday through Saturday from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with Sunday service starting at 7:30 AM. The ferry typically makes six to eight round trips per day in summer, departing roughly every 90 minutes. Winter service runs on a reduced schedule.

Bass Harbor is about 25 minutes from Bar Harbor and 20 minutes from Southwest Harbor. Park at the Bass Harbor terminal lot if you are walking on, or drive your car aboard.

When to Go

Practical Notes

Bring food and water. There is a small store near the ferry landing but options are limited. There are no restaurants open to the public in the traditional sense.

Cell service is spotty. Plan your ferry return before you lose signal.

The island is small enough to explore by bicycle in a few hours. Bring your bike on the free ferry and ride between the three villages, the lighthouse, and the beach.

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