Price from:
675 USD
An Island-Hopping Expedition on the Maine Island Trail
**Fully booked? Give us a call to get on the waitlist!**
Duration
- 3 Days
- 2 Nights
About
Muscongus Bay holds no major harbors, and its shores are sparsely populated. That makes it a much quieter and wilder environment than many stretches of southern Maine’s coast — and a perfect destination for sea kayaking. Hundreds of tiny islands scattered across the bay provide plenty of sites for kayakers to camp, while countless rock ledges offer harbor seals plenty of sites to haul out for a rest. While few large boats cruise these waters, this is prime lobstering territory, so lobster boats and buoys abound. Muscongus Bay is especially renowned for its rich birding opportunities and other wildlife-viewing potential.
Where You’ll paddle
You’ll start this trip in one of two small fishing harbors — either Round Pond on the west side of the bay or Friendship on the east side. From there the group will island-hop towards the center of the bay, with possible camping spots including Thief Island, Black Island, Hog Island and Crow Island. Along the way you’ll find plenty of opportunities to observe seals and other wildlife. At some point you’ll likely paddle along the shores of Hog Island, which is home to a large Audubon Sanctuary and nature-study camp. If conditions allow, you may kayak into the outer islands that are most exposed to the ocean, potentially visiting Franklin Island lighthouse and enjoying views of Monhegan Island, one of the most remote inhabited islands on the Maine coast.
Logistical Details
The group meets at 8:00 AM at Portland Paddle on the first day and will return by 4:00 PM two days later. Portland Paddle will transport the group 90 minutes north to the launch site, or you may choose to drive yourself. You should bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping pad, or you can rent them from us for an additional fee.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TRIP:
- Visiting several islands on the Maine Island Trail in Muscongus Bay
- Observing the abundant wildlife of Muscongus Bay, including seals and seabirds
- Watching the sun set over the bay from oceanside campsites
- Exploring the trails of Hog Island Audubon Sanctuary
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Well-rounded, delicious meals and snacks - two of each breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Kayaks and other paddling gear
- Two dry bags for packing your belongings; additional dry bags available for rent
- Licensed Maine guide
- Tent(s)
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS:
- Prior experience paddling a sea kayak (sea kayaks are somewhat different than the “recreational” kayaks common on lakes and rivers)
- Ability to paddle at a moderate pace for several hours in one day (with plenty of island breaks)
- Ability to walk comfortably on uneven surfaces (such as following a short, rocky trail from a beach to a campsite)
- Comfort with tent camping
If you are lacking any of the requirements, we suggest signing up for one of our lessons or guided day tours before booking this trip. That said, your guide will provide basic instruction, and there will be plenty of opportunities to improve your paddling skills along the way.
Booking Notes
#Important Information Below!
**CHECK-IN DETAILS** You’ll meet your guide and the other participants at our office on the corner of Warren Avenue and Hicks Street (233 Warren Avenue) in Portland at 8:30am on the first day of the trip. Please access the property via the first driveway on Hicks Street.
**PAYMENT**: You can pay your 50% deposit or complete balance by clicking on the link in this email or by calling our staff at 207-370-9734. If you need to adjust the number of participants in your group please let us know, and see the cancellation policies below for further details.
**TRIP PACKET:** A detailed "trip packet" with a packing list and trip itinerary can be found on the page for your trip on our website. Please review this document and make sure you have the items recommended.
**DIGITAL WAIVER & PRE-TRIP QUESTIONNAIRE:** You will be receiving a email from our waiver system, Wherewolf, shortly with our online waiver and pre-trip questionnaire. Each participant must complete this waiver and questionairre before their trip. Completing it as soon as possible allows us to better prepare to meet your group's needs and preferences. This questionnaire covers dietary restrictions, health matters, gear needs and other information that will help us prepare for your trip. Please make sure information for minors is included.
**OVERNIGHT PARKING**: Overnight parking is available at our 233 Warren Ave location where you will meet your guide. Access to the parking lot is via Hicks Street through the driveway behind our building. Bags and other personal belongings can be left in a secure location within the building.
**TIPPING**: Guide gratuities are never expected but always appreciated. You can provide a tip to your guide directly via cash or payment apps, or by responding to this email asking us to add a gratuity onto your booking.
**LEAVE NO TRACE**: We always strive to minimize our impact on the beautiful islands of the Maine coast. This involves carrying away all garbage we create and kindly sharing the sites we visit, as needed, with working fishermen, other paddlers and wildlife. We ask that you help us practice the principles of Leave No Trace.
**TANDEM VS. SOLO**: We use a mix of tandem (two-person) sea kayaks and solo sea kayaks on our multi-day trips. You may request a solo kayak if you have previous experience using one. That said, we find that tandems are best for many people because they are more stable, spacious, and faster.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel a multi-day trip booking…
- More than 14 days in advance: You will receive a full refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee.
- Between 14 days and 2 days in advance: You will receive a 50% refund.
- Less than 2 days in advance: You will not receive a refund, and we cannot apply any amount paid to booking on another date.
If you need to reduce the number of participants on a multi-day trip within 14 days we will reduce your total booking amount by 50% of the cost of each person that is being removed from the booking.
