Matinicus Island, Maine: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Matinicus Island is the most remote inhabited island on the American East Coast? Located about 23 miles off Maine’s shoreline in Penobscot Bay, this secluded gem is home to fewer than 60 year-round residents. With no restaurants, public restrooms, or typical tourist amenities, Matinicus offers something increasingly rare in our connected world: a genuine escape into simplicity and natural beauty.

Getting to Matinicus Island

Reaching this remote outpost is part of the adventure. There are only two ways to get to Matinicus Island: by air or by sea. The journey itself offers stunning views of the Maine coastline and Penobscot Bay, setting the stage for your island experience.

By Ferry

The Maine State Ferry Service operates limited trips to Matinicus from Rockland. The ferry runs only 20-30 times per year, with service once a month in winter and slightly more frequently in summer. The 23-mile journey takes approximately 2.5 hours each way and costs just $11 round trip for passengers.

Important ferry considerations:

• The ferry can only dock at Matinicus during high tide due to the shallow harbor
• Schedules are tide-dependent and typically run in pairs two days apart
• Advance planning is essential as seats are limited
• The ferry carries vehicles, making it ideal for bringing supplies

By Air

For more flexibility, Penobscot Island Air offers daily flights to Matinicus from Rockland. The small Cessna planes make the journey in just 15 minutes, costing approximately $65 per person one way. This option is especially valuable when ferry service is limited.

The island has a small gravel airstrip at its north end. While the planes are small, they provide essential services for islanders, including grocery deliveries, mail, and emergency medical transport.

Private Boats

If you have access to a private boat, you can make the journey yourself. There are moorings available for rent in the harbor. Remember that this is open ocean sailing, and the 23-mile crossing requires careful planning and appropriate experience.

Best Time to Visit Matinicus Island

Timing your visit to Matinicus requires careful consideration of both weather and transportation availability.

Remember that ferry schedules are tied to the tides, not the calendar. Even during summer, the ferry only runs about twice a month. Plan your visit around the ferry schedule rather than choosing dates first.

Where to Stay on Matinicus Island

Accommodations on Matinicus are limited but authentic. Don’t expect luxury resorts or chain hotels – the island’s charm lies in its simplicity and connection to nature.

Island Accommodations

There are two main lodging options on the island:

Mainland Options

If you’re planning a day trip or need accommodations before/after your island stay, consider staying in Rockland. This coastal town serves as the departure point for ferries and flights to Matinicus.

Top Things to Do on Matinicus Island

While Matinicus lacks traditional tourist attractions, its appeal lies in simple pleasures and natural beauty. Here are the best ways to experience this unique island:

Watch for Puffins on Matinicus Rock

Matinicus Rock, located about 5 miles south of the main island, is home to one of Maine’s most important seabird nesting colonies. Atlantic puffins, with their distinctive colorful beaks, make their home here during summer months. While the rock itself is closed during breeding season (April 1 to August 31), you can often spot these charming birds from boat tours around the area.

Visit Matinicus Rock Light Station

The historic Matinicus Rock Light Station, built in 1827, is famous for the story of teenager Abbie Burgess, who maintained the light for several weeks during a harsh winter storm in 1856. The light station includes two 41-foot towers, though only one remains active today. The station is now fully automated but remains an important navigational aid and historical landmark.

Explore the Island by Foot or Bike

The island is only about two miles long by one mile wide, making it perfect for exploration on foot. The unpaved roads wind through forests, past small farms, and along stunning coastal views. Bike rentals are available during summer months for those who prefer cycling.

Relax on Sandy Beaches

Matinicus has two sandy beaches – South Sandy Beach and Markey Beach. While the water remains quite cold even in summer, these beaches offer perfect spots for relaxation, beachcombing, and enjoying spectacular ocean views.

Visit the Congregational Church

Built in 1906, the Congregational Church of Matinicus is more than just a religious building – it’s a community gathering place. The church hosts various events throughout the year, from musical performances to community meals. In 2006, it celebrated its centennial with the addition of running water to its kitchen for the first time.

See the One-Room Schoolhouse

The island’s one-room schoolhouse is a fascinating glimpse into rural education. This working school provides education to the island’s children while supporting local industries and offering unique ocean-side learning experiences.

Browse the Island Library

Despite the island’s tiny population, the Matinicus Island Library offers an interesting collection of books. Run entirely by volunteers, the library features a special collection of banned or challenged books from other states – a testament to the independent spirit of the island.

Enjoy Fresh Baked Goods

During summer months, resident Eva Murray operates a seasonal bakery from her home. If you’re lucky, you might be able to purchase fresh bread or pie – a rare treat on this remote island.

Practical Information for Visitors

Essential Tips for Visitors

Transportation on the Island

The island is small enough to explore on foot, but there are a few transportation options:

• Walking – most destinations are within 1-2 miles
• Bike rentals – available during summer months
• Island taxi – a resident runs a taxi service during peak season
• Friendly locals – islanders often offer rides to visitors walking along the roads

Emergency Services

Matinicus has limited emergency services. The Maine Seacoast Mission visits monthly, providing healthcare services. For serious emergencies, LifeFlight of Maine can provide helicopter evacuation to mainland hospitals. Cell service is unreliable, so be prepared with alternative communication plans.

Planning a Day Trip vs. Overnight Stay

Given the limited transportation options, deciding between a day trip and an overnight stay requires careful consideration.

For those truly wanting to experience Matinicus, an overnight stay is recommended. The island’s magic is most apparent in the quiet evenings and early mornings when you can experience the remarkable stillness and star-filled skies that mainland residents rarely encounter.

Experience the Real Maine on Matinicus Island

Matinicus Island offers something increasingly rare in our modern world – a genuine escape from the constant connectivity and commercialization that defines most travel destinations. Here, you won’t find souvenir shops, tourist traps, or luxury amenities. Instead, you’ll discover the authentic rhythm of island life, spectacular natural beauty, and the remarkable resilience of a tiny community that has maintained its way of life despite the challenges of isolation.

Whether you come for the puffins, the peace and quiet, or simply to experience one of America’s last true island communities, Matinicus will leave you with memories that stand apart from typical vacation experiences. The journey may require more planning than most destinations, but those who make the effort are rewarded with a glimpse into a way of life that has largely disappeared from our shores.