Explore Deer Isle-Stonington
On the Water
Public Beaches
Public beach access offers visitors a chance to experience the quiet beauty of Maine’s rugged coastline. Many of these areas feature a mix of sand and rock, granite ledges, and tidal shoreline. Visitors are encouraged to respect posted guidelines, practice Leave No Trace principles, and remember that beaches are unguarded and subject to Maine’s dramatic tides.
Causeway Beach
Easy-access beach along the Causeway, connecting North Deer Isle and Little Deer Isle. Causeway Beach is a popular year-round spot for swimming, dog walking, and photography. The sandy, rocky beach transitions into mudflats at low tide.
Reach Beach
This sandy and rocky beach at Gray’s Cove on Reach Road in Deer Isle has easy water access and views of Eggemoggin Reach. This quiet spot is great for swimming, kayaking, dog walking, beachcombing, birding, picnicking, and campfires.
Sand Beach
Sand Beach is a very popular, protected beach, not far from downtown Stonington. It is known for its sandy beach, rocky alcoves, trails, and stunning scenery. On nice days, parking is extremely limited – plan to arrive early and follow posted signs.
Lily Pond
This freshwater pond is great for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized watercraft. Warmer waters, grass, and shade make it a family-friendly spot to spend the day. A bathhouse and toilet are available during the summer. The walk from the parking lot is 0.2 miles.
Boat Launches
Public boat ramps provide access to the ocean and surrounding islands and coves that define the Maine coast. From launching recreational boats to paddling by kayak, visitors can experience the Island from the water — an essential part of local life and culture. Boaters should always monitor weather and tide conditions carefully and respect working waterfront areas shared with commercial fishermen and aquaculture operations.
Bridge End Park
Little Deer Isle
Great location for launching your boat or kayak into the Eggemoggin Reach with scenic views of the bridge. Features include bathrooms, parking, and beachfront dining from LDI Lobster.
Colwell Boat Ramp
Stonington
Launch your kayak or small boat from the public ramp on Seabreeze Avenue, located between Isle au Haut Boat Services and Fin & Fern. You cannot park your vehicle or trailer there, but paid parking is available at Isle au Haut Boat Services.
Mariner’s Memorial Park
Deer Isle
Launch canoes and kayaks at Mariner’s Memorial Park. At low tide, Long Cove drains into mudflats, which can prevent boaters from returning to the launch. It is essential to consult a tide table before departing.
Public Landing
The town of Stonington provides a public dock for visiting dinghies and recreational boats to tie up. This boat tie-up is limited to a two-hour visit. It is located directly in front of Stonecutters Kitchen, and there are public restrooms at the dock, but no dumpsters. Stonington does not offer any overnight moorings or dockage.
For boaters with questions or seeking services, contact The Stonington Harbor Master or Billings Diesel & Marine.
Lighthouses
Several iconic lights can be seen from the waters of Penobscot Bay or shoreline viewpoints. These historic lighthouses stand as enduring symbols of Maine’s rich maritime history and dramatic coastal scenery. There are eight lighthouses within 12 miles of Deer Isle-Stonington, three of which can be viewed from shore: Mark Island Light, Pumpkin Island Light, and Eagle Island Light. A fourth, Isle au Haut Lighthouse, can be viewed aboard the Isle au Haut Boat Services ferry, which departs from Stonington.
Mark your visit to each lighthouse with the United States Lighthouse Society’s Passport Program. Stamps are available at Island Heritage Trust and Isle au Haut Boat Services.
Deer Island Thorofare (Mark Island) Lighthouse
Built in 1857, Mark Island Light (known on nautical charts as the Deer Island Thorofare Lighthouse) is now owned by Island Heritage Trust. It can be viewed from the southern shore of Stonington, on Sand Beach Road, and its sound echoes across the Island.
Pumpkin Island Light
Pumpkin Island Light was established in 1854 to mark Eggemoggin Reach, a busy channel separating the mainland from Deer Island and Little Deer Isle. The light station was closed in 1934 and sold. It is now a private home and not open to the public. It can be seen from the shores of Little Deer Isle.
Eagle Island Light
Built in 1839, Eagle Island Light sits 105 feet above the waterline. The lighthouse and bell tower can be viewed from Dunham Point Road or aboard the Mailboat Katherine. Now owned by Eagle Light Caretakers, the nonprofit welcomes visitors during its annual open house in August.
Isle au Haut Lighthouse
Built in 1907, Robinson Point Fog Station (now Isle au Haut Lighthouse) was one of the last lighthouses built in Maine. The Town took control of the lighthouse in 1998, and it continues to operate today. The grounds are open to the public and can be accessed via ferry from Stonington.