The Cranberry Islands
A short ferry ride from Northeast Harbor brings you to Big and Little Cranberry Islands — two quiet, car-minimal communities with rich maritime history, stunning views, and a genuine sense of escape from the mainland.
About the Islands
The Cranberry Isles are a town of five islands — Baker, Bear, Sutton, Great Cranberry (Big Cranberry), and Little Cranberry (Islesford) — off the southern shore of Mount Desert Island. Year-round residents number fewer than 150 total, swelling to several hundred in summer.
The islands fall partly within Acadia National Park and partly as privately held land. They offer something increasingly rare in coastal Maine: a genuine working island community that predates tourism and continues to function on lobstering, fishing, and a small but thoughtful summer visitor economy.
Ferry Access
Northeast Harbor → Islesford (Little Cranberry)
Beal & BunkerMultiple departures daily in summer. ~25-minute crossing. Year-round mail boat service.
Southwest Harbor → Great Cranberry → Islesford
Cranberry Cove BoatingSeasonal service connecting both islands. Great option for island-hopping between the two.
Bar Harbor → Islesford (charter/water taxi)
VariousPrivate water taxis available from Bar Harbor for groups. Flexible scheduling.
Confirm schedules directly with operators — ferry times vary by season and conditions.
The Two Main Islands
Little Cranberry Island (Islesford)
~70 year-round residents
- •Islesford Historical Museum — free, NPS-run museum documenting island maritime history
- •Islesford Dock Restaurant — seasonal farm-to-table dining with harbor views
- •The Neighborhood — the village center with an art gallery, general store, and post office
- •Leisurely hiking and walking on island roads and paths
Little Cranberry (Islesford) is the more visited of the two islands. The historical museum alone justifies the ferry ride.
Big Cranberry Island (Great Cranberry)
~50 year-round residents
- •Cranberry House — a community museum and library with rotating exhibits
- •Seawall Beach — a quiet cobble beach on the island's southern shore
- •Walking the island loop (about 5 miles total) through working landscapes
- •The working lobster boats and docks at the town landing
Quieter and less touristed than Islesford. Great for those who want genuine solitude and a peek at real Maine island life.
Practical Tips for Island Visitors
Plan for a full day
The ferry schedule limits short visits. Check return times before you leave the mainland — missing the last ferry means finding an accommodation (not impossible, but unplanned).
Bring cash
Many island businesses are cash-only or have limited card readers. Bring enough for lunch, the museum donation box, and any small purchases.
Pack everything you need
There are no grocery stores, pharmacies, or ATMs on the islands. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and layers — coastal Maine weather changes fast.
Check summer vs. shoulder season
The Islesford Dock Restaurant is seasonal (Memorial Day through September). The historical museum has limited winter hours. Confirm before visiting in fall or spring.
Respect the community
Year-round residents choose to live car-minimal lives on a 1.5-square-mile island. Walk quietly, don't block driveways, and remember this is someone's home, not a theme park.