Things to Do in Vinalhaven Island, Maine

Vinalhaven Island Things to Do

Vinalhaven is a small island town off the southern coast of Maine. It provides a nice escape from city life while still offering lots of things for travelers to do.

Enjoy the Seaside

As an island, Vinalhaven is fully surrounded by the ocean, so it’s pretty difficult to get away with spending any time here without going to the shore. Although the water is extremely cold and the shoreline is rocky, it is still quite beautiful to go for an evening stroll looking out at the ocean. The seaside also offers a great vantage point to watch the sunset over the mainland. It’s quite a spectacular sight.

Explore Uninhabited Islands by Kayak

Even though the ocean is a bit cold for swimming, it is still great for kayaking. Vinalhaven Island is surrounded by many smaller islands, most of which are uninhabited. It’s an amazing feeling to be the only person in a deserted place, allowing you to forget about all your cares and just enjoy the peace and quiet. There are many companies offering kayak tours throughout the area, or you can rent one and go out on your own.

Swim in a Quarry

Rather than trying to swim in the freezing cold ocean, you can swim in one of the many rock quarries in the area instead. The water is still usually quite cold, although not as cold as the ocean. The rocks on the bottom tend to be a bit slippery with algae, so watch your step! There are no lifeguards watching over the quarries, though, so be careful and know your limits. The quarries offer a unique experience that you will have difficulty replicating anywhere else.

Visit Nature Preserves

there are 16 nature preserves on Vinalhaven Island, with Huber Preserve and Lane’s Island Preserve being the most popular. Huber Preserve is filled with hiking trails and is typically relatively free from foot traffic, so it can often feel as though you have the entire park to yourself. Lane’s Island Preserve is home to a native cranberry bog, so be sure to take some time to hike throughout the preserve to find it. There are also picnic tables near the entrance to the park, so you can relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Observe the Local Wildlife

Aside from the seabirds that are constantly overhead, there are plenty of other birds and animals to see on Vinalhaven Island, a popular haven for bird-watching enthusiasts. The island is right in the middle of the north and south routes for migrating birds, so you’ll have a chance to see eagles, ospreys, goldfinches and more, depending on the time of the year. Along the shoreline, you’ll also find crabs, lobsters and a variety of tide pool inhabitants. If you’re lucky, you may even see some harbor porpoises splashing about!

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Vinalhaven Island, Maine.