About

Where - and What - is Oar Island?
Oar Island is half-way along Maine’s rocky coast (about 1 ¼ hours north-east of Portland), and lies in stunning Muscongus Bay. It covers about 42 acres and has a beautiful 2 mile coastline. A true private island, it has only two houses (one larger, one smaller), which are rentable by the week either together or separately.

Oar Island is one of Muscongus Bay’s most picturesque islands. It is covered with natural woodland, and has beautiful views every way you turn. To the south is the sparkling island-studded ocean, to the north are the misty blue Camden Hills, an easy 45-minute car trip away.

Oar Island –the Perfect Maine Vacation
If you want a vacation that lets you enjoy the beauty of unspoiled nature from the comfort of your own snug house, then Oar Island is the perfect choice. Whether you’re bringing the whole family or you're on your honeymoon, Oar Island gives you an entire kingdom of your own. It’s yours for the enjoying.

Beautiful Oar Island
By day a photographer’s dream, by night a star-gazer’s delight, Oar Island is a vacation destination like no other. In fact, once you’re here you may find you never want to leave. Whether you’re sitting back on the porch and drinking in the scenery, or exploring the island’s woods and dells, you’ll find that there’s more than enough to see and do without even getting in the boat.

The Shore: The island’s rugged two-mile-long shore is only 10 feet from each house, so at high tide you can jump in the water for a swim right outside your front door. For seafood as fresh as it comes, go outside at low tide to gather wild blue mussels and soft-shell clams for dinner. A walk along the shore lets you explore the tide pools, where you might find starfish and sea urchins, sea anemones, and whelks. You can also gather the wild samphire and orach for a fresh green salad, and the rocks are a perfect spot for picnics.


The Woods: follow the forest trails to search for sweet wild blueberries and huckleberries to snack on. You’ll also find orchids and sundews blooming in the sunny clearings. Look up and you’ll see osprey, kingfishers, and blue herons fishing and nesting, and you might even catch sight of our own resident bald eagle. At night, kids can have the adventure of camping in the woods – with the safety that only a small private island gives you.



The Stars: Oar Island will show you the Milky Way as you’ve never seen it. Far from urban light pollution, you’ll find that the stars here are more brilliant than you knew they could be. Brush up on your constellations and see how many you can spot!

Exploring Off-Island: It’s easy to explore farther afield, too. Oar Island has an all-tides boat landing, so you can set out in one of our boats and explore Muscongus Bay, hike over the many wild and inhabited islands, or visit the National Audubon Society wildlife sanctuary on Hog Island (right next to Oar Island). Or you can motor down to quaint Round Pond or New Harbor. You’ll probably find yourself exchanging glances with the local seals along the way.

Fishing: For a more peaceful excursion, go ocean- or freshwater fishing. Just ask at the local marina to find out what fish are biting and where to find them.