What's to do on Matinicus?

Oceanfront Rental Homes on
Maine's Most Seaward Island

MATINICUS

The island is located 22 miles out to sea east of Rockland. Matinicus has a year round community whose residents are engaged in lobster fishing.

Marky's Beach is the sand crescent in the lower left portion of the above aerial photo.

It is a working island with few tourists. The island boasts two fine sand beaches (Markey's, which is outside the door to your house, and South Sandy Beach, across the island), many more rocky ones and extensive undeveloped shoreline. The island is about 3/4 mile wide and 2 miles long. There are walking trails throughout the woods and along the shore. It is a beautiful, tranquil, and stunning landscape. Every resident and visitor feels privileged to be in such a lovely place. Our guests have found the island community to be friendly, generous, and helpful.

Public facilities include, Post Office, one room school, church with summer services, an island Emporium in July and August with local crafts, and informal snack bar, and occasional evening suppers prepared by islanders for visitors. Lobster can be ordered by phone and delivered to your door. An island baker, Eva Murray, 366-3695 produces breads, pies, coffee cakes and other treats also delivered to your door. Everything is old-fashioned and basic. It is a visit to a simpler, perhaps better world.

WHAT TO DO

Matinicus will appeal to naturalists interested in landscape and rare bird and plant life (including native orchids), to people who respect the seafaring way of life, to beachcombers, to artists and photographers, to people who love the sea, and especially to families who away from the mainland's distractions can relax and get to know each other better. It is possible to do nothing but gaze out at the ocean.

Birding and Puffins

Don't miss the chance to take a boat trip to Matinicus Rock to view nesting colonies of Atlantic puffins, arctic terns, razorbill auks, and other rare species. Shorebirds and waterfowl are abundant and can be observed effortlessly from the houses. Warblers, buntings, wax wings, and dozens more visit the island early and late in the season during migrations. For a more complete list visit our birding page. Capt. George Tarkleson and Elaine Ames offer trips to Matinicus Rock.

Puffin Links

Audubon Society
Nova Scotia Puffins

Make a Payment with PayPal

Hiking Trails