Isle au Haut Boat Services
The mailboat to Isle au Haut — year-round passenger, freight, and mail service from Stonington to the island. The only way to reach the Acadia National Park section at Duck Harbor. Runs on a published schedule with no reservations required.
Isle au Haut Boat Services runs the mail, freight, and passengers between Stonington and Isle au Haut on a schedule that's been operating year-round for as long as the island community has needed it. Isle au Haut has around 70 year-round residents, a post office, a school, and a store — and without this ferry service, none of that would be viable. The boat isn't primarily a tourist operation; it's infrastructure.
For visitors, the practical significance is that this is the only way to reach the section of Acadia National Park on Isle au Haut. The Duck Harbor landing (summer/fall only) puts hikers within reach of 18 miles of trails, five lean-to campsites, and a coastline that sees a fraction of Acadia's mainland crowds. The Duck Harbor campground opens June 19, with reservations through Recreation.gov starting April 1. The ferry to Duck Harbor runs summer through fall with Stonington departures around 10am (arriving ~11:15am) and returns around 4:45pm — about 4–6 hours on the island.
The winter schedule (October through mid-May) serves the Town Landing only, with morning trips Monday–Saturday, midday trips Wednesday and Friday, and afternoon trips Monday–Saturday. No advance reservations needed for any scheduled trip — service is first-come, first-served. Cash and credit accepted.
Parking at the Stonington wharf is available but limited and paid. The boat operates out of 27 Seabreeze Avenue in Stonington.
What Visitors Say
"We went mid-June and really enjoyed the tour. While on the tour, we saw a porpoise, puffins, terns, eider ducks, and a lot of seals playing in the ocean. There was a special guest on our tour from the Project Puffin. He lived & worked for 15 summers on the island helping transplant puffins from Newfoundland to Seal Island and one other island in Maine in the 80's and 90's. He and our boat crew had a lot of knowledge and answered a ton of questions. My iPhone photos don’t do it justice, however, the great thing is one of the crew has a Flickr account and shared that with us so we could see the great photos he took."
"Well worth the trip! If you catch the early boat you could make it through the hike down to Duck Harbor for a half day adventure. The ferry ride alone is worth it to see the Maine coast from a different perspective. Saw many birds along the way including loons and bald eagles. Even some seals wading through. During their nesting season it is likely to spot some puffins as well! Gate opens at 6:30 am be sure to get there somewhat early on busier days to catch your spot on the ferry! Pay by cash or card. The captains are knowledgeable of the area and were kind to share their wisdom of the wildlife and surrounding waters."
"Great boat tour to Seal Island to view puffins and a few other rare seabirds; good information shared by the guide and captain! Bring binoculars and a light jacket, trip took about 4 hours total"
Local Tips
- No reservations for scheduled runs — but arrive early if you're going for the Duck Harbor summer trips, which can fill on weekends.
- Duck Harbor campground reservations (Recreation.gov) are separate from the ferry and open April 1; reserve early.
- The crossing takes about 45 minutes one way; bring layers — the open water run is cold.
- For winter visits to Isle au Haut Town Landing: check the published winter schedule carefully, as midday trips only run Wednesday and Friday.
- No service on Thanksgiving, December 25, January 1, Christmas Eve, or New Year's Eve.
- Paid parking at the Stonington wharf is limited; arriving early or using a drop-off helps.
Connected To
- Good Tide Tours — also departing from Stonington waterfront; scenic island cruising rather than transport
- Deer Isle Ocean Tours — scenic charters from the Stonington waterfront area