Mackerel Cove (Swans Island, ME)

Mackerel Cove (N44°10.215′ W68°25.557′)
Swan’s Island, ME

Date of Stay: Friday, 8/7/26 – Monday, 8/10/26
Cons: Daily Fog, Distant Engine Noise, & Ferry Fog Horn Noise
Pros: Anchor Hold, Clay/Muddy Bottom, Deep Water, Few Lobster Pots, No Approach Hazards, No Wakes, Peaceful, Remote, Serene Setting, Swing Room, Tranquility, View, & Wildlife

Comments: Active, early morning commercial fishing harbor, starting as early as 4:30AM. To avoid being rocked violently by their wakes, try to anchor as far east of the main north south channel line as possible.

Aim for the center-east portion of the cove, if possible.

Because the entrance is over a 1/2 mile wide with no outlying rocks, it is considered one of the safest harbors to enter/exit under GPS or radar in Maine’s fog.

Calculate scope at least 5:1 based on the 13′ tidal range.

Directly across the road from the Maine State Ferry Service ferry terminal slip is the Country Store Museum (45 Granville Road). Run by the Tremont Historical Society, 19th Century country store building serves as a local museum displaying historic coastal artifacts, regional photographs, and community genealogical material.

During our stay there were a few sailboats anchored.

Maine State Ferry Service regularly transports passengers and vehicles across the bay to Swans Island, ME and Frenchboro, ME.

Protection from the east, south, and west winds. However, a strong northerly wind will cause a bit of a rolliness.

Swan’s Island Ferry runs regularly between Bass Harbor and Mackerel Cove. Slip located on the eastern side of the harbor. Ensure your anchoring swinging radius leaves a wide, clear path for the ferry’s approach and departure angles.

Swans Island Lobster & Marine Museum (Ferry Road) is near the ferry ramp, a volunteer run place to explore the historical documents of the island’s mackerel fishing fleets.

Tim’s Swans Island (aka: The Island Market & Supply) on 40 N Rd is a small grocery store located right near the head of Mackerel Cove. Even offers takeout and fresh lobster. Roughly 1.5 – 2.4 miles inland, variation depends on tender accessibility location.

Town Float at the wharf is tender accessible to go ashore.

Tuck as far up into the southeastern pocket of the cove as depth permits.

Unlike Burnt Coat Harbor on the south side, which requires twisting through a maze of islands and ledges, Mackerel Cove has zero approach hazards.

We were unsuccessful in reaching the Swans Island Harbormaster (207-266-1937) the day prior via several telephone calls (and even leaving a voicemail message) for one of the town’s mooring balls (brightly painted green lobster buoys) on the south side of Swan Island.

Western side of the cove shoals out much faster than the eastern side.

Within walking distance to/from Swans Island Public Town Float (Burnt Coat Harbor): Mainesota Grill (5 – 7 minutes), Suzette’s Farm Stand (15 minutes), and Tim’s Swans Island (10 – 12 minutes).

Visit Again: Yes