Beautiful Oar Island

Muscongus Bay is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled areas of the rocky Maine coast, and Oar Island is no exception. By day it’s a photographer’s dream, while by night the stars shine more brightly than you can imagine — far from urban light pollution, you’ll find constellations you didn’t know existed. In fact, once you’re here, you may find you just want to sit back on the porch and drink in the scenery. However there’s more than enough to keep you busy without even getting in the boat.

Along our own rugged two-mile-long shore you can explore the crevasses and inlets, and at low tide collect softshell clams or blue mussels for seafood feasts. A walk along the shore at low tide lets you explore the tide pools where you may find starfish and sea urchins, sea anemones, and whelks. You can also gather the wild greens, samphire and orach for a salad; while the rocks are a perfect spot for picnics.

In the 42 acres of woods you’ll find orchids and sundews, and bushes of sweet wild blueberries, huckleberries, and bayberry. Look up and you’ll see osprey, kingfishers, blue herons, even bald eagles fishing and nesting. At high tide, jump in the water for a swim right outside your front door – the shoreline is only about 10 feet from the porch.

It’s easy to explore farther afield, too. From the complete privacy of Oar Island you can take one of our boats and travel around the bay, exploring the many wild and inhabited islands. You’ll probably find yourself exchanging glances with the local seals.

For a more peaceful excursion, go ocean- or freshwater fishing – ask at the local marina to find out what fish are biting and where to find them. Water-ski up the Hockomock Channel, camp in our woods, or visit the National Audubon Society wildlife sanctuary on Hog Island, less than half a mile south of Oar Island.