Best Places to Kayak Near Mount Desert, ME

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Mount Desert, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby15 Lakes9 Bays2 Inlets
← All paddling in Maine

Top Picks Near Mount Desert

a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks1

Bass Harbor

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

BayBeginner5 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background2

Patten Bay

Open-water sea kayaking access on the bay

BayBeginner15 mi away
A large body of water with a small island in the distance3

Burnt Coat Harbor (Bonatti)

Just 13 miles from Mount Desert — the closest quality launch

BayBeginner13 mi away
A boat floating on top of a lake next to a forest

Long Pond

Maine · 3.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm blue water with a forested shoreline and buildings.

Seal Cove

Maine · 3.4 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Calm blue water with a forested shoreline and buildings.

Southwest Harbor

Maine · 3.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Floating dock on a misty lake at sunrise

Bartlett Narrows

Maine · 3.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Bass Harbor

Maine · 4.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A view of a rocky shore with a lighthouse in the distance

Frenchman Bay

Maine · 9.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a boat floating on top of a lake next to a forest

Mackerel Cove

Maine · 9.6 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Frenchman Bay (Lamoine State Park)

Maine · 10.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a boat traveling on the water at sunset

Blue Hill Bay

Maine · 10.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A view of a rocky shore with a lighthouse in the distance

Frenchman Bay (Lamoine Beach)

Maine · 10.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

First Pond

Maine · 12.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water with a small island in the distance

Burnt Coat Harbor (Bonatti)

Maine · 12.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
white and blue boat on dock during daytime

Mount Desert Narrows

Maine · 13.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

McHeard Brook

Maine · 13.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm blue water with a forested shoreline and buildings.

Bunker Cove

Maine · 14.3 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Patten Bay

Maine · 14.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A body of water surrounded by lush green trees

Union River

Maine · 15.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A boat floating on top of a lake next to a forest

Walker Pond

Maine · 16.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A boat floating on top of a lake surrounded by trees

Eggemoggin Reach

Maine · 16.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lower Patten Pond

Maine · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Floating dock on a misty lake at sunrise

Jones Pond

Maine · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Leonard Lake

Maine · 17.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Bagaduce River

Maine · 18.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Sun setting over a calm lake with mountains.

Boat Services

Maine · 18.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and blue boat on dock during daytime

Fish Pier Road

Maine · 18.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Graham Lake

Maine · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm blue water with a forested shoreline and buildings.

Northern Bay

Maine · 20.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
green trees beside body of water under cloudy sky during daytime

Graham Lake

Maine · 20.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small plane is traveling across the water

Donnell Pond

Maine · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and blue boat on dock during daytime

Pierce Pond

Maine · 21.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Mount Desert.

Southwest Harbor, ME2 miSeal Cove, ME3 miNortheast Harbor, ME3 miBernard, ME5 miSeal Harbor, ME6 miCranberry Isles, ME6 miIslesford, ME7 miBar Harbor, ME7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Mount Desert, ME?

Top picks near Mount Desert include Bass Harbor, Patten Bay, Burnt Coat Harbor (Bonatti). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, bays, inlets.

What types of paddling can I do near Mount Desert?

Near Mount Desert you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Mount Desert?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Mount Desert are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.