Best Places to Kayak Near Southwest Harbor, ME

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

30 nearby15 Lakes9 Bays2 Inlets
← All paddling in Maine

Top Picks Near Southwest Harbor

a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks1

Bass Harbor

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

BayBeginner3 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

BayBeginner17 mi away
A large body of water with a small island in the distance3

Burnt Coat Harbor (Bonatti)

Just 11 miles from Southwest Harbor — the closest quality launch

BayBeginner11 mi away
Calm blue water with a forested shoreline and buildings.

Southwest Harbor

Maine · 1.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Bass Harbor

Maine · 3.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Calm blue water with a forested shoreline and buildings.

Seal Cove

Maine · 4.1 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
A boat floating on top of a lake next to a forest

Long Pond

Maine · 5.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Floating dock on a misty lake at sunrise

Bartlett Narrows

Maine · 6.1 mi

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

Mackerel Cove

Maine · 8.4 mi

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

Frenchman Bay

Maine · 9.7 mi

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

Burnt Coat Harbor (Bonatti)

Maine · 11.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Frenchman Bay (Lamoine State Park)

Maine · 11.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a boat traveling on the water at sunset

Blue Hill Bay

Maine · 12.0 mi

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

Frenchman Bay (Lamoine Beach)

Maine · 12.0 mi

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

First Pond

Maine · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm blue water with a forested shoreline and buildings.

Bunker Cove

Maine · 14.7 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and blue boat on dock during daytime

Mount Desert Narrows

Maine · 15.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

McHeard Brook

Maine · 16.2 mi

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

Patten Bay

Maine · 17.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Floating dock on a misty lake at sunrise

Jones Pond

Maine · 17.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water surrounded by lush green trees

Union River

Maine · 18.1 mi

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

Eggemoggin Reach

Maine · 18.1 mi

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

Walker Pond

Maine · 18.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Sun setting over a calm lake with mountains.

Boat Services

Maine · 18.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and blue boat on dock during daytime

Fish Pier Road

Maine · 19.0 mi

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

Lower Patten Pond

Maine · 19.4 mi

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

Leonard Lake

Maine · 20.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Bagaduce River

Maine · 20.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm blue water with a forested shoreline and buildings.

Northern Bay

Maine · 22.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Graham Lake

Maine · 22.2 mi

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

Graham Lake

Maine · 22.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small plane is traveling across the water

Donnell Pond

Maine · 22.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small plane is traveling across the water

Georges Pond

Maine · 23.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Southwest Harbor.

Northeast Harbor, ME2 miMount Desert, ME2 miBernard, ME3 miSeal Cove, ME4 miCranberry Isles, ME4 miSeal Harbor, ME4 miIslesford, ME5 miBass Harbor, ME6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Southwest Harbor, ME?

Top picks near Southwest Harbor 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 Southwest Harbor?

Near Southwest Harbor 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 Southwest Harbor?

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