Cranberry Isles, Maine

Five working islands off Mount Desert Island

Overview

Cranberry Isles mixes working harbors with quiet roads and Atlantic views. Great Cranberry has bike-friendly lanes and views of Cadillac Mountain, while Little Cranberry (Islesford) is home to galleries and the Islesford Historical Museum. Regular ferries connect the islands to Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor.

Key Facts

Population 160

Region Downeast & Acadia

County Hancock

Founded 1830

Nearest City Bar Harbor (ferry from Northeast Harbor)

Town Office Visit official website

What Cranberry Isles Is Known For

Cranberry Isles Local Highlights

Islesford Historical Museum

A National Park Service museum showcasing island life and maritime history.

Great Cranberry trails

Car-free walking and biking with sweeping views of Somes Sound and the Cranberry Isles.

Working lobster harbors

Active wharves, boat yards, and float planes tie the islands to Mount Desert Island.

Things to Do

Ride the ferry

Catch the mail boat from Northeast Harbor or Southwest Harbor for scenic trips across Frenchman Bay.

Explore Islesford

Visit galleries, grab lunch on the dock, and watch the working harbor in Little Cranberry.

Walk Great Cranberry

Stroll the coastline trails and enjoy views back toward Acadia?s peaks.

Living in Cranberry Isles

Island life is close-knit and seasonal. Limited services exist on-island, with most groceries, schools, and medical care on Mount Desert Island.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Cool ocean breezes, 60-75 F

winter

Windy and cold, 15-35 F

spring

Foggy and cool, 40-55 F

fall

Crisp, 45-60 F with Atlantic views

How to Get There

Passenger ferries depart from Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor; private boats and planes also serve the islands.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Cranberry Isles outline

Outdoor Recreation

Boating & Sailing

June - September

Hiking

Year-round (Best: May - Oct)

Birding

Year-round (Peak: May-June for migration)

Related Guides

Maine Ferry Guide

How to navigate the confusing mix of state, private, and mail boat ferries to reach the islands.

Maine Islands Guide

From car-free escapes to working fishing communities, Maine's islands offer experiences unavailable on the mainland. Your guide to island adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cranberry Isles known for?

Cranberry Isles is known as a cluster of five working islands off Mount Desert Island, including Great Cranberry and Little Cranberry (Islesford). The islands feature lobster harbors, galleries, and the Islesford Historical Museum, all accessible by ferry from Northeast Harbor.

How do I get to Cranberry Isles?

Passenger ferries depart regularly from Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor. There are no cars on the main islands—visitors explore on foot or by bicycle, making it a peaceful escape from busy Acadia.

What can I do on Cranberry Isles?

Visitors can walk the trails on Great Cranberry with views of Cadillac Mountain, explore galleries and the historical museum on Islesford, watch working lobster boats in the harbors, and enjoy a quiet lunch at dockside eateries.