Hurricane Island

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Photo: Courtesy Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership

West of Vinalhaven lies fabled Hurricane Island. Once the industrial site of the Hurricane Island Granite Company, where hundreds of stonecutters and their families engaged in the granite trade, Hurricane Island re-emerged in the 1960s as the Outward Bound School hub. Since 2009, Hurricane Island has been home to Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership, an ocean research and education nonprofit that runs marine and island ecology courses and conducts marine research to support the local community and Maine's emerging farmed scallop industry. The nonprofit also operates a 3.2 acre experimental marine research site at the north end of the island through a lease from the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The newly constructed Hurricane Island Field Research Station rises on the eastern shore and is the first offshore marine field research station in Maine waters. The facility is worth a visit as it is one of the first buildings on Maine's coastline designed and constructed to meet FEMA's high water floodplain projections and is a carbon net-zero building. A stop at Hurricane Island is an educational treat!

Approach & Cautions

Photo: Courtesy Hurrican Island Center for Science & Leadership

The Hurricane Island floating dock and mooring field are located on the island’s east side. If approaching from the north, be careful to avoid the ledge encircling the island’s aquaculture research site on the north end of the island. Coming from the south and southeast, be careful to avoid an unmarked ledge running north to south between the mooring field and the rest of Hurricane Sound. The best approach is from the northeast.

An aerial view of the Hurricane Island facility and dock.

Docking, Anchorages, or Moorings

Hurricane has several guest moorings on the island’s east side and a small dinghy that is available if you need to travel between your mooring and the float. If you wish to reserve a mooring please call ahead on VHF 16 as you near the island. Otherwise, they are first come first served and do fill up for special events and on peak weekends.

There is plenty of space on the main pier for visitors to tie up a dinghy, and all are welcome to come ashore! The friendly staff will greet you at the dock and direct you to the many trails to explore. When not engaged in programming, the educators and researchers are happy to answer any questions about the educational programs, aquaculture research, and sustainability systems that power the island campus. Time alongside the floating dock is restricted due to the frequent boat traffic. Moorings are available for a recommended donation: Overnight – $25  Day use – $15

Getting Ashore

Photo: Courtesy Hurrican Island Center for Science & Leadership

Visiting boats are welcome to land their group ashore at the floating dock if space allows and then take a mooring and row to the dock. Dinghies should be tied on the north side of the float. The trails pass by fascinating remnants of the industrial quarrying era and through pristine spruce and moss-covered woodlands to a high cliff lookout over the southeastern bay. Leashed pets are welcome, and all visitors are invited to explore the island. Trail maps are available at the dock house, where you will be asked to sign in.

People going up and down the ramp to a dock where a boat is tied up.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

  • Hurricane Island maintains a Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) site on the island’s north end for members of MITA. Call ahead to make a reservation: 207-390-5253
  • Hurricane Island hosts a series of special events throughout the season, including sustainable seafood farm-to-table dinners. Check the website to purchase tickets or register for special events.
  • Depending upon the program schedule, it may be possible to schedule a private tour of the sustainability systems (solar, compost, water, wastewater, gardens), a history hike, or a short science demonstration with the Hurricane Island aquaculture researchers. Please contact Jen Mathews, Advancement Director, [email protected] for more information.

NEARBY ANCHORAGES

Hurricane Island is a day stop, and while safe, it’s not a calm, protected anchorage.

Consider the White Islands or Long Cove for nearby overnight anchorages. Both are covered on this site. Nearby Carver’s Harbor is 99% lobstermen, landing what NOAA notes is the third-largest catch in the USA, measured in dollar value – lobster. While there is a well-stocked store, you might not find a mooring, and if you do, you will undoubtedly be aroused before sunrise by the many lobstermen heading out.

OUR REVIEWS

What CCA Members are saying:

Having spent my college summers of 1964 and 65 on the island constructing the Outward Bound buildings, it's a delightful walk down memory lane, and remember those 40 young men who were with me then. Hurricane Island is a fascinating and beautiful day stop in settled weather. Be sure to introduce yourself to staff.

Brad Willauer

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