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!
Hurricane Island
Last edited by:
- Brad Willauer
- February 25, 2025
- 11:55 am
- 0 comments
Region:
Photo: Courtesy Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership
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.
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.
OTHER THINGS TO DO 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
