The head of Winter Harbor has three separate coves, which represent the range of boating in Maine. Sand Cove, bordered by Grindstone Neck, is home to the Winter Harbor Yacht Club with its colorful fleet of racing sloops and classic yachts. Most visiting yachts prefer the Sand Cove area for its ambiance and decent protection. The inner harbor has lobster boats only. Henry Cove is the harbor for the village with fishing boats and small outboards. The ferry from Bar Harbor is also in Henry Cove.
Winter Harbor at Schoodic Peninsula
Last edited by:
- Maggie Salter
- April 7, 2022
- 10:44 am
- 0 comments
Region:
Photo: Courtesy Acadia National Park
Approach & Cautions
Photo: Maggie Salter
The entrance from the south is straight ahead with rocks on the port side (near the Winter Harbor Lighthouse) clearly marked. The entry to or from the west side requires more care and good visibility as there are many rocks and islands before reaching open water. Read your chart carefully.
Docking, Anchorages, or Moorings
The Winter Harbor Yacht Club in Sand Cove is the area most visiting yachts prefer. Built in the 1890s, the WHYC is a traditional sailing club with friendly and helpful staff. Winter Harbor Yacht Club is open from July 4th through Labor Day and has rental moorings and launch service. They monitor VHF Channels 9 and 71. Clubhouse: 207-963-2275 Dock Office: 207-963-2346 The 2022 WHYC overnight mooring prices are $35 for 35 feet and under, $45 for 35’ to 45’, $55 for 45’ up to 60’, and $75 for 60’ and over. Mooring fee includes launch service (0800-1800 hours seven days a week), showers (0800-1100 hours and 1400-1700 hours), and depositing one bag of trash. Water fill-up is available.
VHF
WHYC – Ch 9 and 71.
FUEL
NA
WATER
WHYC dock (for mooring customers)
ELECTRICITY
NA
SHOWERS
WHYC (for mooring customers)
LAUNDRY
NA
WIFI
Town Library
PUMP OUT
NA
SERVICES
NA
TRASH
One bag at WHYC
MEDICAL
The Village Doctor (medical clinic) 729 Summer Harbor Rd 207-963-2001
MORE BOAT AMENITIES
Getting Ashore
Photo: Maggie Salter
The village is about a mile from the Yacht Club. The Island Explorer Bus will take you into Acadia National Park, and the Bar Harbor ferry will take you to Bar Harbor. There is wonderful hiking on the Schoodic Peninsula which is a less crowded part of Acadia National Park. There is a beautiful walk around Grindstone Neck. Town of Winter Harbor Public WiFi is available at the Winter Harbor Public Library (207-963-7556) in a beautiful stone building at 10 Chapel Lane. Open Wednesday and Saturday 1200-1600 hours and Fridays 1000-1600 hours.
Photo: Courtesy Winter Harbor Food Services
Provisioning
Winter Harbor Food Services, 254 Main Street, (207) 963-2256 “A small village grocery store with a little bit of everything.”
Photo: Maggie Salter
Dine Out
Photo: Courtesy Acadia National Park
Hikes
Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Institute on the Schoodic Peninsula Located on the long peninsula southeast of the town of Winter Harbor, this is the only part of the park located on the mainland. It has very similar geological features as Mount Desert Island but is more secluded and has less commercial development in the surrounding villages. Because of this “less traveled” aspect, there are many who are passionate about the region. The Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park covers approximately 2,366 acres. Read more about the park and institute. It’s a long walk to the park and Schoodic Institute. The Island Explorer free shuttle bus runs a circle route from town and the local ferry dock to the park. See the shuttle bus schedule. There is also a ferry that runs from Bar Harbor to Winter and vice-versa. See their website for schedules and tickets. Ask at WHYC for directions to the trail on Grindstone Neck.
Photo: After the races. Photo by Geir Bentzen – Flickr
Other Things To Do
Lobster Boat Races Winter Harbor Lobster Boat races start in Henry Cove and are usually the second Saturday of August. There is a pancake breakfast, craft fair, lobster dinner, parade, and fireworks. Fishing families and spectators from all over the coast come to celebrate the fastest lobster boats and the Downeast way of life.
OUR REVIEWS
What CCA Members are saying:
Winter Harbor is a great place to spend a few days — the Schoodic Peninsula and its park, with many hiking trails and fascinating scenery, are worthy of at least two days. It’s also a harbor that many boaters bypass in their hurry to get further Downeast.
Doug Bruce
One of the prettiest harbors east of Mt Desert with a cordial welcome from Winter Harbor Yacht Club. Guest moorings available. No need for advance reservations.
Newt & Polly Merrill