Getting to the Island
OPTION 1: PUBLIC FERRY
Monhegan Island lies about an hour off the Midcoast of Maine. Between May and October, there are daily ferries from several harbors in Maine. Pre-reserve your tickets at the below links:
From Port Clyde:
The Original Monhegan Mailboat Experience transports you through the waters of beautiful Muscongus Bay to enchanting Monhegan Island. You’ll embark in the charming village of Port Clyde, at the tip of the St. George peninsula. Once passengers and freight are loaded on board, we steam out of the harbor past Marshall Point lighthouse. As we follow our protected route among pine-clad islands, we see birds of many varieties. Sometimes, porpoises and small whales rise from the water just beyond our bow. Our course usually takes us by lobstermen hauling their traps, schooners gliding before the wind, and pleasure craft of every description. On the return trip, we pass close to Seal Rock, where we often spot entire families of seals frolicking in the water and basking in the sun…
- Roundtrip: $38/adult $25/kid
- Reserve here: https://monheganboat.com/
From BoothBay
On Balmy Days, Balmy Days II is a twin-screw, motion-stabilized 65-foot fiberglass boat, built on an offshore fishing hull custom-outfitted especially for the Monhegan trip.
This is a passenger only trip (no vehicles) departing Pier 8 in Boothbay Harbor at 9:30am and arriving back at Pier 8 at 4:15pm. The boat ride is 1-1/2 hours each way which gives you about 3-3/4 hours on the Island. Each leg of the trip is booked separately. At 2:00pm we offer a trip around the Island (weather permitting). This ½ hour ride circumnavigates Monhegan giving you a spectacular view of the cliffs on the backside from the water, occasional whale sightings, and often times seals are found on the Duck Rocks.
- Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Daily June-September
- Roundtrip: $44.52/adult. $25/kid
- Reserve here: https://www.balmydayscruises.com/
From New Harbor:
Hardy Boat Cruises is a small, eco-tourism business lovingly cared for and operated by a local family. We are dedicated to the environment, sustainability, conservation and education. We offer an authentic experience with a genuine love for the Maine coast, our community and the people we serve.
- Roundtrip: $38/adult $20/kid
- Reserve here: https://hardyboat.com/
OPTION 2: PRIVATE TRANSFER
Those ferry times don’t work for you?
Meet Brandon, a local fisherman on Monhegan who can provide private pick up on the mainland and transport to Monhegan if needed.
Cost: $250 for the trip
Once on the island…
Getting to Cracked Mug
The Cracked Mug is a short ½-mile walk from the arrival ferry dock.
Just continue straight up from the dock, and turn right at Lupine Gallery.
Pass Brackett’s Provisionary and continue just up the small hill to the Black Duck Emporium. We are right next door – you’ll see the Cracked Mug sign.
Go on in and make yourself at home. You’ll likely find me in the kitchen, or in Reception (the small boathouse that is down the small path in the backyard).
Want help?
It’s best to pack in light duffels or backpacks so you can walk with your bags straight to our guesthouse. But:
If you want help with your luggage:
Monhegan Trucking baggage service meets all boats and delivers bags for a per bag fee
If you are concerned about walking the ½ mile to the Cracked Mug:
Let us know and we’ll come fetch you in our golf cart.
Coming from further away?
Coming to Midcoast Maine by
Driving? The ferry at Boothbay/New Harbor a 9-hour drive from the NY area, a 4-hour drive from Boston, or a 1 1/2-hour drive from Portland. The ferry at a Port Clyde is 2 1/2 hours from Acadia National Park.
Flying? Fly into Portland and drive 1 hour, or fly into Boston and drive 4 hours, to the Boothbay/New Harbor ferry. Or save the rental car and fly into Rockland’s regional airport and taxi 17 miles too Port Clyde ferry.

