This Maine archipelago is a sea kayaker’s dream

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • July 19, 2026

Our destination: Mussel Ridge Islands, an archipelago of secluded islands off the coast of South Thomaston, just south of Owls Head. To get there, we’d need to kayak about 2.5 miles across open water, but we were confident. Our group included an experienced sea kayaker who lives in the area and has explored the islands many times. We paddled between Dix and High islands, then around Birch Island to Hewett Island. There our group decided to split up. Three of us would continue about 2 miles to Two Bush Island Light. The cluster of islands is a popular place for sea kayakers to explore because it’s fairly accessible and is home to a variety of wildlife, plus small, sandy beaches. However, beware that currents can be strong in Muscle Ridge Channel. ~ Aislinn Sarnacki