Important Guidelines

Traveling on the Mailboat | Acadia at Duck Harbor | Our Tours | Stonington & Deer Isle

Photo Credit: Jamie Storrs

  • Timeliness is key to your getting on the boat!

    • Check-In: All passengers (including ticket-book holders) must check in at the Ticket Booth at least 30 minutes prior to departure to secure a seat.

    • Bathrooms: We have a bathroom on the dock and facilities on the boat. On Isle au Haut, there is a composting toilet at the Ranger’s Station .3 miles south of Town Landing (turn right leaving Town Landing).

    • Peak Travel: During summer and holiday weekends, the dock can get a little hectic. We recommend arriving 45 minutes to an hour early to allow ample time for parking and the loading of the boat. And please follow the instructions of our dockhands — they are here to help.

    • Unloading & Parking: After checking in at the Ticket Booth, if you wish to unload near the boat ramp, drive up to the shed—staying to the left of the yellow line. You will find carts for your hand luggage there. Then, follow instructions for where to park your car.

  • Our crew works hard to accommodate your gear, but space is managed carefully for safety.

    • Standard Carry-On: Your ticket includes two pieces of luggage.

      • Passengers must be able to carry their own luggage onto the boat. (Carts are available for you to transport luggage down the gangway.)

      • Additional bags over the two-item limit will incur an extra $3 per bag fee at check-in at the Ticket Booth. (Please count your bags before entering the Ticket Booth.)

      • By arrangement with NPS, overnight campers in Duck Harbor do not pay luggage fees

    • Luggage Boxes: For heavy or bulky loads, we recommend reserving a luggage box.

      • Reservations: Please call, 207-367-5193, at least 24 hours in advance.

      • NO LUGGAGE BOXES on the 10am BOAT during the summer. We can send it down on a later boat if needed.

      • Loading: Box users must arrive 60 minutes before departure for packing and loading.

    • Bikes & Kayaks: Additional charges apply for bicycles, kayaks, and oversized items.

    • Pets: Pets ride free! They must remain leashed or crated for the duration of the trip.

    • Commercial Freight: All freight must be coordinated with the office in advance. Rates are based on size and weight.

    • Package Delivery: For Isle au Haut residents, please use your Isle au Haut street address or P.O. Box when ordering goods through USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Additional charges will be incurred for deliveries to the Mailboat Company address.

  • Safety is our first priority. Please keep the following in mind:

    • Discretion: All passengers, luggage, and freight are carried at the Captain’s discretion.

    • Capacity: If the vessel reaches capacity, passengers or gear may be moved to the next available sailing.

    • Questions? We pride ourselves on being a professional and personable service. If you have questions about schedules, luggage, tours, or freight, please reach out to our office—we can help.

  • We kindly ask you to be mindful that the Town of Isle au Haut is a residential and working area.

    Please respect private property, avoid blocking the dock and roadways, and help us preserve the quiet, friendly character of the village. 

    You may notice that folks wave hello to you–please wave back!

Traveling on the Mailboat

We are delighted to welcome you onboard the Mailboat to Isle au Haut. To ensure your smooth departure and a relaxing trip, please review our guidelines.

Acadia at Duck Harbor

Welcome to Acadia’s “Back Country”, a rugged and undeveloped part of Isle au Haut. Please review the guidelines below to ensure a safe and successful visit.

  • Timeliness is key to an on-time departure

    • Check-In: All passengers must check in at the Ticket Booth at least 30 minutes prior to departure to secure a seat.

    • Parking: You are welcome to park your car with us. Please stop at the Ticket Booth first so we can help you.

    • Bathrooms: We have a bathroom on the dock and facilities on the boat. There are composting toilets at Duck Harbor.

    • Peak Travel: During summer and holiday weekends, we recommend arriving 45 minutes to an hour early to allow ample time for getting your tickets and parking.

  • Acadia on Isle au Haut is a natural and largely undeveloped environment, so you’ll need to plan ahead:

    • Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat

    • Wear sturdy footwear and dress in layers; summer temperatures are often cooler than on the mainland

    • Carry out everything you bring; leave nothing behind

    • Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile island ecology

    • Limit your impact to help preserve this special place

    • Leave enough time to get back to the Duck Harbor dock to make the last boat!

  • Our crew works hard to accommodate your gear, but space is managed carefully for safety.

    • By arrangement with NPS, overnight campers in Duck Harbor do not pay any luggage fees

    • Luggage Boxes: While campers are welcome to buy a luggage box which will be hoisted onto the boat in Stonington, there is no hoist in Duck Harbor. All bags must be hand carried disembarking at Duck Harbor.

      • Luggage Box Reservations: Please call at least 24 hours in advance.

      • Loading: Box users must arrive one hour before departure for packing and loading.

    • Bikes & Kayaks:‍ ‍We are not allowed to transport bikes and kayaks to the National Park. If they are part of your visit to Isle au Haut, you must disembark at Town Landing.

    • Pets: Pets ride free! They must remain leashed or crated for the duration of the trip. Pets must remain on a leash in the Park.

  • Safety is our first priority. Please keep the following in mind:

    • Discretion: All passengers and their gear are carried at the Captain’s discretion.

    • Capacity: If the vessel reaches capacity, passengers or gear may be moved to the next available sailing.

    • Questions? We pride ourselves on being a professional and personable service. If you have questions about schedules, luggage, tours, or freight, please reach out to our office—we can help.

Our Tours

Whether you are heading out to Seal Island for an afternoon with Puffins, staying in Stonington Harbor for the Fireworks or adventuring into Penobscot Bay to see multiple Lighthouses, please review our guidelines below.

  • Timeliness is key to an on-time departure

    • Check-In: All passengers must check in at the Ticket Booth at least 30 minutes prior to departure to confirm your reservation.

    • Parking: You are welcome to park your car with us. Please stop at the Ticket Booth first so we can help you.

    • Bathrooms: We have a bathroom on the dock and also facilities on the boat.

  • Conditions on the Maine coast can change quickly. Please dress in layers and bring:

    • Windproof or waterproof jacket

    • Warm layer (even on sunny days)

    • Non-slip, closed-toe shoes

    • Sunglasses and sunscreen

    • Camera and/or binoculars

    • Snack and drinks if you like – we have no provisions on board

    • Swells may be gentle or moderate depending on the day. If prone to seasickness, take and bring preventative medication.

  • Safety is our first priority. Please keep the following in mind:

    • Discretion: Routing changes and cancellations due to weather are at the Captain’s discretion.

    • Refunds: If we need to cancel your tour, we will contact you as soon as possible. You will have an option to rebook another tour or get a refund less a $5 processing fee per ticket.

    • Questions? We pride ourselves on being a professional and personable service. If you have questions about one of our tours, please reach out to our office—we can help.

A view from Stonington, Maine out toward Isle au Haut 
Photo Credit: Chris Carson

Stonington & Deer Isle Resources

Visiting Stonington

Restaurants & Food on Deer Isle

Where to Stay

Calendar of Events on Deer Isle

Nature Walks

Plan Your Visit

Click on these links to learn more about our Schedule, Tickets & Rates, Getting Here & Parking