My husband, 8 year old daughter and I are hoping to spend the day on Monhegan Island on
Monday Aug 23. Currently we are scheduled to spend Sunday and Monday nights at
the Boothbay Harbor Inn. Now that I am trying to research the ferries out to the island it
appears that the ferry from Boothbay takes the longest. Any and all info anybody has on
getting to Monhegan and tips about spending the day(especially with an 8 yr old) there would be most appreciated.
There is a ferry departing from Port Clyde and I have heard good things about the East Wind Inn
at Tenant's Harbor. Would that be more fun than Boothbay and more convenient for Monhegan?
Many thanks.

I went to Monhegan island as a day tripper with my parents about 15 years ago. I was maybe 12 or 13, and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I think we took the ferry from Port Clyde, and remember it as being VERY small as ferries go. I felt like I was on the SS Minnow, but managed to avoid seasickness somehow. The island is also small; you can easily hike the entire place in one day. I'm sorry that I can't recall more about my mainland accomodations, but I remember arriving early enough on Monhegan to enjoy a wonderful breakfast at a charming in near the center of the islans (it appeared to be the only inn on the island!). My mom stayed nearby and sketched, while my Dad and I explored the hiking trails. There are spectacular views from cliffs, and the boat passed by colonies of seals (a big hit with the kids) on the way back. Have a good trip!

My husband and I spent the day on Monhegan last September. It's well worth the trip. There is not much for an 8 year old to do on the island - mostly hiking, eating and painting if you're an artist. It really is a working island; there probably is more to see in August than September. We went to Port Clyde first; very small village (beautiful lighthouse, tho). We went on to Boothday and took the ferry from there. I don't remember how long a trip, but had plenty of time on the island. From Boothbay you will pass several lighthouses. Much more to do and see in Boothbay than Port Clyde.

Have fun! I'd go again. Read up on the history of the island before you go.

I'm actually planning a trip there too! I found most people suggest the ferry from Booth Bay because there's more to do there than Port Clyde. Try the link http://www.anchorwatch.com/balmy/islandtrip.html for ferry info. Good luck and enjoy!

I just returned from a weekend on Monhegan. The ferry takes 90 minutes from Boothbay and 60 minutes from the other two locations. As stated in other replies, not a great deal to do with an 8 year old but hike and walk around the island. I'm a painter so I didn't have nearly enough time. There are many studios to visit. A nice little hike up to the lighthouse is fun and a small museum is there. The ferry from Boothbay also does a trip around the island before returning to Boothbay. Going out to Lobster Cove (opposite direction from the lighthouse) is a shipwreck. Actually, a child might like that. Bring a windbreaker and sweatshirt. The ferry ride can be chilly if you sit on the open deck but you can go inside.Monhegan's weather can change rapidly, from fog to sun and back to fog. You never know. The atmosphere is unique. No cars, a few trucks, very laid back. You don't say where you are coming from but Boothbay is closest from the south. Boothbay is definitely commercial compared to Port Clyde and Tenant's Harbor. Just depends on what you like. I hope this helps. Feel free to e mail me.