Vinalhaven is Maine's largest year-round island community and is known for its striking natural beauty and thriving lobster fleet. The year-round population is about 1200 and consists of a diverse group of professionals and retirees. In the summer our population swells to 2500+. The ferry from Rockland takes about 75 minutes and brings you to the southern tip of Vinalhaven into Carver’s Harbor--one of Maine's most picturesque working harbors.
Our Main Street looks mostly as it did in the 1800’s granite boom and is a short walk from the ferry landing. Along the harbor are a variety of year-round retail shops, our working waterfront, restaurants, cafes, homes, and artist studios. Main Street also has a well-stocked grocery store (Carver’s Harbor Market), bank, post office, lodging at The Tidewater Motel, coffee shops, and an exciting music venue/island speakeasy, Skål! On Saturdays check out the Flea Market across from the public library where you can find produce, art, and a variety of crafts. For weekly children's activity visit PIE.org and Island Sail. The island has many nature preserves, two gorgeous fresh water swimming quarries, a well staffed medical facility ICMS and EMS team. There are concerts, numerous hiking trails, and of course incredible boating to be enjoyed. You can be as busy or as reclusive as you like.
Whether you decide to stay a visitor or make this island your home, you will find yourself captivated by this extraordinary island and the people who make it special.
