Criehaven is a very special community. It is the farthest offshore inhabited island on the East Coast. Yes, the farthest offshore inhabited island - 21 miles offshore from Rockland.  The island may not be listed as "Criehaven" on the charts; the mapmakers call it Ragged Island. Look for the precious island little beyond Matinicus Island, halfway up the Maine Coast.

But what makes Criehaven special? Not the miles, but the folks. There are about twenty families, evenly divided between fishing folk and vacationers. The key is the world's finest lobsters. Lobsters like cold and clean water, and the Criehaven environment provides just that! The water stays cold during the summers, so the lobsters shed later.

Criehaven is known as the "Island of Lobsters" and is the former summer home of writer Elisabeth Ogilvie—and the inspiration for her "Tide Trilogy." Bennett’s Island.

Criehaven does not have inns, restaurants, or stores. You visit Criehaven for the friendly folks and beautiful nature that surrounds us. Bring your books and enjoy.

Pictures from Criehaven Island  

Matinicus is located about 20 miles south of Rockland, Maine. It is the most remote of the inhabited-year-round islands.

Matinicus Harbor is one of the few in Maine that’s home to almost exclusively working vessels. The island is almost 2 miles long and 1 mile wide, with 750 acres filled with hundreds of species of plants and wildlife. The shores are mostly rocky, the exceptions being the two large sandy beaches. Matinicus is a great place for artists, bird watchers, or anyone who enjoys the relaxation that nature provides us with.

Matinicus Island is great for fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, surfing, or just good ole' down time. Treat yourself to the get-away that will genuinely remove all stress and anxiety from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland.

There are rentals homes, an inn, a bakery, and a small store on the island.

North Haven lies approximately 12 miles from Rockland. In the summer time, the island’s year-round population of 381 swells to 1200 due to the return of families who own seasonal homes on the island.

North Haven is an island town proud of its traditions and independence, its treasured natural beauty, and its unique community of twelfth generation natives.

The island has an active working population and summer population, gift shops, restaurants, a general store, and a number of vacation accommodations. North Haven's economy relies less on the lobster industry and more on sustaining its summer resort community. Although the island is a popular destination, it actually provides few tourist amenities -- one inn, a grocery store, and two gift shops -- instead, those on the island are self-relient and contented.

At one time, Vinalhaven had a booming granite industry that attracted settlers who worked in its quarries. Many famous buildings in Washington, D.C., New York City, and elsewhere were constructed with Vinalhaven granite.

Followed closely by tourism, lobster fishing is the largest component of the economy, with a diverse group of smaller businesses working to meet the needs of an active community. The village of Vinalhaven is located at Carver's Harbor on the southern shore of the island, and is the center of commercial activity.

The island is about nine miles long and five miles wide. It has several restaurants, gift shops, and a museum. An island brochure is available which depicts the various points of interest (parks, swimming holes, hiking, biking, and lighthouses) for visitors. Overnight accommodations are available year-round.