FerryConnect

USA (Maine)

Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) → Swan’s Island

The state ferry from Bass Harbor on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island, near Acadia National Park, to Swan’s Island, a lobstering community six miles offshore.

⏱ About 40m🚢 1 operator📅 4–6 round trips a day depending on the day of the week🚗 Vehicles accepted
Book with Maine State Ferry Service→

Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) to Swan’s Island ferry at a glance

The ferry from Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) to Swan’s Island takes About 40m across the Blue Hill Bay, operated by Maine State Ferry Service. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: 4–6 round trips a day depending on the day of the week.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-11-04.

Sources: maine.gov · maine.gov · How we verify

Return crossing: Swan’s Island to Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island)

Maine State Ferry Service also sails Swan’s Island to Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island), taking About 40m. The first boat from Swan’s Island leaves at 6:45am.

Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) to Swan’s Island ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Winter schedule 1 November 2026 – 11 April 2027: on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from Bass Harbor at 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00am and 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30pm; other days run a different pattern (check the schedule), and the 3rd Tuesday’s first trip is a fuel run with no passengers

Schedule effective 14 April – 2 November 2026; Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday have the most trips.

Return: The first boat from Swan’s Island leaves at 6:45am.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Maine State Ferry Service timetable →Check prices & book on Maine State Ferry Service →

Source: Maine State Ferry Service Swan’s Island schedule. Verified 2026-11-04.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) and Swan’s Island

📐 5 Nautical Miles
Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island)⇄Swan’s Island
⏱ About 40m · 📐 5 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) to Swan’s Island?

Book your crossing with Maine State Ferry Service: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with Maine State Ferry Service→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Maine State Ferry ServiceAbout 40mM/V Captain Henry Lee

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

5 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • The mainland terminal is at 45 Granville Rd, Bass Harbor
  • The Swan’s Island terminal is at 118 Ferry Rd

Related Ferry Crossings

Nearby alternative crossingLincolnville (Maine) → IslesboroAbout 20m · Maine State Ferry ServiceNearby alternative crossingRockland (Maine) → VinalhavenAbout 1h 15m · Maine State Ferry ServiceNearby alternative crossingRockland (Maine) → North HavenAbout 1h 10m · Maine State Ferry ServiceNearby alternative crossingBlacks Harbour (New Brunswick) → Grand Manan IslandAbout 1h 30m · Coastal TransportMore ferries in United StatesSeattle → Bainbridge Island35m · Washington State FerriesMore ferries in United StatesLudington → Manitowoc4h 00m · Lake Michigan Carferry (SS Badger)
🗺 All ferries in United States🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) to Swan’s Island?
The crossing typically takes About 40m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) to Swan’s Island ferry sail?
Winter schedule 1 November 2026 – 11 April 2027: on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from Bass Harbor at 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00am and 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30pm; other days run a different pattern (check the schedule), and the 3rd Tuesday’s first trip is a fuel run with no passengers. Schedule effective 14 April – 2 November 2026; Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday have the most trips. This is the pattern published in the Maine State Ferry Service Swan’s Island schedule (checked 2026-11-04); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) to Swan’s Island?
Maine State Ferry Service operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) to Swan’s Island ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) to Swan’s Island ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) to Swan’s Island ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Bass Harbor (Mount Desert Island) from Swan’s Island by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 5 nautical miles (roughly 9 km).