Discover 10 Of The Best Places To Paddleboard In Maine

Merrymeeting Bay

Merrymeeting is a freshwater estuary that’s located just north of Chesapeake Bay. It’s only an hour’s drive from Portland however it’s one of the largest staging grounds for migratory birds making it an incredible paradise for spotting wildlife. Bald Eagles are just one of the amazing bird species that you’ll encounter here, alongside plenty of other native wildlife. It’s the meeting point for 6 of the state's main rivers as well as the Atlantic Ocean, meaning that conditions are tidal and a little more challenging. With this in mind, we’d only recommend Merrymeeting as one of the best places to paddleboard in Maine for experienced SUPers.

Moosehead Lake

We couldn’t talk about the best places to paddleboard in Maine without mentioning Moosehead Lake. It is the largest lake in the entire state after all! This is an incredible lake to explore by SUP, with plenty of nature and wildlife to look out for along the way, including moose and deer, to name just a few. This is the perfect location for both experienced or new paddle boarders, and you’ll be joined by plenty of other water sports and outdoors enthusiasts. 

Acadia National Park

Acadia is one of the most spectacular natural beauty spots in all of Maine, and there’s no better way to explore it than by paddling the beautiful freshwater lakes and tranquil inlets and bays. Paddling around Mount Desert Island, you’ll encounter plenty of wildlife along the way including seals, porpoises and native seabirds. With an abundance of hiking trails to discover across the park, this is a great spot for a weekend of outdoor adventure both on and off the water.

Muscongus Bay

Another one of the best places to paddleboard in Maine has to be Muscongus Bay. The rugged scenery and abundance of wildlife make this a popular spot for local paddlers. One of the major benefits that comes with paddling here is the lack of boat traffic. There aren’t many harbors in the area, preventing large boats from coming into the bay, creating better conditions for paddlers. This is also a great place for planning a multi-day SUP trip as you can paddle between the different rocky islands that are located within the bay.

Jewell Island

If you’re a highly experienced paddler then you definitely need to check out Jewell Island. To access Jewell Island you’ll need to paddle roughly 9-10 miles from Portland Harbor. You’ll be paddling through open water, where conditions can get choppy which is why it’s essential that you’re experienced and wear the necessary safety gear. Once you reach the island, you’ll experience a natural oasis, with plenty of options for camping overnight. 

Damariscotta River

Another one of the best places to paddleboard in Maine for more experienced paddlers is Damariscotta River. This is a stunning tidal river that covers a distance of just under 20 miles and is packed full of many different wildlife and fish species, making it the perfect location for SUP fishing. In order to enjoy a safe paddle here, make sure to check the tide times and water levels before you head out. You should also read our safety tips for paddling on rivers and estuaries for essential guidance.

Crescent Beach

We couldn’t complete our list of the best places to paddleboard in Maine without mentioning Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth. The beach offers a sheltered spot for enjoying a paddle with unique views of the surrounding area at Cape Elizabeth. Conditions are generally calm, however the beach can get a little windy from time to time, and so be sure to consider this when planning your trip. Crescent Beach offers the perfect spot for combining paddleboarding with a day spent sunbathing on the sandy shores. 

For more tips on the best places to paddleboard in Maine, or for help finding the perfect inflatable SUP for your next adventure, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Red Paddle Co.