COURSE MEETING PLACE & DIRECTIONS
Our beach is about 200 feet north of the Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal on Peaks Island, which is to your left as you get off the ferry. We are just beyond the old boathouse with dark brown shingles. Walk up the hill from the ferry, and turn left at the intersection. Proceed through town, past Hannigan's Island Market and the Cockeyed Gull restaurant. Kayak Beach is down the very steep hill to your left.
FERRY SCHEDULES & PARKING
Ferry Casco Bay Lines operates the ferry service to Peaks Island. Ferries run on time, so allow plenty of time to park and purchase your ticket. The summer passenger round trip fare to Peaks Island is $7.70; tickets are only collected when departing Portland.
Map of Parking in Portland convenient to Casco Bay Lines. We suggest the open air lot at Ocean Gateway (#38 on the map). Current rate is $20/day.
GEAR & CLOTHING
Paddlers should bring as much of your own kayaking gear as you can. We have a selection of gear including kayaks, paddles, safety gear, life jackets, paddle jackets, and a limited range of wetsuits available with advance notice. Bring extra changes of clothing (synthetic, fleece, or wool), especially for the end of the day. There is a changing area in the sheds on our beach.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Bring your own lunch (for full-day courses), snacks, and plenty to drink. You should bring a water bottle for when we are paddling.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MIKCo TRIPS & COURSES
Gulf of Maine Weather Air temperatures are usually in the 70s to 80s, water temperatures are in the 60s. Winds are typically from the south and build during the day, sometimes requiring early morning launching. On average, we have a day of rain per week. Some seasons Maine can be foggy, but otherwise humidity is moderate. Bugs should be minimal.
Medical Emergencies Our coaches and guides are trained in basic first aid and carry limited supplies. As we are off the beaten path, medical backup may easily take hours to more than a day to reach us. You must let us know of any special medical conditions, restrictions or concerns, such as diabetes or allergies to foods or insects, weak shoulders or back, to allow us to insure the entire group's safety. You must bring your own prescription medicine.
Low Impact We practice and preach a serious level of minimal impact action. It’s different, important, and fun. Many of the outer islands are sensitive, tundra-like ecosystems requiring a light step. We use portable toilets and remove solid human waste.
Fresh Water We carry all of our drinking water with us as few of the islands have reliable fresh water.
IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING A NEW KAYAK OR GEAR
For those of you looking for a new kayak or equipment, Maine Island Kayak Co carries the full range of Nigel Dennis Kayaks (NDKs) and Celtic paddles. Visit MIKCo's Online Boat Store.