Public-Access

Public island access from sunrise to sunset.

Yes - You're Welcome Here

1 Big Sustainable Island is privately owned and proudly shared. From sunrise to sunset, the island is open to the public for low-impact exploration, quiet enjoyment, and the simple pleasure of being on an island in the middle of a Maine lake.

Everyone is a member. No gate to unlock. Just arrive respectfully and enjoy.

What Sunrise-Sunset Access Means

During daylight hours, visitors are welcome to:

• Walk the island trails.
• Sit by the water.
• Enjoy the views, docks, and shoreline.
• Swim, paddle, or picnic quietly in shared spaces.
• Watch wildlife from a respectful distance.
• Bring dogs on leash at all times.

It's a place to slow down, look around, and reset - even if just for an hour.

Getting to the Island

You can reach the island by:

• Your own boat or paddlecraft.
• Seasonal ferry service.

Ferry details: $10 round trip. Reservation required in advance. Standby spots may be available when space allows. Ferry details and scheduling are available elsewhere on the site.

What Happens After Sunset

After sunset, the island shifts to overnight guest use only. That means day visitors head back to shore, overnight guests settle in, and the island quiets down (as islands tend to do).

If you're curious about staying overnight - in a cabin, treehouse, tent, dome, or floating waterhouse - we'd love to have you. That's a different adventure, and you can explore those options elsewhere on the site.

A Few Island Norms

(a.k.a. how to be a good human here)

We don't post a long list of rules, but we do believe in shared responsibility. While you're here:

• Leave no trace, including dog waste - thank you.
• Keep dogs leashed at all times.
• Respect wildlife, plants, and other visitors.
• Keep music, drones, and amplified noise off the island.
• Fires are for designated areas only.
• Pack out what you pack in.
• Shared areas are perfect for swimming, paddling, and picnicking.
• Overnight sites are private - thanks for giving guests their space.

In short: treat the island like it's your favorite place - because for a lot of people, it is.

Why We Do This

1BSI exists to reset humans, one island at a time. Public access is part of that mission. Nature works better when it's shared thoughtfully, and we believe access builds appreciation - which builds stewardship.

When people feel welcome, they tend to take better care of the places they love.

Planning Your Visit

• Access: By boat, paddlecraft, or seasonal ferry.
• Ferry: $10 round trip (reservation required; standby possible).
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
• Cost: Island access is free.
• Vibe: Quiet, respectful, human.

Ferry schedule: 9:45am, 3pm, and 5pm most days. Inquire by text at (207) 512-2524.

If you have questions, want to volunteer, or are curious about staying overnight, reach out. We're friendly.

See You on the Island

Whether you're here for a quick paddle stop, a long afternoon, or just to sit and watch the lake breathe - welcome. The island is better with people on it.