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Burnt Island Light

4.6
·91 reviews·Southport, United States

Historic lighthouse on a scenic island, accessible by boat or kayak, offering coastal trails and tower climbs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends (Sat & Sun)

Keeper's buildings open

CrowdMedium
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Island

Burnt Island Light

Best Time

Weekends (Sat & Sun)

Keeper's buildings open

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic lighthouse on a scenic island, accessible by boat or kayak, offering coastal trails and tower climbs.

4.6
(91 reviews)

"The views from the lighthouse tower are breathtaking, offering a sweeping panorama of the harbor and islands."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Boat Tours in Advance

Tours to Burnt Island Light, especially those from the Maine Maritime Museum, fill up quickly. Book ahead!

Kayak for a Unique View

Kayaking offers an intimate approach to the lighthouse and stunning harbor views. Allow ample time.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 91 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Burnt Island Light Tower

Burnt Island Light Tower

Burnt Island

Climb to the top of Maine's second oldest lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding islands.

Island Hiking Trails

Island Hiking Trails

Burnt Island

Explore the 5-acre island's wooded paths and coastal trails, offering a peaceful escape and scenic vistas.

Historical Keeper's Buildings

Historical Keeper's Buildings

Burnt Island

Step back in time by touring the preserved keeper's quarters, offering a glimpse into lighthouse life.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Burnt Island Light

Burnt Island Light is best accessed by boat or kayak. Tours depart from the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath or through kayak outfitters in Boothbay Harbor. Plan your visit around tour schedules, as access to the lighthouse and keeper's buildings can be limited.

Timing Your Visit for Keeper's Access

While the island grounds are generally accessible, the keeper's buildings at Burnt Island Light are only open on specific days and for limited hours, typically Saturdays and Sundays for a couple of hours. Check the official schedule beforehand to avoid disappointment.

Best Times

When
Weekends (Sat & Sun)
Why
Keeper's buildings open
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer mornings
Why
Ideal for kayaking
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds on island
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Experience the dreamiest lighthouse adventure to Burnt Island Light! ⛴️ This 4 hour trip embarks from the @mainemaritimemuseum and winds through the Sasanoa River, Hell’s Gates and Townsend Gut on the way to Burnt Island. 🌊 Along your journey you’ll hear all about the history of the river and islands around you! 🦭 Keep an eye out for the locals, including eagles, osprey, cormorants, and seals. ...
mainetourism
0 likes • 9.9K views

Book Boat Tours in Advance

Tours to Burnt Island Light, especially those from the Maine Maritime Museum, fill up quickly. Book ahead! TikTok

Kayak for a Unique View

Kayaking offers an intimate approach to the lighthouse and stunning harbor views. Allow ample time. Instagram

Burnt Island Light is Maine’s second oldest surviving lighthouse 💡it is owned by Maine Dept. of Marine Resources and open to the public! #lighthouse #maine #burntislandmaine #burntislandlight
christiholmes
36 likes • 2K views
🌫️ Burnt Island Light in July 🌫️ #mainething @visitmaine @mainesmidcoast @mainetourism @mainstreetbath @visitportland @keepersofburntislandlight #midcoastmaine #lighthouselovers #sightseeing #lighthouse #maine
mainemaritimemuseum
55 likes • 789 views

Check Keeper's Building Hours

Access to the keeper's buildings is limited. Verify opening days/times before your visit. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking on island trails and potentially climbing stairs, so sturdy footwear is a must. Reddit

On our Boothbay Harbor Lighthouse Tour, we paddle right up to Burnt Island, land on the beach, and climb the tower for this sweeping view over the harbor and outer islands.⁠ ⁠ Fun fact: Burnt Island Light, built in 1821, is Maine’s oldest original lighthouse still in operation!⁠ ⁠ #BoothbayHarbor #BurntIslandLighthouse #GuidedByKayak #MaineViews #KayakMaine #CoastalMaine #LighthouseTour #MaineHist...
mainekayak
19 likes • 727 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Boat Tours in Advance

Tours to Burnt Island Light, especially those from the Maine Maritime Museum, fill up quickly. Book ahead! TikTok

Kayak for a Unique View

Kayaking offers an intimate approach to the lighthouse and stunning harbor views. Allow ample time. Instagram

Check Keeper's Building Hours

Access to the keeper's buildings is limited. Verify opening days/times before your visit. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking on island trails and potentially climbing stairs, so sturdy footwear is a must. Reddit

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal with a view! There are picnic tables available on the island. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(91 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Burnt Island Light for its scenic beauty and the unique experience of reaching it by boat or kayak. The lighthouse itself is a picturesque focal point, and the island offers pleasant trails. However, some visitors express disappointment regarding the limited access to the keeper's buildings, which are only open on specific days and for short periods.

"We took a long driving tour of the New
England coastal area all the way to Maine. We made many overnight stops including Camden where we took a cruise on the Appledore. This was a great cruise with beautiful views including Burnt Island Light. Highly recommended."

THE EXPLORER

"I am sorry to say not much access to the lighthouse. Appears to be private land. Your best view would be on a boat tour. These pictures show the area you have access. The views are amazing to a Floridian."

Starlight Lifter

"Beautiful island and views! We kayaked to the lighthouse through a kayak rental location in Boothbay Harbor. It took about 45 minutes to get out there and the same on the way back. We got there to see the grounds open to the public. However, the keepers buildings are ONLY open on Saturdays and Sundays for two hours each day. It would’ve been nice to know beforehand since the website didn’t disclose that info. Either way, we did enjoy our time on the island."

Gina Moore

What People Like

Beautiful lighthouse views
Boat and kayak access
Island's natural beauty

What People Dislike

Limited keeper's building access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Burnt Island Light is accessible primarily by boat or kayak. Tours depart from the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, or you can arrange kayak rentals and guided tours from Boothbay Harbor. Direct access from Capitol Island is not recommended. TikTokInstagramReddit

The Maine Maritime Museum offers a 4-hour tour that includes a journey through scenic waterways to Burnt Island Light. Kayak outfitters in Boothbay Harbor also provide tours or rentals for a more independent experience. TikTokInstagram

No, Burnt Island Light is located on an island and is not accessible by car. Access is exclusively via watercraft. Reddit

Parking is generally available at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath and at kayak rental locations in Boothbay Harbor. It's advisable to check specific parking availability and fees with your chosen tour operator. TikTok

Travel time varies depending on the mode of transport. Boat tours from Bath can take around 4 hours round trip, while kayaking from Boothbay Harbor might take about 45 minutes each way. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, you will need to book a tour or arrange boat access to visit Burnt Island Light. The Maine Maritime Museum offers specific tours, and kayak rentals/tours are also available. TikTokInstagram

The island grounds are generally accessible, but the keeper's buildings are typically only open on Saturdays and Sundays for a limited time each day. It's crucial to check the official schedule as this can vary. Reddit

Costs vary depending on your chosen method of access. Boat tours will have a set fee, and kayak rentals or guided tours will also have associated costs. Check with your tour provider for current pricing. TikTok

Yes, tours often include the opportunity to climb the lighthouse tower for spectacular views. This is a highlight for many visitors. Instagram

While there isn't a separate admission fee for the island itself, you must have a confirmed booking for a tour or boat trip to reach it, which will have its own cost. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the island's hiking trails, visit the lighthouse tower (on tours), and tour the historical keeper's buildings (on specific days). Enjoy the coastal scenery and peaceful atmosphere. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are public restrooms and picnic tables available on Burnt Island, making it a pleasant spot for a day trip. Reddit

Many visitors find seeing Burnt Island Light from a boat tour or by kayaking offers the most comprehensive and scenic experience. TikTokInstagramReddit

Absolutely! Burnt Island Light is a picturesque subject, and the surrounding coastal scenery provides ample opportunities for stunning photography. Instagram

While not guaranteed, keep an eye out for local marine life and seabirds common to the Maine coast. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The view from the top of the lighthouse tower offers incredible panoramic shots. The island's coastline and the lighthouse itself from various angles are also prime photography locations. Instagram+1

Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for photographing the lighthouse and the surrounding seascape. Midday can be bright but offers clear views. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and regulations regarding drone operation in protected areas before flying. Always prioritize safety and respect for the environment. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse and expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing sky and water colors. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and the historical site. Instagram

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Burnt Island Light (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide