The Isles of Shoals are a group of nine small islands located roughly seven miles offshore in the Gulf of Maine, straddling the border between New Hampshire and Maine.
Where are the Isles of Shoals?
The Isles of Shoals sit about seven miles offshore on the New Hampshire-Maine border, forming a chain of nine islands in the Gulf of Maine.
Think of them as the maritime line separating New Hampshire from Maine. Four islands belong to New Hampshire, while the other five sit in Maine’s waters. You can spot them from coastal towns stretching from Newburyport, Massachusetts all the way up to Ogunquit, Maine. For sailors and tourists alike, they’re a hard-to-miss landmark.
Do people live on the island of shoals?
No one lives year-round on the Isles of Shoals anymore, though seasonal residents and researchers occupy the islands during warmer months.
You won’t find permanent residents, but summer brings a small community back to life. The Shoals Marine Laboratory operates seasonally, and Star Island’s Oceanic Hotel hosts Unitarian conferences. Most properties belong to institutions or nonprofits, and access is tightly controlled—mostly by invitation or scheduled visits.
Who is Seavey’s island named after?
Seavey’s Island is named after Captain Samuel Seavey, a local fisherman and early settler of the Isles of Shoals in the 17th century.
Originally called Fernald’s Island, it was later taken over by the federal government in 1866 for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Today, it’s part of the shipyard’s operations, including submarine overhaul facilities.
How many Isles of Shoals are there?
There are nine islands in total, divided as five in Maine and four in New Hampshire.
| State | Island | Notable Features |
|---|
| New Hampshire | Star Island | Oceanic Hotel, Star Island Corporation |
| New Hampshire | Seavey Island | U.S. Navy shipyard, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard |
| New Hampshire | White Island | White Island Light, Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. dock |
| New Hampshire | Lunging Island | Private ownership, historic trading post |
| Maine | Appledore Island | Shoals Marine Laboratory, historic cottages |
| Maine | Smuttynose Island | Famous 1873 double murder site, seasonal residency |
| Maine | Malaga Island | Uninhabited, part of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge |
| Maine | Cedar Island | Private island with seasonal cabins |
| Maine | Duck Island | Uninhabited, part of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge |
Can you stay at the Isle of Shoals?
Yes, you can stay on the Isles of Shoals, primarily on Star Island at the Oceanic Hotel or in nearby mainland accommodations.
Your best bet is the Oceanic Hotel on Star Island, but book early—rooms fill up fast. The Star Island Corporation handles reservations, and capacity is intentionally limited. Most visitors stay on the mainland in towns like Rye or Portsmouth, New Hampshire, or Kittery and York, Maine, and take day trips or overnight ferry rides to the islands.
Who owns Lunging Island?
As of 2026, Lunging Island is privately owned by the Randall family, descendants of early settlers who acquired the island in the 19th century.
This little island has a romantic past—it once served as a honeymoon cottage and a trading post for the London Company. Today, it’s still in private hands, and access is mostly limited to family and invited guests. Public tours? Rarely, if ever.
How far offshore is the Isle of Shoals?
The Isles of Shoals lie approximately six to eight miles offshore from the New Hampshire and southern Maine coastlines.
The distance shifts slightly depending on which island you’re eyeing and where you’re boarding the ferry. For instance, the trip from Rye, New Hampshire, to Star Island is about seven miles. From Kittery, Maine, it’s a bit shorter. These islands sit on the continental shelf, so they’re clearly marked on maritime charts.
Is there a ferry to the Isle of Shoals?
Yes, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. operates seasonal ferry service from Rye, New Hampshire, to Star Island, with trips approximately every few hours.
The ferry runs from late May through early October, weather permitting. You can hop on walking tours, harbor cruises, or special event sailings. Reservations are strongly recommended in summer—this isn’t the kind of trip you can just wing. Check schedules and book at Isles of Shoals Steamship Co.
Is Star Island in Maine?
No, Star Island is one of the four Isles of Shoals belonging to New Hampshire, located about seven miles offshore from the New Hampshire coast.
Don’t let its proximity to Maine fool you—Star Island and the other New Hampshire islands (Seavey, Lunging, and White) are firmly under New Hampshire’s jurisdiction. The nonprofit Star Island Corporation owns and manages the island, keeping its historic and environmental vibe intact.
What are shoal waters?
Shoal waters refer to shallow areas, typically less than 10 meters (33 feet) deep at low tide, formed by sediment accumulation in rivers or on continental shelves.
These spots can be treacherous for boats thanks to sudden depth changes, shifting sandbars, or strong currents. That’s why you’ll see buoys and warning lights marking them. The term “shoal” also describes the Isles of Shoals themselves, which sit atop shallow underwater ridges.
Is Peirce Island Open?
Yes, Peirce Island in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is open seasonally, including access to outdoor facilities like the pool during warm weather.
Managed by the City of Portsmouth, the island offers parks, walking trails, and recreational amenities. Hours and access change with the seasons, so check the city’s official website or call Parks & Recreation before you head out. Temporary closures can happen, so it’s worth verifying.
How old is Star Island?
Star Island has been inhabited since the early 17th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1677 under the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
Long before it became a tourist spot, fishermen from England and France used it seasonally. The iconic Oceanic Hotel went up in 1872, and ever since, the island has been a gathering place for religious retreats, educational programs, and scientific research.
What islands are off the coast of New Hampshire?
New Hampshire’s coastal waters include four of the Isles of Shoals: Star, Seavey, Lunging, and White islands.
These four islands sit six to eight miles offshore and are the only islands directly managed by New Hampshire. They’re separated from the mainland by the Piscataqua River estuary, with no bridges or causeways connecting them to the coast. Other nearby features include the Maine islands of the Shoals and smaller islets scattered along the shore.
What islands are off the coast of Maine?
Maine has numerous coastal islands, including five of the Isles of Shoals: Appledore, Smuttynose, Malaga, Cedar, and Duck islands, as well as major islands like Mount Desert Island and Monhegan Island.
Maine’s outer islands are a mixed bag—some are private estates, others are protected wildlife refuges, and a few host seasonal communities. You’ll find Vinalhaven, North Haven, and Chebeague in Casco Bay, Squirrel Island near Boothbay Harbor, and plenty of uninhabited islands within the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
Can you stay on Star Island?
Yes, you can stay overnight on Star Island in the Oceanic Hotel or in seasonal cottages, with shared bathroom facilities and a conservation-focused approach to lodging.
The island keeps things simple: no in-room phones or televisions, and meals are served family-style. Activities include guided tours, lectures, and quiet walks through the island’s preserved landscape. If you’re planning a summer trip, book months ahead—the Star Island Corporation fills up fast.
