10 Best Places to Paddle Board in Maine (ME)

Welcome to Maine: the land of rocky coastline and picturesque lighthouses.

Have you ever dreamed of paddling through serene bays, against a backdrop of stunning islands?

The best places to paddle board in Maine are calling your name.

Plunge in, and let’s discover the beauty of Maine’s waters together. Are you prepared for the adventure?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Maine

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from May through October. July is the warmest month, averaging 82 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.

Where to Paddle Board in Maine

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Casco Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍️ Access Point: East End Beach, Portland (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, can be windy in the afternoon
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seals, seabirds, various fish species
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Portland Head Light, Peaks Island, Fort Gorges
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, respect boating traffic and regulations

Casco Bay is a picturesque body of water near Portland, Maine. With an array of scenic islands and rocky coastlines, it’s a perfect spot for paddle boarding.

The bay offers various routes and stunning views, such as the iconic Portland Head Light and Fort Gorges. Make sure to explore the nearby islands for a unique adventure.

#2 Kennebunk River

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍️ Access Point: Kennebunkport Marina (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, gentle currents, and seasonal winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seals, ospreys, herons
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Dock Square, Cape Arundel
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of boat traffic, respect private properties along the river

The Kennebunk River is a charming waterway located in the quaint town of Kennebunkport. Paddling up the river offers a serene journey past historic homes and lush landscapes.

Make sure to take a break at Dock Square to explore the charming shops and restaurants. The peaceful river provides both a relaxing and scenic experience for paddle boarders.

#3 Sebago Lake

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍️ Access Point: Sebago Lake State Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional afternoon winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Lake trout, salmon, loons
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Douglas Mountain, Frye Island
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect state park rules and regulations, be cautious of boat traffic

Sebago Lake is the deepest and largest lake in Maine, offering a diverse array of paddleboarding experiences. With miles of shoreline to explore, Sebago Lake provides picture-perfect views of Douglas Mountain and Frye Island.

While the lake is bustling during summer, it still maintains a tranquil atmosphere for paddlers to enjoy and unwind.

#4 Old Orchard Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Old Orchard Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Ocean waves, varying conditions depending on weather
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasionally dolphins and seals
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Old Orchard Beach Pier, Saco Bay
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of swimmers and surfers, follow beach regulations

Old Orchard Beach boasts a sandy shoreline stretching for seven miles, offering a lively oceanfront paddleboarding experience. Paddlers can explore Saco Bay and catch views of the iconic Old Orchard Beach Pier.

During summer, the beach draws crowds, but early morning or evening paddleboarding provides a calmer experience.

#5 Jordan Pond

🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍️ Access Point: Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear waters with occasional wind gusts
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, ospreys, salamanders
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: The Bubbles, surrounding forest, and Jordan Pond Path
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to national park rules, be prepared for changing weather conditions

Located in Acadia National Park, Jordan Pond is a pristine mountain lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Paddleboarders can enjoy the calm, crystal-clear waters and take in views of The Bubbles, two rounded peaks overlooking the pond.

After a day of paddling, take a stroll on the Jordan Pond Path for more unique views and perspectives.

#6 Penobscot Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍️ Access Point: Camden Harbor Public Landing (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle waves, tidal currents, afternoon winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seals, bald eagles, porpoises
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Camden Hills, Curtis Island Lighthouse, surrounding islands
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local boating regulations, be cautious of currents and weather conditions

Penobscot Bay is a paradise for paddlers, offering a diverse mix of rocky inlets, islands, and picturesque harbors. Launching from Camden Harbor, you can explore the bay and take in stunning views of Camden Hills and Curtis Island Lighthouse.

The bay is home to seals, bald eagles, and porpoises, making it a perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

#7 Ogunquit River

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍️ Access Point: Ogunquit Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, estuary with tidal influence
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Shorebirds, fish species, occasional seals
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Ogunquit Beach, sand dunes, marsh areas
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for changing tides, respect private properties along the river

Ogunquit River provides a peaceful paddleboarding experience with a beautiful estuary setting. Launch from Ogunquit Beach and meander your way through the scenic marshes, surrounded by sand dunes and wildlife.

The gentle currents make it an ideal location for beginners and experienced paddlers alike to explore the serene waters.

#8 Songo River

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍️ Access Point: Songo River Locks, Naples (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, gentle currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, ospreys, kingfishers
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Songo River Locks, surrounding forest
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of boat traffic, adhere to local rules and regulations

The Songo River is a scenic waterway connecting Sebago Lake and Brandy Pond. Paddleboarders can experience a leisurely journey through dense forests, with occasional sightings of osprey and other wildlife.

The Songo River Locks, a fascinating engineering feat, add a touch of history and interest to your paddleboarding adventure.

#9 Scarborough Marsh

🏖️ Location Type: Marsh
📍️ Access Point: Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal wind
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Herons, egrets, muskrats
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Marshlands, bird observation areas
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife and nesting areas, follow center guidelines

Scarborough Marsh is the largest salt marsh in Maine, a pristine sanctuary for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. Paddleboarding here allows you to explore the calm channels, weaving through a peaceful maze of wetlands.

As you paddle quietly through the marsh, keep an eye out for herons, egrets, and other wildlife hidden within the lush vegetation.

#10 Rangeley Lake

🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Rangeley Lake State Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, can be windy, clear waters
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, salmon, loons, deer on the shores
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Saddleback Mountain, lush forests
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be prepared for weather changes, adhere to state park rules

Rangeley Lake, nestled in the Western Mountains, offers pristine waters and breathtaking scenery for paddleboarders. Surrounded by Saddleback Mountain and lush forests, this tranquil lake is a great escape from the hustle of daily life.

Explore the hidden coves and inlets while spotting wildlife along the shores for an unforgettable paddleboarding experience.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case