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Holbrook Island

Location: E Penobscot Bay
Mile Marker: Castine
Lat / Lon: N 44° 21.950' / W 068° 48.401'
Depth: 16 ft
Description: Holbrook Island is a state park with hiking trails; a float on the east side is available to tie up a dinghy and one complimentary mooring is maintained. If anchoring between Holbrook and Ram Island, use the center of the channel or risk ending up on the copious rocks and ledges to either side.

Holding:

5.00

Good, Mud

Wind Protection:

4.50

Somewhat exposed W and SW. (Anchor according to wind direction.)

Current Flow:

2.50

Wake Protection:

4.50

Somewhat exposed W and SW

Scenic Beauty:

5.00

Ease of Shopping:

1.00

Shore Access:

5.00

Pet Friendly:

5.00

Cell Service:

4.00

WiFi:

1.00

Review for Holbrook Island

Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

1

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

3

WiFi:

1

There are several anchorage possibilities near and around Holbrook Island. We anchored midway between Holbrook and Ram Islands at the WG marker. There are many rocks and ledges here, so give all banks a wide berth! If you come in at high water, the area will look very different at low tide.

We anchored in 12 feet MLW and had excellent holding in mud. Good wind protection from the west and east and decent protection from the north and south. There is some current in the area, worst on the south side of the anchorage close to the park docks and Tom Cod Cove.

Another popular anchorage spot is east of Ram Island, along the beachy isthmus on the mainland.

There are also several first-come, first-serve orange guest moorings for visiting the state park. One is off the island's dock, and three are in the Tom Cod Cove mooring field. Land your dinghy at the floating docks, one on the island and one in the cove on the mainland. Park maps can be found at either location. Both areas have hiking options.

For fast dinghies, it's an easy ride into Castine in settled weather.

Finally, note that the area around Goose Pond is an EPA Superfund Site due to the Callahan Mine (long closed). Probably not the best place to take oysters or clams.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Holbrook Island

Reviewed by: Tina Pickell on Jun 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 62'
Draft: 5.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

5

Quiet anchorage surrounded by tree line shore. The wind through the pines offered a wonderful woodsy fragrance. From the courtesy dock, we walked along Holbrook Island's mowed grassy trails. The last owner willed the island to the State of Maine with stipulations that forbids picnic facilities, commercial ventures or vehicles. Anchor held well in muddy bottom.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer