My favorite places to kayak on the island are Somes Pond and Seal Cove Pond. Both locations offer an easy kayak launch and the real potential of seeing Bald Eagles and Loons up close. Somes Pond has two launch sites; one off of Oak Hill Road and one off of Pretty Marsh Road (Route 102 is the main road leading to those two side streets). Both locations are easy to spot as there are obvious “side of the road” car parking and it is the only point at which you can see the pond from either road. So, as soon as you see the water, stop, park and unload your kayak. Seal Cove Pond access is also off of route 102 heading toward the town of Seal Cove, take a left onto Seal Cove Road, a left onto Western Mountain Road, and finally a left onto Seal Cove Pond Road. At the end of Seal Cove Pond road you’ll find the pond and a place to launch your kayak. If you like to fish, get a license, and bring your rod. Both ponds are full of small mouth bass, pickerel, and perch. And remember, ponds in Maine are like lakes other places. These bodies of water are plenty large enough to give a couple hours paddle and more if you’re stopping to fish.
And, Somes Pond is an excellent place to swim on hot summer days. The same place you launch your kayak from Oak Hill Road is also the point at which you enter the water. There is no “beach” to speak of, but the water is clear and cool and clean.
Enjoy.
