Nestled within the coastal beauty of Portland, Maine, Middle Bay stands as a hidden gem waiting to be explored by locals and visitors alike. This tranquil bay, situated between the bustling cityscape and the serene open waters of Casco Bay, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a touch of maritime history. Join me for a quick paddle around Middle Bay with my family.
For those seeking outdoor adventures, Middle Bay offers a range of recreational activities. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular choices, allowing you to explore the bay at your own pace while soaking in the tranquility. The bay’s calm waters make it an ideal spot for novice paddlers, and the rocky coastline provides a scenic backdrop for those looking to unwind in nature.
Getting There
Middle Bay is located at the very end of Mere Point, a beautiful peninsula that juts out between Maquiot Bay and Middle Bay. Parking at Mere Point Boat Launch is very convenient and free of charge. There were plenty of spots the day we went so you should have no problem finding a spot. There are outhouse facilities here, maybe not the cleanest ones I’ve ever seen, but also not the worst.
We decided to drop our boards and gear off near the launch area along a grassy section of the parking lot. We blew up our boards and packed our wet bags on the grass, and then walked our air pumps and board bags back to the car.
Paddleboarding in Middle Bay, Brunswick, Maine
Always pay attention to the tide charts when picking a time to go to any coastal bay for paddleboarding. The depth of the water can be very deceiving and you could easily end up in inches of water, walking your board through mucky mud.
Mere Point Boat Launch has a left and right-side access to the water. The right side is available for backing boats into the water. The left side has a stairway down to the water for paddleboarders, kayakers, and other small crafts.
We decided to head over to a small island in the distance for our typical paddleboarding picnic. Be sure to take in the views of the many types of boats in the harbor, from hardworking fishing and lobster boats to glamourous sailboats.
The coastline is lined with quintessential Maine coastal cottages and private beachfronts.
We paddled along the coastline for a ways, in the deeper water. Once we started to head out across the bay toward the island, we came to shallower waters but a stronger current and wind that made paddling a bit of a challenge.
While paddling, we had the amazing experience of watching an Osprey fly overhead, diving down into the water to catch his dinner.
Pros of Paddleboarding in Middle Bay
Would I go back to Middle Bay? Yes. The Pros include the stunning panoramic views of the open water splashed with the white sails of summer. I love seeing the water-facing side of cottages that line the coast, and Middle Bay’s cottages did not disappoint. If you are a more experienced paddler looking for a longer paddleboarding excursion, I would highly recommend Middle Bay.
The Cons of Middle Bay
Was it my favorite spot? No. Middle Bay was not awful but I love swimming! One of the primary reasons that I fell in love with paddleboarding was the convenience of being able to hop into the water at any moment for a swim. Middle Bay was just a bit too shallow and too wide open for swimming. Stronger currents would push us backward toward the island we had just worked very hard to leave as we jumped in to cool off. But, if you are not as excited to swim as I am, you will love paddling around Middle Bay.
If you are going to paddle in Middle Bay, be sure that you check the wind and tide charts first. Know that you will need to be a bit of an experienced paddler because you will come across some tidal currents and wind.
