Kayaking, like anything worthwhile, requires the use of skill, savvy, and sound judgement. To that end, here are some resources to help you develop all of those essentials.

MIKco Informational Documents

From knowing what to bring, to knowing your ability, to knowing how to leave only a wake these documents can help you get your bearings before you go and insure you make the most of your adventure.

Personal Clothing Checklist for Day and Half Day Trips
Personal Equipment Checklist for Multi day Trips and all Courses
Before You Go
Leave No Trace in Maine
Paddlers Simple Self Test

MIKco Recommended Weblinks

These weblinks are supplied as a public service. If you find any incorrect or dead links, please let us know. If you use additional weblinks we’d like to know about, please drop us a line at info@maineislandkayak.com where you can always count on one of us reading your message and getting back to you (as soon as we get off the water).

Local Weather

Portland Buoy - Station 44007
National Weather Service Office - Portland/Gray, Maine
Portland Marine Forecast (text)
Tide Charts for Southern Maine
Doppler Radar - Portland
US Surface Chart
US Surface Chart - color
GOMOOS Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System
National Weather Service, Maine forecast discussion (text)
Today’s US Water Vapor
NOAA Weather Prediction Center
NOAA Geostationary Satellite Server
Ocean Weather Inc - maps
Report from top of Mt Washington
Mid-Atlantic Weather Station - Hurricanes and Tropics

Recommended Centers and Friends

San Juans, Body Boat Blade
Georgia, Sea Kayak Georgia
North Carolina, Barrier Island Kayaks
Hudson River Valley, Atlantic Kayak Tours
New York City, New York Kayak
Nova Scotia, Coastal Adventures
Florida, Sweetwater Kayaks
San Diego, Aqua Adventures

Parking Info

Parking information Casco Bay Lines is marked as #7 on this PDF map.

Directions to Peaks Island

Sypnosis: I-95 to I-295 Exit at Franklin St.

Portland is 100 miles North, 2 hrs from Boston, approximately 1 hr from Portsmouth, NH. If you are arriving from the South take Rt 95 North, the Maine Turnpike. Approximately 50 miles into Maine, take Exit 44 (formerly 6A) onto Route 295 - a highway that takes you to Portland proper. In 3-4 miles you will see Portland on the hill on your right. You will take the Franklin St exit (after Congress and two Forest St exits). Turn right (toward the ocean) onto Franklin, a divided city street and then go 1/2 mile up the hill, then 1/2 mile down the hill. Franklin St will T onto Commercial St and you will see straight ahead the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal Parking Garage. Go around the North (left) side of this brick 4 story parking garage and you’ll see the terminal spread out on your right across from the whale wall. Go inside and make your arrangements for a ferry to Peaks Island. Leave yourself at least 15 minutes extra. Ferries leave on schedule. Map of downtown Portland

The Casco Bay Lines Ferry phone number is 207-774-7871. Their website is www.cascobaylines.com You want a ticket to Peaks Island. There are no reservations. People travel for $6ish RT, cars for $65ish RT depending on day and season. Your car is not needed on Peaks. Parking is available for a fee in Portland (see above) or can be arranged for on Peaks Island. If you are bringing your kayak over CBL will charge you freight and carry it on the ferry for you, if you arrive early enough.

We will meet all ferries that we know carry our guests. If you arrive without our knowledge, MIKCO’s beach is just North of our old boathouse, the large brown shingled building with large white doors located 200 feet North (left) along the water from the Peaks Island ferry landing. Or walk up the street from the ferry past the Peaks Island Cafe, turn left at the candy store, and then left again down the tarred driveway after The Cockeyed Gull Restaurant. Our office is to the right on Island Avenue.

NOTE: Several of our Trips and Courses begin in other venues, Stonington, Penobscot, Jonesport, Downeast. See your Trip Details package for directions to the meeting spot.