Circumnavigations

How far. How fast. The allure of the loop has captured the minds of ocean
adventurers for eons. What is is about an island that draws one’s mind to its circumnavigation?

Minor Circumnavigations: Easy access, shorter distances.

  • Childrens Island (MA): ~2-3 mi. Sheltered shoreline with minimal exposure and easy access.
  • Eagle Island (MA): ~3–4 mi. Short harbor loop with light exposure and frequent landings.
  • Isle La Motte (VT): ~12–14 mi. Large freshwater perimeter with long, uninterrupted shorelines.
  • Long Island (NH): ~2–3 mi. Very short coastal loop best combined with nearby paddling.
  • Misery Island (MA): ~4–5 mi. Near-shore loop with exposure depending on swell direction.
  • Tinkers Island (MA): ~1-2 mi. Compact offshore loop with limited access and tidal awareness.

Middle Circumnavigations: Open water, longer distances.

  • Bakers Island (MA): ~5–6 mi. Fully exposed loop just offshore from Salem Sound.
  • Cape Ann (MA): ~19–21 mi. Prominent headlands, rebound, and rapidly changing exposure.
  • Egg Rock (MA): ~1–2 mi. Tiny but highly exposed objective requiring settled conditions.
  • Fishers Island (CT): ~18–20 mi. Strong currents and open-water feel despite modest distance.
  • Frenchboro / Long Island (ME): ~6–7 mi. Remote offshore loop with committed conditions.
  • Grand Isle (VT): ~40–45 mi. Large freshwater loop with weather-driven exposure.
  • Graves Light (MA): ~1–2 mi. Highly exposed micro-loop around an offshore light.
  • Halfway Rock (MA): ~1–2 mi. Short but serious offshore objective with no protection.
  • Isle of Shoals (NH): ~8–10 mi. Multi-islet circuit with strong currents and exposure.
  • Prudence Island (RI): ~23–25 mi. Long, narrow loop with mixed exposure and access points.
  • Swans Island (ME): ~33–36 mi. Quiet but committing loop shaped by distance and tides.

Major Circumnavigations: Complex logistics, detailed planning and training required.

  • Aquidneck Island (RI): ~22–24 mi. Multiple launch options with varied exposure and bailouts.
  • Block Island (RI): ~17–19 mi. Sustained Atlantic exposure with limited landing options.
  • Cape Cod (MA): ~135–150 mi. Multi-day perimeter with complex wind and tide systems.
  • Deer Isle (ME): ~34–37 mi. Scenic perimeter influenced by strong tidal narrows.
  • Grand Manan (ME): ~65–70 mi. Serious North Atlantic exposure and powerful currents.
  • Great Duck Island (ME): ~7–8 mi. Short but fully offshore and condition-sensitive.
  • Isle Au Haut (ME): ~23–25 mi. Remote perimeter requiring careful tidal planning.
  • Martha’s Vineyard (MA): ~55–60 mi. Long waterlines with strong currents and exposure.
  • Matinicus (ME): ~21–23 mi. Ocean-facing loop with few bailouts and narrow windows.
  • Monhegan (ME): ~18–20 mi. Deepwater exposure dominated by swell and current.
  • Mount Desert Island (ME): ~50–55 mi. Large, diverse coastline mixing shelter and exposure.
  • Nantucket (MA): ~42–47 mi. Broad open crossings with persistent tidal influence.
  • North Haven (ME): ~25–27 mi. Moderate loop shaped by tidal passages.
  • Vinalhaven (ME): ~30–33 mi. Strong currents and complex shoreline geometry.

* Note: Distances are approximate, and in most cases include both approach and circumnavigation