Babson Island Preserve

An Authentic Maine Lobster Bake on the Beach of Big Babson Island, Maine

Babson Island Creek Preserve is a stunning natural sanctuary located near Eggemoggin Reach and Brooklin, Maine. The preserve is a lush landscape with fern meadows, birch trees, and rocky coastline. It is uninhabited, but well-maintained by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

This conserved area has a very easy one-hour hike around the shoreline. You’ll need a boat or private charter to visit, and surprisingly may run into other visitors who have heard about this pristine gem just a dinghy ride away from anchorage for the WoodenBoat School.

The course-sand and shell beach is also the perfect place for a sunset lobster boil, which is exactly what brought my group here. Sure, you can get it at the grocery store or a restaurant, but there is nothing that compares to a beach lobster boil on a deserted island in Maine. Not only do you get to chow down on the freshest lobster you’ve ever had, there is the whole experience of being on the beach, the salty air, and a wood fire steaming the lobster to perfection.

Above photos: The rocky coast line and course beach of Big Babson Island

Read about our full week aboard the Windjammer Angelique.

Above photo: Rowing in to Big Babson Island

Above photos: Plant life on Big Babson Island

Our lobster bake on Big Babson Island began with some time to follow the trailhead off the beach while our crew brought all of the necessities from the boat over to shore. The trail here winds through sections of birch and pine forrest that open up to meadows of fern. The chartreuse color of the ferns were striking juxtaposed to the deep greens of the pines. I didn’t get around the entire 1-mile trail because there were so many bugs eating me alive. So, if you find yourself here, insect repellant is a must!

Above photos: Dense forest, beard lichens, and pinecones on the forest floor

Above photos: Babson Island Preserve

We had the most amazing crew on the Windjammer Angelique – day after day of incredible, locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine. I’d be lying if I said that the lobster bake wasn’t my favorite though. It was fun (and educational!) to see how the seaweed is collected and used to hold the steam in the pot and impart all that salty, smoky goodness.

Above photos: Collecting seaweed (left); Beach lobster boil (right)

Above photos: Maine lobster bake

Just out of curiosity, and to ease my guilt, I did look up the caloric and nutritional information for lobster earlier. Turns out, lobster is one of the healthiest proteins you can eat and, generally, under 130 calories per lobster (if you can forgo the butter). Seconds? Don’t mind if I do!

With full bellies and kindred hearts, we headed back to the Windjammer Angelique before food coma set in.

Above photo: Sunset at Big Babson Island

Sailing coastal Maine and experiencing its natural beauty and cuisine was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Curious how to plan your own trip? More information about Captain Dennis and The Windjammer Angelique, including future sailing dates and reservation details, is available here: Windjammer Angelique

If you are looking for something shorter in duration, there are other schooners that sail from Portland and Boothbay Habor. These tall wooden boats are the very best way to see the remote islands, wildlife, and lighthouses in Maine. Here are a few options:

Read about our next stop in Castine, Maine.