We Found Sea Glass on Stunning Mackerel Cove Bailey Island

Step back in time to a New England coastal community steeped in 250 years of tradition. If you love sea glass, fresh lobster and crystal-clear coves follow along with me and I'll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Bailey Island's Mackerel Cove.

I can see why Mackerel Cove is one of the most photographed places in Maine, it's stunning and loaded with small town charm. It's exactly the way pictured it in my mind when I'd  think of Maine. With deep blue water and white Lobster boats dotting the bays, returning with their daily catch. There was actually a stack of lobster traps on the shore. Many lobstermen still make a living on the island, and there is no shortage of yummy sea food restaurants everywhere you look.

We visited Mackerel Cove on a cold sunny day in early November. It was so peaceful having the beach all to ourselves. We found about twenty nicely frosted pieces of sea glass, two smooth pieces of pottery and one mystery orange thingy. Mackerel Cove has been a busy working harbor for generations and that makes it a great place for a treasure hunt. The beach is just steps away from the parking lot and you can easily walk this little cove from end to end in thirty minutes which leaves plenty of time to explore the other little coves nearby.

Bailey Island is only one mile across in most spots and Mackerel Cove is just about in the center. From the parking lot you can walk in any direction and find another deep blue bay or little cove. Sadly, we didn't realize this at the time of our visit. I suggest arriving at most beaches as soon as it's light enough to see or a good two hours before low tide. Since this is deep cove the wave action may not be significant, the sea glass we found was on the larger side but smooth and frosted.