Cousins Island, Maine: A Quiet Casco Bay Escape in Yarmouth

Tucked into Casco Bay just north of Portland, Cousins Island is one of those rare Maine places you can reach by car yet still feel a world away. Part of the town of Yarmouth, it trades crowds for salt air, tidal coves, and long views across the bay. Whether you are after a quiet beach afternoon, a short ferry adventure, or simply a scenic drive, here is what makes Cousins Island worth the trip.

Where Is Cousins Island?

Cousins Island sits in Casco Bay within the town of Yarmouth, in Cumberland County, Maine. Unlike many of Maine's islands, it is connected to the mainland by road: the Ellis C. Snodgrass Memorial Bridge (locally just the Cousins Island Bridge), built in 1955, carries you across from Yarmouth. A second short bridge links Cousins to neighboring Littlejohn Island, so the two are often explored together on the same visit.

Sandy Point Beach

Just as you drive onto the island, Sandy Point Beach greets you on the shore of Casco Bay. It is a small, welcoming spot that is perfect for a picnic by the water, a swim on a warm day, or simply watching the boats and the tide. The beach is open from dawn to dusk year-round, and its calm setting makes it a favorite with families and anyone who loves a peaceful stretch of coast.

The Ferry to Chebeague Island

Cousins Island is also the gateway to Chebeague Island. The Chebeague Transportation Company runs its ferry, the Islander, on a roughly 15-minute crossing between Cousins and Chebeague. It is an easy, scenic way to add a second island to your day — hop the ferry, explore Chebeague on foot or by bike, and be back by evening.

Wyman Station: The Island Landmark

On the island's southwestern peninsula stands Wyman Station, an oil-fired electric power plant capable of producing up to 823 megawatts. Wyman is a “peaking” plant, meaning it typically runs only during periods of high regional demand, such as hot summer days. Its tall stack is a well-known landmark on the Casco Bay skyline.

Things to Do & Visiting Tips

• Take it slow. Cousins Island is a quiet residential and summer community — enjoy the coastal roads, the water views, and the birdlife at an unhurried pace.
• Respect the neighborhood. Park only in permitted areas, keep to public spaces, and be mindful of year-round residents' driveways and privacy.
• Pair it with Littlejohn Island for a longer walk and more shoreline to explore.
• Bring the essentials. Amenities are limited, so pack water, snacks, and sunscreen, especially for a beach or ferry day.

Making a Day Trip from Central Maine

Cousins Island is an easy coastal day trip if you are exploring southern and central Maine. From the Winslow–Waterville area in the Kennebec Valley, it is a scenic drive south toward Yarmouth and the coast — a fine way to swap the Kennebec River for the open water of Casco Bay for an afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions