Goat Island Lighthouse
Goat Island Lighthouse
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Built in 1880, this 25-foot lighthouse flashes white every six seconds as it stands guard over Cape Porpoise Harbor.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
57 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
15
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD8,444 contributions
Jun 2021
We made a short stop here to view the offshore lighthouse due to being oddly parked in this tight Cape Porpoise Harbor. The lobster harbor has understandingly reserved spaces and the popular restaurant has its own attended parking, leaving any others to get really lucky. Its a photogenic area including the mile drive over various islands getting here.
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maurene_K
Dover, NH10,188 contributions
Oct 2020
Goat Island Lighthouse is about a mile offshore from Cape Porpoise.
It is very visible from the small park at the end of Pier Road in Cape Porpoise where there is free parking for about a dozen vehicles.
The lighthouse is owned and maintained by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust.
As a historian interested Colonial and Maritime History, I’m very much into lighthouses, especially ones in New England as I’ve lived in New England all my life. I like to know the history and characteristics of each lighthouse I visit.
This lighthouse was first established in 1835 as a navigational aid to the entrance to Cape Porpoise Harbor. Despite its presence, there were many shipwrecks nearby.
The original station was upgraded to the 25-foot circular brick tower seen today. It was fitted with a fifth order Fresnel lens – about 21”. It was later fitted with Franklin lamps. The present optic is a VLB-44 LED marine beacon, a product of Vega Industries, a New Zealand Company. VLB stands for Vega Lighthouse Beacon. It is very energy-efficient. It was installed in 2008. The focal height is 38 feet. It flashes white every 6 seconds. Its range is 12 nautical miles. The fog signal sounds once every 15 seconds.
There’s an interesting fact about this lighthouse that sets it apart from others. During George H. W. Bush’s presidency, Secret Service agents assigned to him lived on Goat Island to keep watch over the approach to Cape Porpoise and nearby Walker’s Point where his family vacation compound was.
For those with access to a boat, there is an opportunity to visit the lighthouse around high tide for a tour of the tower during the summer, if the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust lighthouse keepers are home.
It’s worth a trip to Cape Porpoise to see it from land. The Cape Pier Chowder House and Pier 77 Restaurants are right across the street from the small park, so the visit can be combined with lunch or dinner.
I rate the Goat Island Lighthouse at 4.25.
If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
It is very visible from the small park at the end of Pier Road in Cape Porpoise where there is free parking for about a dozen vehicles.
The lighthouse is owned and maintained by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust.
As a historian interested Colonial and Maritime History, I’m very much into lighthouses, especially ones in New England as I’ve lived in New England all my life. I like to know the history and characteristics of each lighthouse I visit.
This lighthouse was first established in 1835 as a navigational aid to the entrance to Cape Porpoise Harbor. Despite its presence, there were many shipwrecks nearby.
The original station was upgraded to the 25-foot circular brick tower seen today. It was fitted with a fifth order Fresnel lens – about 21”. It was later fitted with Franklin lamps. The present optic is a VLB-44 LED marine beacon, a product of Vega Industries, a New Zealand Company. VLB stands for Vega Lighthouse Beacon. It is very energy-efficient. It was installed in 2008. The focal height is 38 feet. It flashes white every 6 seconds. Its range is 12 nautical miles. The fog signal sounds once every 15 seconds.
There’s an interesting fact about this lighthouse that sets it apart from others. During George H. W. Bush’s presidency, Secret Service agents assigned to him lived on Goat Island to keep watch over the approach to Cape Porpoise and nearby Walker’s Point where his family vacation compound was.
For those with access to a boat, there is an opportunity to visit the lighthouse around high tide for a tour of the tower during the summer, if the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust lighthouse keepers are home.
It’s worth a trip to Cape Porpoise to see it from land. The Cape Pier Chowder House and Pier 77 Restaurants are right across the street from the small park, so the visit can be combined with lunch or dinner.
I rate the Goat Island Lighthouse at 4.25.
If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MaineMountainOwl
Maine287 contributions
Jul 2021
At the end of Pier Road, we found a cluster of three seafood-themed restaurants and an attended dirt parking lot. We lucked into an open space and asked to have a look around before we sought a summer weekend dinner at one of the restaurants. Much to our delight, a short, uneven path led to interpretive displays, a bench, and great views of the 25-foot (7.6 m) tall lighthouse (built 1833, renovated 2011) and outbuildings only one mile (1.6 km) offshore across a snug, boat-filled harbor. Be sure to have a zoom lens or binoculars handy to get the most out of a stop to see it. We liked all that we saw here; we disliked nothing.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Heather K
20 contributions
Oct 2020
It is a nice stop to view the lighthouse. It is out on an island, so you cannot walk up to it. They have several plaques detailing the history at the port. It is still an active fishing pier for smaller boats. There are also two restaurants right there. We weren't interested in eating at that time, but I did see that one had a sign they were closed for the season. Parking is very limited there as well.
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RJT117
Holbrook, NY37 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Only accessible by boat but viewing area at Cape Porpoise waterfront is beautiful.............from active harbor area to breakers to rocky lighthouse area right across from casual seafood restaurants/bar.
Written May 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jaybeeFL
Palm Harbor, FL3,068 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
Lighthouse sits on the point of an island at entrance to bay and harbor at Cape Porpoise. Best to have good zoom on your camera as it is quite a distance offshore from the best viewing spot. Also need clear weather with sun in the west to get best shots.
Parking can be a problem if you are there around lunch or dinner times. There are 3 very popular restaurants right across the parking lot---Chowder House, The Ramp and Pier 77. Best to combine eating and viewing if you visit Cape Porpoise.
The seascape, harbor, returning lobster and fish boats all present wonderful photo ops.
Parking can be a problem if you are there around lunch or dinner times. There are 3 very popular restaurants right across the parking lot---Chowder House, The Ramp and Pier 77. Best to combine eating and viewing if you visit Cape Porpoise.
The seascape, harbor, returning lobster and fish boats all present wonderful photo ops.
Written October 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JustJoan46
3 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
Been to this lighthouse many times and at certain times it is even open to the public to climb up to the top! Sign your name in the guestbook - you can easily kayak to it also which we do a lot and then you can walk around the rocks and enjoy the crashing waves on the open ocean side. They recently added new additions to it too so definitely worth a visit. You can view the lighthouse from a distance at the end of Cape Porpoise Lobster Pier!
Written May 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
everymilesamemory
Cedar Key, FL83 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
We were traveling through Maine and the Northeast and spent a weekend with Scott and Karen, the lighthouse Keepers on Goat Island.
We were only here for 2 full days, but in that short time, we experienced almost every type of weather imaginable. From pouring rain and lightning on our night of arrival, to thick fog in the mornings. We had beautiful blue skies during the day, big fluffy clouds roll through and a picture perfect sunset to end the evening.
As two traveling photographers, this was more than one could dream of. To be at a place for only two days and have so many different weather patterns that your photos look like you spent a week there.
Scott took us by boat to one of the fish houses in Cape Porpoise Harbor where we got fresh lobster for lunch and dinner. We had a traditional Maine Lobster Boil on the island where my wife tried Maine Lobster for the first time and fell in love.
That night, full with fresh caught food we watched the stars from the balcony of the lighthouse and listened to the waves crash the rocky shoreline.
We woke to the fog horn and another beautiful day.
I could imagine the life of a Lighthouse Keeper with visitors coming by daily by boat, fisherman dropping off their fresh catch and watching the sea change with each passing tide.
Thanks Scott & Karen for showing us a piece of your life that you live day to day, but we absolutely love!
We were only here for 2 full days, but in that short time, we experienced almost every type of weather imaginable. From pouring rain and lightning on our night of arrival, to thick fog in the mornings. We had beautiful blue skies during the day, big fluffy clouds roll through and a picture perfect sunset to end the evening.
As two traveling photographers, this was more than one could dream of. To be at a place for only two days and have so many different weather patterns that your photos look like you spent a week there.
Scott took us by boat to one of the fish houses in Cape Porpoise Harbor where we got fresh lobster for lunch and dinner. We had a traditional Maine Lobster Boil on the island where my wife tried Maine Lobster for the first time and fell in love.
That night, full with fresh caught food we watched the stars from the balcony of the lighthouse and listened to the waves crash the rocky shoreline.
We woke to the fog horn and another beautiful day.
I could imagine the life of a Lighthouse Keeper with visitors coming by daily by boat, fisherman dropping off their fresh catch and watching the sea change with each passing tide.
Thanks Scott & Karen for showing us a piece of your life that you live day to day, but we absolutely love!
Written November 8, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CWOKen
Fredericksburg, VA128 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
Viewing from shore is difficult. It is out in the harbor a good distance, so bring your telephoto lens or binoculars.
Written July 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jason_Tinley_Park
Tinley Park, IL146 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
We rented kayaks and paddled out to the island. The lighthouse keepers were great hosts and let us tour the island the lighthouse.
Written July 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I was in touch with the wife of the keeper last year and would like to talk to her again if possible. Carole Sanders
philipr105
5 contributions
How do you get to the lighthouse?
Matthew R
Kennebunk, ME3 contributions
I believe next year there will be an Eco Tour, New England EcoAdventures, that will be giving tours.
Goat Island Lighthouse (Cape Porpoise) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Goat Island Lighthouse
- Hotels near Goat Island Lighthouse:
- (0.21 mi) NEW LISTING! Large, fab amenities, sleep 15, walk to village, Pier, Harbor
- (0.31 mi) Prominent Waterfront in Cape Porpoise; Pier, Tennis Court JULY 16-23, June, Sept
- (0.33 mi) Spectacular quiet location with partial view of Paddy Creek in Kennebunkport!
- (0.36 mi) SPECIA!L RATES NEXT 2 WEEKS!!!!
- (2.31 mi) 1802 House Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Goat Island Lighthouse:
- (0.03 mi) Cape Porpoise Lobster CO
- (0.03 mi) Cape Porpoise Chowder House
- (0.03 mi) The Ramp Bar and Grill
- (0.04 mi) Pier 77 Restaurant
- (0.63 mi) Nunan's Lobster Hut