Dreaming of having an entire island to yourself? Taking in the serene night and gazing at the stars on one of Maine's oldest islands. Welcome to Bates Island! Enjoy a premium off-the-grid "Gilligan's Island" glamping experience for up to a family of 8 people. Scrumptious lobster bake INCLUDED! with a minimum 4-night stay. See all of the details below & please inquire before booking!
The space
Welcome to Bates Island! This Island has been privately & family owned, located in Casco Bay and over 2020 and 2021, has been renovated once again to be offered as a unique glamping, once in a lifetime experience to guests from all over the world (and yes, there is cellular and data network service on the island, so you won’t be totally disconnected!).
Bates Island is neighbored by Cliff Island where guests will ferry to from the mainland (Portland Harbor) after dropping off their luggage and supplies on their personal island-keeper’s boat. When you arrive to Cliff's Island, the island keeper will pick you up via boat (up to 8 people, 1,200 lbs total) to cruise to Bates Island where your luggage and supplies will already be waiting for you!
You’ll have the entire island to yourself, living a real and true “Gilligan’s Island” experience where you are “lost” at sea! This experience takes on a camping comfortable mindset as you’ll be equipped with all of the needs and amenities of a glamping, not stranded, island-lifestyle!
On the island, you’ll have glamp accommodations which includes a main cabin that features a small living room, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, dining room and two official bedrooms:
- Bedroom 1: Queen-sized bedroom on the first floor
- Bedroom 2: Second floor attic room with two (2) single/twin beds and a twin L.L. Bean Sheepskin Cot
There is an additional room/space that can be used as a sleeping, play or lookout room for kids!
Only some yards away, there is a second small guest cabin that is another official bedroom that includes two (2) single/twin beds and a full/double bed.
There are two outdoor showers. There are also two outhouses with natural/biodegraded sit-down toilets and one indoor compostable/biodegradable toilet. These are toilets you'd find at a camp-site (not traditional toilets). There is one indoor bathroom as seen in photos that is ONLY available during inclement weather (extreme cold or wind) as these drain lines fill up under the house (no industrial plumbing) and cannot be used frequently.
Guests will also be able to opt into true camping fun as there will be a large sleeper tent on the main campground that will allow you to sleep under the stars if you please!
This island is run on well water. Fuel for warm water and cooking is provided by our large industrial propane tank on the island. There is no electricity on the island (but we do have a powerful propane generator for small electronics, the freezer/cooler, etc) so lights and in home amenities are ran by either propane or solar power.
Guests will have access to the following amenities and features throughout the stay:
- Pizza making stove & large propane Grill
- Pot boiler (heat source to boil pots and cook on pans)
- Large cooler & freezer (to keep foods and items cold & frozen throughout the entire stay)
- Coffee (“Camp Coffee” Style)
- Clean sheets, pillows, and a light blanket on each bed
- Paper towels, toilet paper, foil and saran wrap
- Biodegradable Cups, Plates and Utensils
- Biodegradable Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash and Soaps (Hands)
- Biodegradable Cleaning Supplies
- First Aid Kit
- VERY basic assortment of cooking utensils/pots and pans
- Your personal island-keeper (who will provide daily check-ins from the mainland, tours, and support throughout the stay!)
We will provide all the shampoos, conditioners, body wash and soaps because they MUST be biodegradable and all other body products are not allowed. You may also bring your own biodegradable soaps.
Although we provide plenty of amenities for your glamping experience, we do ask that guests come well-equipped. Here are some of the items/recommendations for basic camping needs:
- Camping-friendly foods for the entire stay (such as hot dogs, burgers, boxed mac n’ cheese, pizza crust, canned sauces, fresh fruits, grill and boil friendly veggies such as corn on the cobb, etc…).
- Drinks (drinking water by the gallon or cases, juices, and alcoholic beverages to enjoy during a sunset!)
- Towels (We do not provide towels!)
- Specialty linens (your favorite blanket or sleeping items you cannot live without)
- Bug spray/sunscreen
- Fun games (such as cards or Uno!)
At Bates Island, there is so much to do and so much terrain to explore from beach to grasslands. Possibilities of things to do are fantastic on and off the island:
On-Island Adventures:
- Clamming at the Sandbar
- Combing for Treasures on the Beach
- Exploring the island terrain (Beach, Rocky, Grass, and Mud Terrains)
- Kayaking (We provide two (2) kayaks for guest use)
- Water sports (We provide a dingy and kayaks for guest use)
- Sunbathing & Reading on the Beach
- Animal Watching (we have an assortment of birds (including Bald Eagles), squirrels, chipmunks, and other animals living and visiting the island every day!)
- Lobster Bake on your last night (at an additional cost)
Off-Island Adventures (These are additional costs and will need to be scheduled at least one month in advance. They are hosted by the island-keeper. Please inquire before or after booking):
- Sunset Cruise to Dinner at nearby Island Restaurants (Diamond’s Edge or Dolphin Mariana – both only 10-15 min away)
- Transportation & Tour to the Historic Eagle Island State Park & Museum (only 5 minutes away)
- Cruise to Bailey Island (which is connected by bridge to the mainland with several stellar seafood restaurants – only 10 minutes away)
- Fishing Trip
- Whale Watching Trip
- Seal Watching Trip
- Cruise to Cliff's Island (restaurants, grocery shopping, stores and more! Only 5 minutes away)
If you wish to rent a boat yourself (and are equipped to drive yourself around), the options to explore the surrounding area and islands are limitless
Guest access
You'll have access to the entire island and all it has to offer! Enjoy!
Other things to note
Please note: Each guest on trip will be required to sign a liability waiver and a medical discourse form prior to arrival. We are limited to a maximum of four (4) children per trip and they must be a minimum of 5 years old.
