From Ponds to Lakes to an Exhilarating Dip in the Atlantic
No summer vacation would be complete without a refreshing dip in the sparkling water. Acadia National Park offers a range of swimming opportunities – from ponds and lakes to an exhilarating dip into the Atlantic Ocean.
Sand Beach (for saltwater swimming) and Echo Lake beach (freshwater) are the two places for swimming in Acadia National Park, which is guarded by lifeguards during the Memorial Day to Labor Day season, and both are part of the Maine Healthy Beaches network.
The Echo Lake beach certainly has the advantage over Sand Beach as far as water temperature is concerned (it’s 70° F. in the summer there, as opposed to 55° F. at best in the ocean), and lifeguards report that about 40% of the visitors to Echo Lake actually use their bathing suits (as opposed to 10% at Sand Beach).
Another location for swimming in Acadia National Park is at Echo Lake is Echo Lake Bluffs – located across the street from the Acadia Mountain Trailhead on Route 102, heading towards Southwest Harbor. Additionally, people enjoy swimming at Seal Harbor Beach. Swimming at this and other locations is at-your-own-risk, as there are no lifeguards present. Always swim with a buddy.
Open-water swimming enthusiasts will find many AMAZING swimming locations around the island. Please keep in mind that swimming in Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, Bubble Pond and the southern end of Long Pond is prohibited, as these are public water supply.
