Welcome to Belfast, ME

The bay affords good anchorage, exposed to southeasterly winds, and is easy of access. Good anchorage can be had off the entrance to the river westward of Steets Ledge, in depths of 19 to 28 feet; also in the river south of Goose River in midchannel, or by favoring the western shore, in depths of 11 to 16 feet, soft bottom. Above this point, shoals extend halfway across the harbor from the northeast side, and for a short distance below the bridge, extend two-thirds of the distance across. Small vessels can anchor about 75 yards off the upper wharves of the city in depths of 10 to 22 feet.

The town wharf and float landing, on the southeast side of the towage company wharf, has a depth of 8 feet reported alongside. A breakwater east of the city landing offers protection. Gasoline can be obtained at the town wharf. Provisions and some marine supplies are available in town.

Belfast’s Harbormaster, Katherine Pickering, can be reached on VHF 16 and by calling 207-338-1142.

Front Street Shipyard has a 165-ton Travelift and can make complete hull repairs as well as offering a complete package of services for transient and seasonal visitors. There are machine shops in town.

Belfast Harbor serves as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port of Entry for vessels arriving from foreign ports. Operators of private vessels should report arrival by calling (207) 532-2131, ext. 255.

Navigation: 
Belfast Bay and Passagassawakeag River empty into the head of Penobscot Bay from northwestward and form the approach to the town of Belfast.

The main channel in Belfast Bay is wide and clear between Steets Ledge and the western shore, with depths of 50 feet at the entrance, gradually decreasing to 14 feet off the mouth of Goose River. The channel is partially marked by buoys to a point about 0.3 miles below the first bridge, a fixed footbridge. The channel above this point requires local knowledge and is little used except by small craft.

Vessels entering Belfast Bay can shape the course to pass anywhere between the bell buoy southward of Steets Ledge and the western shore, then head north-northwestward in midchannel.

Steets Ledge, on the north side of Belfast Bay, is an extensive ledge with a least depth of 1 foot, marked by a lighted bell buoy. An abandoned lighthouse also marks the ledge. The passage between the ledge and the north shore should not be used because of shoals to the eastward.

Click the “Map View” button above to see a chart of this harbor.