Directions: Do not confuse Seal Harbor with Seal Cove. They are on opposite sides of the island. Just stay on Route 3 until you reach Seal Harbor. You'll pass through Bar Harbor on the way. After you pass the entrance to Blackwoods Campground, it will be a few more miles to Seal Harbor. You'll drop down a steep hill just before entering the village of Seal Harbor. Route 3 takes a sharp right at a unique fountain, and the beach and parking area will then be in view.
There is an alternate route which may be even more direct and very scenic. Head toward Bar Harbor on Route 3. Enter Acadia National Park at Hull's Cove. Just stay on the park road. You will be forced to drive right into Seal Harbor. Just turn left when you are aimed straight at the ocean, and the parking lot will be a few feet up the road on your left.There is an alternate route which may be even more direct and very scenic. Head toward Bar Harbor on Route 3. Enter Acadia National Park at Hull's Cove. Just stay on the park road. You will be forced to drive right into Seal Harbor. Just turn left when you are aimed straight at the ocean, and the parking lot will be a few feet up the road on your left.
Paddling Information: Seal Harbor has one of the few sand beaches on Mt. Desert Island. In low tide, its a little bit of a walk through the sand carrying your kayak. There is a parking lot right across from the beach, but it may be pretty full on a hot day. From Seal Harbor, you have access to the Cranberry Islands. Northeast Harbor is another good destination. If you're new to the sport, I don't recommend going north. You are pretty exposed to the open ocean, and there are few places to land. You cannot land on Sand Beach which is part of the National Park.