Paddling Information: Southwest Harbor is fairly busy with boat traffic, but it is very picturesque. Once out of the harbor, traffic thins out, and you can find solitude easily. From Southwest Harbor you can access the Cranberry Islands and Somes Sound, or you can paddle toward Northeast Harbor. If you're new at paddling, I would not go south toward Seawall and Bass harbor. You are more exposed to the open ocean in that direction, and there are some currents which may be tricky at times, especially around the Bass Harbor light house.