Water

Due east of Great Wass Island lies Water Island. Sitting just northwest of Mistake Island, home to the much visited and popular Moose Peak Lighthouse, Water Island has rolling hills of granite that rise high out of the ocean, offering visitors little protection from the elements but breathtaking panoramic views of the water and land surrounding the Great Wass Archipelago.

Unprotected ocean swells and few favorable landing sites make coming ashore somewhat challenging. The best landing spot is a small eastward facing beach located halfway along the north side of the island. This is best accessed at high tide where there is a small area of sand that makes for a gentle landing. At lower tides, rocks and seaweed make this landing more difficult. From the beach, you can embark left or right to traverse the perimeter of the island.

As with Mistake Island, several rare plants grow on Water Island. The raised maritime bogs found on Water and many of the surrounding islands were formed by the accumulation of sphagnum moss in low areas of bedrock that were carved out from retreating glaciers thousands of years ago. The predominance of the sphagnum moss creates a highly acidic soil in which only a handful of plant species are able to grow. Because of these rare plant communities, we ask that you limit your explorations to the durable rocky outcrops of the island as the vegetation on Water is easily damaged by foot traffic. The high, sloped cliffs, which rapidly descend to crashing surf along the southern face of the island, make for a particularly stunning picnic spot.