This is a full list of Everything You Need for Vinalhaven, ME in the Summer! The Island of Vinalhaven, off of Rockland, Maine is the ideal summer vacation getaway! If you haven’t visited yet, start planning because you have to take a trip to this beautiful Island!

This summer my boyfriend, family and I spent a long weekend on the Island. We were looking for a destination that would be new to all of us, fun, relaxing, offer adventure, quiet, peaceful and by the water. Vinalhaven checked all those boxes and so many more.

We all fell so in love with Vinalhaven. There is just something very special about the Island. The locals, the farms, the small coves, the hikes….a place you have to visit to understand.

If you are thinking about visiting or already have a trip planned to Vinalhaven I am so excited for you! There is a good amount of gear, clothes, food, etc. you should pack into your car and take over to the Island with you (assuming you are taking a car over).

After experiencing the Island and realizing the things we forgot, used most and didn’t use at all I have made a full list of everything you need for Vinalhaven, Maine in the summer.

Let’s get into it!

Everything You Need for Vinalhaven, ME in the Summer

Clothes

While on the Island, you will most likely be spending most of your time outdoors!

I recommend bringing multiple bathing suits, comfy clothes to relax outside in, a few hiking outfits, cozy sweats for at night and a few casual outfits if you want to go into town for dinner.

We spent some days in a bathing suit all day on the water, you can pack light with clothing for Vinalhaven!

Smiling for a picture at Brown's Head Lighthouse.

Clothes to pack

Bathing suits
Tank tops
T-shirts
Casual shorts
Athletic shorts
Athletic tops
Bathing suit cover up
Sweatpants
Sweatshirt
PJs
Sweater
Sundresses
Underwear
Bras
Socks

Relaxing on the coast fishing on a summer evening.

Sitting by the campfire with the family.

Shoes

Almost the entire time on the Island I wore my Rainbows and was very comfy…even on our little hike!

You should also bring sneakers if you are interested in hiking. Hiking boots aren’t necessary, there are no hikes large enough that require them on the Island.

Definitely bring Tevas if you plan to go in the water! The beaches on Vinalhaven are almost all rocky. This means when you walk into the ocean, it can be sore on your feet. Having Tevas to go in and out of the water is a total game changer, it makes all water activities so much more enjoyable.

Shoes to pack

Rainbows

Sneakers

Tevas

The view of the harbor on Vinalhaven from the ferry.

Smiling on a kayak on the water off Vinalhaven.

Gear

You should bring all of the gear for whatever you plan on doing while on Vinalhaven!

Bike, kayak, SUP, canoe- whatever is it you like to do, bring it! You will be so happy you did.

Be sure to tell the ferry ahead of time to make sure any large items will fit on your car the ferry.

Gear to pack

Beach towels – 1 per person
SUP, kayak, and/or canoe + paddles
Flashlights
Koozies
Sunglasses
Coolers (1 for drinks + 1 for food)
Blankets + pillows
Laundry bag
Skateboard
Dry bag
Backpacks
Fanny packs
Fishing pole + lures
Hats
Air mattress
Beach chairs

Electronics

No need for a TV or laptop on Vinalhaven, there are too many campfires to be had!

I decided to bring some cameras for the trip….what a fun place Vinalhaven is to photograph. If you are into photography, even just a little…bring a camera! Or five, like I did.

Another must have electronic is a speaker! Ours was on pretty much anytime we were at our cabin. If you rent an airbnb in a remote location you can play your music at any volume until all hours of the night…it’s pretty fun.

Electronics to pack

DSLR camera

35mm Film Cameras

GoPro

Instax Mini

Bluetooth Speaker

Chargers

Lots of snacks in the kitchen of an airbnb on Vinalhaven Island.

Food + Drink

Vinalhaven has a full size grocery store that also sells liquor in town, they probably have everything you need.

In town you can also find a beer and wine store and a store that sells fresh goods from a nearby farm.

You can find live lobsters on the Island and other fresh produce and goods from Roberts Harbor Farm.

I only recommend packing any food and drink from home that you really want to have with you for your trip. Speciality food and drinks the Island will most likely not have.

We never had trouble finding any food or drink we wanted/needed on the Island!

Fresh produce from Roberts Harbor Farm on Vinalhaven.

Food + Drink to pack

Dry snacks

Favorite beer or seltzer

Favorite liquor

Anything you are worried they won’t have on the Island

Truck and airbnb on a sunny day on Vinalhaven.

Toiletries

Since we stayed in an airbnb we just brought one big bottle of everything like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, sunscreen, etc. and that worked perfect for us.

Just bring your everyday necessities as well as a few extra things just in case of an emergency.

Toiletries to pack

Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash
Luffa
Razor
Face wash/face wipes
Makeup
Deodorant
Sunscreen! Get the spray kind and one for your face- sun is strong, especially out on the water
Bug spray
Medkit
Medicine
Vitamins

Colorful blankets on bed at airbnb on Vinalhaven.

And that’s all you need! The full list of everything you should pack for your trip to Vinalhaven!

If possible, I recommend taking an SUV or truck to the Island so you are able to pack everything you need into your vehicle and still have room for passengers.

We followed a list similar to this and what we forgot for our trip I added to this list so you don’t! Follow this and you should feel very prepared during your stay.

Packing for a vacation can be fun, I hope this makes it nice and easy for you!

Have you been to Vinalhaven in the summer? Let me know in the comments below if there is anything else you think I should add to my list of Everything You Need for Vinalhaven, ME in the Summer!

Also check out my guide, How to Visit Vinalhaven Maine in the Summer before your trip!

Cheers! Thanks for being here (:

Everything You Need for Vinalhaven, ME in the Summer

Everything You Need for Vinalhaven, ME in the Summer