Natural Attraction

Sand Beach Shipwreck

Natural Attraction
a small wooden building stands next to a sandy estuary in front of a mountain.

At midnight during a fierce July 1911 gale, the wooden schooner Tay struck the rocky ledge called Old Soaker just offshore from Sand Beach, its hull shattering on impact. The crew clung to the broken mast until the tide receded, then scrambled to safety on the sandy beach. Nearly 90,000 feet of spruce lumber from the cargo washed ashore and was salvaged by locals and the Satterlee family, who built a boathouse from the salvaged wood—a structure that still stands as a reminder of this maritime disaster.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
44.329194,-68.182556

Conditions & safety

Permits Required
0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Great Head Trail trailhead (nearby); Old Soaker Overlook; Hulls Cove Visitor Center; Park Loop Road scenic drive.
Nearby Facilities
Minimal facilities at Sand Beach itself. Nearest services at downtown Bar Harbor (2–3 miles) and the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
Best Time To Visit
Late May through early September for calm seas and full accessibility. Morning light best for photography.
Tips Advice
  • Approach during low tide to see more of the rocky ledge (Old Soaker).
  • The boathouse built from salvaged Tay lumber is located on private property; view from public areas only.
  • Combine with Great Head Trail (2-mile loop) for broader coastal views.
  • Bring sturdy shoes with grip—rocks are slippery and uneven.
Insider Tips
  • The Tay wreck is a 1911 maritime history touchstone—local historians sometimes lead informal talks.
  • Look for wood splinters and weathered planks in the landscape near the boathouse, remnants of salvage.
  • If tide is out, walk out to see the ledge itself; if tide is in, the full rocky character is hidden.

More details

Park Area
Sand Beach area, Mount Desert Island
Family Friendly Notes
Safe for families on the sand. Supervise children near rocks and water; waves can surge unexpectedly. Not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues due to rocky terrain.
Attraction Type
Shipwreck Site & Maritime History
Elevation Feet
0
Distance From Entrance
Accessible via Park Loop Road from Hulls Cove Visitor Center (approximately 3-4 miles by road).
How To Get There
From Park Loop Road, access Sand Beach via the paved parking area. The shipwreck site and ledge 'Old Soaker' are visible from the beach shoreline and the Great Head Trail (which begins near Sand Beach).
Parking Availability
Sand Beach lot fills by mid-morning during peak season; consider early arrival or alternative parking.
Road Type
Paved Park Loop Road
Seasonal Access
Park Loop Road typically open mid-April through early December. Sand Beach accessible year-round, but optimal access April–December.
Entry Fees
$35 vehicle pass (7-day); $20 per person; free for youth under 16. Valid with standard Acadia entrance pass.
Main Features
Rocky offshore ledge (Old Soaker) where the Tay struck; sandy beach where crew landed; remnants of salvaged lumber used in historic structures nearby; maritime history marker.
Unique Characteristics
One of Acadia's few documented maritime wrecks still visible; salvage legacy preserved in historic structures.
Safety Considerations
Rocky, treacherous coastline with sudden drop-offs. Waves and surge can be strong; stay back from the water's edge during storms. Tides recede slowly—do not rely on rapid tide changes. Rocks are slippery when wet.
Best Viewpoints
Shoreline at Sand Beach; Great Head Trail overlook above the beach.
Photo Opportunities
Rocky coastline and offshore ledges at sunrise or sunset; the arc of Sand Beach with mountain backdrop.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Excellent from the shoreline; mountains frame the eastern sky at sunrise.
Visitor Center Present
0
Restrooms Available
0
Picnic Areas
0
Interpretive Signs
1
Cell Service
Variable; check with your carrier.
Water Available
0
Connecting Trails
Great Head Trail departs from Sand Beach parking area.
Weather Patterns
Coastal exposure means rapid weather changes; afternoon winds and fog are common. Gales can produce dangerous surf.
Peak Fill Times
Peak crowds 8 am–3 pm during June–September.
Review Summary
Visitors appreciate the accessible maritime history and dramatic coastal setting. Many combine the site with the Great Head Trail for fuller context. Some note the disconnect between the destructive 1911 storm and the peaceful modern beach.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I see the shipwreck itself?

The Tay broke apart in 1911; no hull remains visible. The rocky ledge 'Old Soaker' where it struck is visible from shore, especially at low tide. Salvaged lumber was used in the nearby Satterlee boathouse, still standing on private property.

Is this a good spot for kids?

Sand Beach itself is safe for families, but the rocky areas are slippery and exposed. Children must be closely supervised near the water. The Great Head Trail offers a gentler overview of the coastline.

Are there restrooms or facilities at Sand Beach?

Sand Beach has a parking lot but no restrooms, water, or picnic facilities. Use facilities at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center or downtown Bar Harbor.

How long does it take to visit?

Viewing the shipwreck site from the beach takes 15–30 minutes. Add 1–2 hours if combining with the Great Head Trail for broader context.

Is the road typically open?

Park Loop Road is typically open mid-April through early December. Winter closures and weather events may reduce access. Check the NPS Acadia website for current conditions.

Sargent Mountain Pond

Granite bowl pond high on Sargent Mountain; alpenglow lights the surrounding peaks.

Little Harbor Brook

Shallow brook beside a mossy trail; formed by glacial erosion and meltwater through Ellsworth Schist.

Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake — glacially carved freshwater lake with clear, deep water in Acadia NP

Cadillac Mountain

Granite crown; first light on the U.S. coast; sculpted by ancient glaciers.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.