Appledore Island in Kittery — live webcam
Where is Appledore Island located
Appledore Island is the largest in the Isles of Shoals archipelago, situated in the Gulf of Maine off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire. This live camera broadcasts a view of the island from the town of Kittery, York County, Maine. Appledore lies approximately 6–7 miles from the mainland coast, and the only way to reach it is by boat — there are no bridges or ferry services here. The Isles of Shoals archipelago consists of 9 islands: Appledore, Cedar, Duck, Lunging, Malaga, Star, Seavey, Smuttynose, and White Island. The area of Appledore itself is 95 acres (38 hectares) — making it the largest island in the group. It was formerly known as Hog Island, but in the 19th century it was renamed Appledore, reflecting the end of the agricultural era and the beginning of a new chapter in the island's history.
From hotel to research station — the island's history
In 1847, Thomas Laighton of Portsmouth purchased the island and built the Appledore House hotel on it. This establishment quickly became a popular resort among Boston and New York intellectuals — artists, writers, and musicians flocked here. The hotel operated until 1914, when it burned to the ground. Other buildings were subsequently erected on its site, some of which are visible in this broadcast.
In 1928, a marine zoological laboratory was established on Appledore, operating until 1940. During World War II, the U.S. government constructed a 50-foot concrete tower for anti-aircraft surveillance on the island — its remains can be spotted in the background. After the war, the island passed into private ownership, and since the early 1970s, 95% of the territory has been owned by the Star Island Corporation, which leases it to the Shoals Marine Laboratory.
Shoals Marine Laboratory
Today, Appledore is primarily a major research station. The Shoals Marine Laboratory is a joint project of Cornell University and the University of New Hampshire, operating since the 1970s. Summer students and scientists come here for field research in marine biology, ecology, and oceanography. The island is equipped with classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, and a dining hall — all of which can be seen on the live camera. The laboratory welcomes students from across the country, and its programs are considered among the best in marine sciences in the United States.
Wildlife and marine life
The Isles of Shoals are protected as part of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge and are regarded as one of the best birdwatching spots in the Gulf of Maine. On nearby Duck Island, located 1.5 miles to the north, seabirds nest — cormorants, gulls, and eiders. And on neighboring Cedar Island, two lobster families reside during the summer, having become a local attraction. In the waters around Appledore, you can spot seals, dolphins, and even whales — especially in the warmer months when plankton rises to the surface.
Legends and mysteries of the Isles of Shoals
The Isles of Shoals archipelago is shrouded in dark legends. On neighboring Smuttynose Island, on March 6, 1873, a double murder of two Norwegian women — Anethe and Karen Christensen took place. Only a third woman, Maren Hontvet, survived by miraculously hiding in the attic. This crime remains one of the most famous criminal stories in New England history.
There are also mystical tales. The legend of the "Blackbeard's Bride" ghost is the oldest written ghost story on the Isles of Shoals, described by poet Celia Thaxter in her book "Among the Isles of Shoals" (1873). Celia Thaxter herself lived on Appledore and hosted a famous literary salon. Her garden — the Celia Thaxter Garden — has been preserved on the island to this day and is one of the historic landmarks visible in this broadcast. And on White Island, visible in good weather, stands a lighthouse that is also associated with ghost legends.
Panoramic views and landscape
The panoramic view from Appledore Island reveals a breathtaking picture of the Gulf of Maine — rocky shores, endless expanse of water, and neighboring islands of the archipelago. The island's rocky terrain with low-growing vegetation and shrubs is typical of this region — strong winds and salt spray prevent trees from growing taller than a few meters. A rocky isthmus connects Appledore to another landmass, creating a picturesque spit. Sailboats and fishing vessels periodically appear on the horizon — the Gulf of Maine remains a busy waterway.
What you can see on the camera
This live webcam shows rocky Appledore Island with a cluster of buildings, surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Maine. In the foreground is a rocky shore with low-growing vegetation and shrubs. At the center of the composition are several structures: a thatched-roof house, a red building, and a gray structure — these are the buildings of the Shoals Marine Laboratory. Nearby, a wooden pier and a flagpole with the American flag are visible. In the background is the open water surface, where boats periodically pass. The island is connected by a rocky isthmus to a neighboring landmass. In summer, people can be spotted on the island — students and researchers strolling along the shore or working in the open areas of the laboratory. The live camera operates in real time, allowing you to observe the life of this unique island in the Gulf of Maine from anywhere in the world.
