Old Sow Whirlpool — Attraction in New Brunswick

Do not come expecting to see a massive vortex, dont come expecting the whirlpool to be active all the time either. The Old Sow whirlpool is created by in the influence of the flood or incoming tide. The whirlpool will be strongest on a given day roughly 3 hours before the top of or end of the flood tide (3 hours after the bottom or end of the ebb tide or low water). The whirlpool forms when the incoming tide coming in from around Indian Island, head harbour passage and Indian river turns into Passamaquoddy bay between Deer Island Point and Eastport Maine. The geography of the ocean floor amplifies this circular motion. Vortexes do form (called piglets (smaller sows) by locals) off Deer Island Point where the incoming tide collides with the back eddy creating very turbulent water. There is also an under water ridge right in this area where visitors can visibly see the water boil over the ridge (a rise visible on the water of up to...

Really cool experience! I came here from the Downeast Boat Charter Whale Watch in Lubec. The best time to come is during low tide. The pools were just getting started when we arrived, but we were still able to see many of the "pigglets". Apparently Old Sow got the name due to the sucking sound the whirlpool makes and reminded people of a pig. That's what the smaller ones are called pigglets! Old Sow is also the most geologically significant whirlpool in the east, and at it's deepest point, is over 400 feet deep. Crazy! The captain drove through the waters and you could tell how much he was being pulled to and fro by the whirlpools. The whirlpools, when very dramatic, may have as much as a six foot difference from the top of the bottom of the spiral as well.

Highly recommend taking the boat charter I mentioned above to come...

Spent quite a few Sundays out here in personal boat with a few beers. Lots of small porpoise typically. Been through it twice when really cranking with a local harbor pilot in his personal boat. Can get about 100 foot across and about 6 - 10 inches deep when really gurgling. Watch out for driftwood and debris that will get caught in its...