Local Connections: Working Waterfront & Lobster Pull with a Seasoned Maine Lobsterman

3 hours | Portland | P W M - 7 4 5
Average Guest Rating
From
$ 99.95
Shorex Best Price Guarantee
Find a better price for any excursion we offer and we will refund you 110% of the price difference.

Points of Interest

  • Old Port
Moderate activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

An abundance of seafood drew the Abenaki to this idyllic area, which they settled as a summer fishing camp. The British arrived in 1633, established their own fishing and trading village and after the Revolutionary War the town flourished as a commercial port and shipping center.
Yet you may be surprised to learn that fishing for lobster wasn't an occupation until the mid-20th century. In fact, this hearty, tasty crustacean was considered food only suitable for the poor. Lobster didn't become a popular main dish until World War II. Due to beef and food rationing, lobster was an alternative source of protein; by the war's end, it was a staple in most restaurants. In 2013, three million traps were set out in Maine's cold, clean waters harvesting 125 million pounds of lobster.

Experience what life is like for hardy lobstermen aboard an authentic lobster boat. Then, step back in time as you walk the cobbled streets of Old Port, a thriving seaport reconstructed to 19th century Victorian splendor.
Before you embark on your half-day adventure be sure to wear a light jacket or sweater and comfortable boat shoes. Bring along a camera to capture each moment to show the folks back home that you were on a "working vacation."

A walk along the bustling waterfront reveals a sea of activity: lobstermen unloading their boats and seafood shops selling the freshest catch of the day.
Following a safety briefing at the pier, you'll board the lobster boat and set out onto the sparkling waters of Casco Bay. Because this natural deepwater harbor doesn't freeze, it's home to about 850 species of marine life. As the captain cruises out to the perfect spot, be on the lookout for nesting colonies of eiders, gulls, and great blue herons lining the harbor.
While bobbing up and down in the water you'll learn how lobster traps or "pots" are filled with bags full of bait (usually herring or other fish) then lowered into the water. After a day or two, the crew returns and pulls up the traps hoping to see lobsters inside.
Pulling the trap out from the water is as simple as it sounds. It's either pulled up by hand or by an electric line hauler. Sometimes they'll find hardshell or a softshell lobster known as a shedder. Other times cod, flounder, sea urchins, starfish, crabs and even soda pop cans are discovered inside.
Just as fascinating as catching someone's dinner is learning the conservation efforts in place to protect the lobster, and watching the sea creatures swim around the see-thru "live tank" before they're thrown back into the ocean.

Now that you've experienced the life of a lobsterman, you'll return to the pier for a walk through Old Port, which was a welcome sight to many a mariner centuries ago. Finally, you'll return to your ship.

Captain Tom Martin created this experience in 1996 in order to share his passion for the industry and show visitors the routine of a real Maine Lobsterman. Captain Tom has been lobster fishing since the early 1980's as a summer job and was immediately hooked. He still lobsters commercially for the majority of the year when not introducing guests to the industry that is a mainstay of this region.

Special Notes:

Guests must be able to walk the walking portion and board the boat on their own

Details

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart Pier on Walking Tour of the Portland Waterfront

Transport type:
Walking
Transport Capacity:
14
Travel time:
01:05
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Arrive at Lobster Boat. Restroom Break before boarding lobster boat

Time at site:
00:15
Free time at site:
15
Restroom available:
Yes

Lucky Catch Lobster Boat departs on an hour and a half voyage. Lobster traps pulled

Transport type:
Motorized Vessel
Transport Capacity:
14
Travel time:
01:30
Restroom available:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Lucky Catch Lobster Boat returns to pier. Debark and walk back to cruise ship pier

Transport type:
Walking
Transport Capacity:
14
Travel time:
00:10
Restroom available:
No