Savor Maine’s Delicious Seafood Fresh from the source!

Saturdays only - June, July and August

Don't see the departure time or capacity you're looking for? Please CLICK HERE to add your name on our waitlist so if availability changes we can contact you.

Duration

1 1/2 Hours

About

Traps n Apps is a unique opportunity to savor Maine’s delicious seafood fresh from the source. After hauling a lobster trap to learn about Maine’s iconic crustacean, we’ll visit a sea farm to harvest fresh oysters and learn about local aquaculture. Each passenger receives a knife, gloves and instruction to shuck and enjoy at least four farm fresh oysters as we cruise Casco Bay passing by Lighthouses, Forts and Seal Rock. Two additional local aquaculture products (kelp salad and smoked mussels) will be sampled and discussed before a lobster roll finale.

What to Bring

Please dress for the weather and consider hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and water due to limited shade. We do not provide drinks onboard.

FAQs

Is this a dinner cruise? No. We provide instruction to shuck your own fresh oysters and offer samples of smoked Maine mussels with local kelp salad. Once the shucking is complete we pick up lobster rolls from Island Lobster Co. to enjoy on our return to port.
(Sorry, there are no menu alternatives)

What should I wear? First, don’t wear anything that you’d be afraid to get dirty. We’ll be hauling a lobster trap from the ocean floor and shucking fresh oysters from a sea farm so there’s potential to get salty. It can be 10-15 degrees cooler on the water so extra layers are smart. Consider a hat due to limited shade and any footwear is okay. Please check the local forecast and remember if you bring it, you can always take it off.

What if it’s raining? We operate the excursions rain or shine unless it’s pouring. Our boat has some cover but is mostly exposed to the weather. Passengers can find shelter standing under the wheelhouse but available seating there is limited. During inclement weather we recommend bringing a rain jacket or foul weather gear. In cases of extreme wind or rain we reserve the right to cancel the excursion and fully refund all passengers.

What if there’s a thunderstorm? If thunderstorms become a safety concern we will cancel the excursion or return to the dock if we’re underway. If we must return without pulling a trap and harvesting oysters all passengers get a full refund. Thunderstorms are frequently forecast during the summer, but we ’re rarely forced to cancel.

Can I buy lobsters after the cruise? When the excursion is complete you have the option to choose lobsters from our onboard live tank. The lobsters can be purchased for wholesale “boat price” and either taken to go or next door to the Portland Lobster Company restaurant. The restaurant can cook your lobster, add corn, baked potato or fries, cole slaw, butter, etc. for $12. plus tax per lobster. A typical keeper lobster weighs 1 ¼ -1 ½ lbs. and may range from $6.00 - $9.00 per pound. If you wish to take multiple lobsters please contact us in advance to ensure availability.

Do you serve beverages onboard? No, we do not provide any beverages. Please bring your own drinks and be aware that restrooms are limited.