Lobster & Nature Tour

Haul Lobster Traps, Visit Somes Sound, and See a Seal Colony

Private charter: Have the boat to yourself.

Welcome aboard the Elizabeth T, a real Maine lobster boat!

This excursion is a great experience for the whole family and full of wildlife and local knowledge.

We depart the fishing community of Southwest Harbor aboard the 33’ wooden lobster boat, the Elizabeth T.  First we’ll explore the glacially carved Somes Sound Fjard, where the granite cliffs rise to the surrounding mountain peaks in Acadia National Park. Not only is Somes Sound beautiful but it also abounds in wildlife. Look for seals, porpoise, eagles, osprey and peregrine falcons. From the water you’ll enjoy great views of the grand summer “cottages” owned by wealthy “Rusticators” from Northeast Harbor and Seal Harbor. You’ll have excellent photo opportunities of the Bear Island Lighthouse, one of the prettiest lighthouses along the Maine Coast.

Everyone is excited to pull a few lobster traps. We will haul, bait, and explain how the traps work, and discuss the biology of lobsters. Learn how lobstermen are protecting this thriving industry while harvesting 120 million pounds of lobster annually. At $4 per pound that is nearly half a billion dollars fueling the coastal Maine communities. Most lobsters migrate closer or further from shore depending on the seasons. They may move up to 5 or 6 miles in a year, going closer to shore in warm weather, and offshore for stable, deeper water in late fall. In May the abundance of Lobsters close to shore is still low.

Heading east we will look for a breeding pair of bald eagles. East Bunker Ledge is a favorite spot for watching seals as they swim, fish and sunbathe on the rocks. We’ll cruise home past the Cranberry Islands, where a 200-year old fishing village continues to thrive by the ways of the sea.

Our shared tours are well suited to children and adults. They are safe and comfortable as we stay within the protected calm waters of Great Harbor and the Cranberry Islands. Seasickness is extremely rare. The Elizabeth T is fitted with canvas to keep passengers dry and warm when the conditions are not optimal.

What do I wear?

Dress as you would for walking around town, and bring an extra sweater/sweatshirt and a windbreaker with you. Also useful is a baseball-style cap with visor, sunglasses (polarized are best), and sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera. If you’re on the fence about shorts versus long pants… go with the long pants.