Oyster Farms Charter Adventure

$175 per person

6 people per charter

Workshop Description

We’ve partnered with Damariscotta River Cruises for this exclusive 3 hours charter adventure, which includes private farm tours and tastings at Blackstone Point Oyster Co., Norumbega Oyster Co., Pemaquid Oyster Co., and Dodge Cove Oyster Co. in the heart of the Oyster Capital of Maine. Gather your friends for a once-in-a-lifetime experience — the river is your oyster!

Itinerary

Enjoy a trip along the stunning Damariscotta River onboard Half Shell, a 21ft Robalo. This will be a three hours journey with a stop at Blackstone Point Oyster Co. The tour will involve a guided walkthrough of their floating facilities and a tasting of their delicious oysters! After that, we will cruise by several other locally owned oysters farms in the hub of Maine’s oyster capital and taste each of their oysters as well. With the tastings, guests will learn how to differentiate tasting profiles, and learn about their unique growing techniques and habitat in Maine's midcoast. 

An oyster shucking lesson will be presented at Dodge Point Nature Reserve and an opportunity to stroll along the shore and find wild Damariscotta River oysters.

The wildlife we will encounter includes harbor seals and their pups basking on ledges or fishing in the water; bald eagles, ospreys, herons and cranes.

As this charter is exclusive to Down East, there are also options to enjoy swimming, libations, and sight-seeing on this charter. 10am to 1pm and we will be back toDamariscotta in time for a late lunch. 

More aboutDamariscotta River Cruises

The Team

Owners, Chip Holmes and Olga Oros, started Damariscotta River Cruises in 2013 and have been sharing their love and knowledge of this historic river ever since. In addition to the 49-passenger tour boat that they run daily Oyster Farms and Seal Watching Tours, Oyster and Wine Tasting Cruises and private charters with, they also Airbnb two yachts, Mazu and Nebi, Maine Bed and Boats. The Half Shell joined the fleet 3 years ago to offer exclusive charters to smaller groups with Waylon, Damariscotta native, as the captain.

More about the Oyster Farms

Blackstone Point Oyster Co.

Brendan Parsons started Blackstone Point Oyster Co. in 2016. With a focus on sustainable farming, Blackstone produces world-class oysters from the pristine Damariscotta River and distributes to wholesalers, restaurants (including Blackstone's owners' very own restaurant, Shuck Station, in Newcastle), and other retail consumers.

Blackstone supports Maine’s coastal working waterfront through low environmental impact growing practices and promoting the history of the Damariscotta River. Their daily focus is to produce a consistent high quality oyster, and they recently became the first oyster farm in Maine certified as a BCorp!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?

Maine weather can change on a dime, so it's best to be prepared. We recommend a hat, sunblock, and sunglasses, as well as a light jacket or sweater, and a light rain jacket never hurts. Comfortable non-skid and non-heeled shoes are encouraged.

What should I pack?

We will have plenty of water and oysters onboard, but please feel free to bring your own food, alcoholic beverages (for 21+ passengers), and/or non-alcoholic beverages that you’d like.

Where do we meet the boat?

Please arrive fifteen minutes ahead of schedule at 40 Main St, Damariscotta, Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina. Then follow the signs and find the boarding area on your right between the two white tents.

Please park your car at the Municipal Parking Lot, just 1 block over, facing the River. Make sure not to park in the permitted spots (ex. boaters only), in order to avoid a parking ticket. 

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

If a big storm is predicted, the trip will be rescheduled. However, in the chance of a light rain, we will continue the trip.

Is there a bathroom on board?

We only have a bucket for emergencies. Please make sure to use the public restrooms in the town parking lot. 

Are children allowed on board?

Children are always welcome aboard! We will supply lifejackets for your little ones.

Cancellations

The payment is 50% refundable in the event you have to cancel, as long as the cancellation is made 21 days before the trip. After that time, your payment is non-refundable. Alternately, 100% of your payment will be refunded if a replacement can be found prior to the trip.