Let’s Catch Some Lobster…

When I think of Maine certain images pop into my head…lighthouse, beach, moose, and lobster…or LOBSTAH as my New England friends say! Maine has the most amazing coastline so we decided to start our day out on the water and what a better place to do it than on an actual lobster boat!

We booked a tour on the Rugosa Lobster Boat that departs from the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine.  The boat is a 38’ beautiful wooden authentic lobster boat.  The crew were wonderful with all the kids aboard and were both informative as well as entertaining.  This is an amazing way to view the dramatic coastline of Maine. The girls were so excited to pass the summer home of President Bush when we passed Walker Point since they’d only seen it from the road.

It’s always an added bonus when the kids are learning something while having fun and they walked away with lots of information that they shared whenever possible for the rest of the summer (even with other customers at the lobster tank at the grocery store). They learned about their life cycle, what they eat, and how to tell if they are male or female. They also learned about how lobster fishermen are trying to maintain the population by sharing the rules of which lobsters you need to throw back and which you can keep.

The girls were taught how to set a trap and what the different colors on buoys mean.  They watched traps being hauled and helped determine which lobsters were kept.  They were given the opportunity to hold a lobster, band their claws, and even got to give one a kiss. On the way back to the docks the girls were even allowed to drive the boat.  It was a perfect time on the water.

Tips:

• Open from Memorial Day until Columbus Day and departs at 10:30, 1:00, and 3:30.
• $30 for adults and $20 for 12 and under.
• Departs from the Nonantum Resort located at 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport, Maine.
• There are no facilities on board.
• Tour lasts 1.5 hours.
• There is a maximum of 24 people so make sure you book ahead.
• You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages.  They do give out complimentary waters.