At the start of summer, we got to spend a perfect morning aboard the Pamela B, with Peter and Laura from Seacoast Tours of Freeport. We were hoping to go out on the afternoon lobster boat tour, but since the weather wasn’t cooperating the tour had to be canceled. Luckily, Captain Pete invited us to join him and his deckhand, Laura, on their boat as they went out to check their lobster traps. We couldn’t say yes quick enough!
Since parking can be a little tricky at the marina, Laura picked us up outside LL Bean in their fun van decorated with seals and lobsters. She gave us some history of Freeport as we drove past stunning homes on the water.
Captain Pete was waiting for us and welcomed us aboard his gorgeous boat.
He showed us some maps so we could get our barring as we headed out. Did you know there is more coastline on the state of Maine than in California?
The Freeport Town Wharf, in South Freeport, is approximately 3 miles from downtown and it is a working wharf. It’s fun to watch the lobstermen loading their boats, see small fishing boats heading out to sea, and daydream about what it would be like to own one of the many sailboats docked or moored at the harbor.
It was so nice being out on the water and Pete and Laura made us feel really welcome. They both had a wealth of knowledge about the environment and we loved hearing about all the places we were cruising by.
They were also knowledgeable about the wildlife around us. We saw many types of birds and Pete even gave them binoculars to get a better view.
They loved looking around at all the small islands.
We learned all about how people choose the color of their buoys, and the laws regarding lobster trapping in Maine.
Finally, it was time to suit up and get to work! We were thrilled to be able to help since we had expected to just watch them, but hands-on learning is even better!
First, we learned to pull the traps.
We all got excited when there was a lobster!
Captain Pete and Laura explained the anatomy of the lobster. I never knew a lobster had two types of claws…a pincher and a crusher.
We also learned how to tell if a lobster was male or female. My girls came away with facts that they love sharing with people such as ‘Lobsters can pee out of their eyes’ and ‘a lobster has two stomachs.’ I love that they are learning new things while having fun.
We also learned how to put bait in the trap (pogy) and how to set them back into the water.
One of our favorite parts of the morning was seeing all the adorable seals hanging out on the rocks sunning themselves. There were tons of them!
Seacoast Tours of Freeport offer several tours including:
Eagle Island Tours
Lobstering Demo & Wildlife Cruise (I think all kids would love this one!)
Private Charters
Special Events
Tips for a great day:
The meeting location is at the designated bus pick-up area in front of Coffee By Design on the corner of Main Street and Bow Street.
Lobster Demo and Wildlife Cruise:
Adults: $35, Children (2-12): $20, Children under 2 free.
Offered daily: 2:00-4:00
Time: 2 hours, plus 15-minute shuttle each way from downtown Freeport.
Eagle Island Tour:
Adults: $40, Children: $28, Children under 2 free. Prices do not include admission to the State Park – this fee will be added.
Tours offered daily: 9:30-1:00
Time: 3.5 hours, plus 15-minute shuttle each way from downtown Freeport.
Tours operate daily between June 15th and Labor Day.
Check out their website:
https://seacoasttoursme.com/
Give them a follow:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seacoasttoursme
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seacoasttoursoffreeport/
Thank you so much to Seacoast Tours of Freeport for a wonderful morning aboard your boat. We learned so much and had a great time doing so! We can’t wait to experience another tour. As always, all opinions and experiences are 100% of MyTravelingKids.com.
