SOUTHWEST HARBOR ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Hands-On with Maine’s Bounty: Scallop Farm and Lobster Tour from Southwest Harbor
A 2.5-hour small-group outing that visits a scallop farm off Sutton Island, samples fresh scallops and brings guests aboard to haul and inspect lobster traps—essential reading before you go.
Hands-On with Maine’s Bounty: Scallop Farm and Lobster Tour from Southwest Harbor.
From Southwest Harbor, this small-group boat tour threads the Gilley Thoroughfare, passes offshore islands and lighthouses, and stops at a scallop farm off Sutton Island where guests learn about scallop biology, taste fresh scallops, and then help haul and inspect lobster traps—an interactive window into coastal aquaculture and fisheries.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Island passages and coastal landmarks
The tour navigates the Gilley Thoroughfare and moves among offshore islands, offering a compact cruise through classic Downeast waters and views of local lighthouses before arriving at the scallop farm.
A scallop farm visit with a tasting
At the scallop farm off Sutton Island guests pull up the farm, examine scallops, learn how they are grown and sampled freshly harvested scallops right on the boat.
Hauling lobster traps and practical handling
After the scallops, the group hauls several of the captain’s lobster traps, inspects the catch, and guests learn to measure and band lobsters while engaging directly with the animals.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
This is an intimate, hands-on excursion: a small group boards for roughly two-and-a-half hours, slips through island channels to an offshore scallop farm, pauses for biology and tasting, then moves on to hauling lobster pots where guests participate in the full process of pulling, checking and handling the catch.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs approximately 2.5 hours.
This is a small-group tour limited to a few guests per outing (up to 6).
Operated by Bay Lady Scallops; the experience centers on visits to a scallop farm and lobster-trap hauling.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Public Scallop Farm and Lobster Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
How many people are on each tour?
The tour is a small-group outing limited to up to 6 guests.
What will we do at the scallop farm?
Guests pull up the farm gear, examine scallops, hear about scallop biology and growing methods, and taste fresh scallops.
Will I get to handle lobsters?
Yes—after hauling traps guests have a chance to interact with the lobsters and are shown how to measure and band them.
Where does the boat travel during the tour?
The route goes through the Gilley Thoroughfare, past offshore islands and lighthouses, and out to the scallop farm off Sutton Island.