PORTLAND BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Let’s Go Lobstering! Into Casco Bay with Captain Jay McGowen
A 1.5-hour lobster‑harvesting cruise in Casco Bay where Captain Jay McGowen demonstrates trap‑lifting, explains lobstering history and anatomy, and hunts for sunbathing seals.
Let’s Go Lobstering! Into Casco Bay with Captain Jay McGowen.
Off Portland, Maine, a short run into Casco Bay turns simple sightseeing into hands‑on work: Captain Jay McGowen walks the boat through the history and practice of lobstering, pulls traps from the ocean floor so passengers can inspect the catch and accompanying sea life, then searches nearby ledges for seals basking in the sun.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Trap Lifting and Close‑Up Biology
Watch a real lobster trap hauled from the seafloor, opened and sorted; passengers get a close look at lobsters and the other creatures—sea urchins, starfish and crabs—that come up in the catch.
Seal Spotting on Rocky Ledges
After the traps are pulled, the boat shifts focus to finding seals often seen sunning themselves on nearby ledges, giving passengers photo‑ready, close encounters.
Live Lessons in Lobstering
Captain Jay narrates the local history of lobstering and explains lobster anatomy and how traps function, blending practical demonstration with maritime context.
What the day feels like
How the Tour Unfolds
This compact Casco Bay outing moves from classroom to deckhand: an onboard primer on lobstering while the boat steams to the traps, a hands‑on demonstration as a trap is lifted and sorted, then a search for seals on nearby islands—an experience that mixes instruction, marine biology and wildlife viewing in roughly 90 minutes.
THE CATCH
Trap Lifting and Close‑Up Biology
Watch a real lobster trap hauled from the seafloor, opened and sorted; passengers get a close look at lobsters and the other creatures—sea urchins, starfish and crabs—that come up in the catch.
THE WILDLIFE
Seal Spotting on Rocky Ledges
After the traps are pulled, the boat shifts focus to finding seals often seen sunning themselves on nearby ledges, giving passengers photo‑ready, close encounters.
THE STORY
Live Lessons in Lobstering
Captain Jay narrates the local history of lobstering and explains lobster anatomy and how traps function, blending practical demonstration with maritime context.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who should check details before booking.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour is listed at 1.5 hours. Rates: Adult (ages 13+) $85; Child (ages 3–12) $50; Infant (2 & under) free.
Expect a mix of narration, trap‑lifting demonstration and wildlife viewing; the operator provides on‑board interpretation and opportunities to inspect sea life pulled from traps.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs approximately 1.5 hours.
What are the rates?
Adult (ages 13+) $85; Child (ages 3–12) $50; Infant (2 & under) free.
Will I see lobsters and other sea life?
Yes. The captain demonstrates a trap being lifted and passengers can inspect lobsters and other sea life such as sea urchins, starfish and crabs.
Are there opportunities to see seals?
Yes. After the traps are checked, the boat looks for seals often seen basking on ledges, offering close photo opportunities.
Who runs the tour?
The tour is operated by West Wind Lobster Boat Tours and led by Captain Jay McGowen.