Welcome! The 2024 season will run June 15-Sept 10.
Let’s Go Lobstering!
Check out the video on West Wind Lobster Tours by the Maine Office of Tourism!
To make a reservation, use the online booking tool on this page, call 207-939-5481, or email us at westwindlobstertours@gmail.com
Join us on gorgeous Casco Bay for a Lobster Harvesting Tour you won’t forget! During the first part of the two hour tour, Captain Jay McGowen will explain the history of lobstering as he navigates toward his traps. Then he will demonstrate how a trap is lifted from the ocean floor and opened to collect the lobsters inside. The basic anatomy of the lobster is next, along with how the trap works. You’ll be able to get a close look at the sea life that comes up in the trap, which may include sea urchins, starfish, and crabs.
Once the traps have been pulled, we’ll change gears and look for seals. Often we find them basking in the sun on some ledges off of a larger island. We can get pretty close, so you’ll be able to take great pictures!
While the Let’s Go Lobstering Tour is the tour we run most often, there are two additional private charter options on our Rates and Tours page.
Pickup location
Pickup is at the dock near Cook’s Lobster and Ale House, 64 Garrison Cove Road, Bailey Island, ME
Directions: From Route 1 take the Cook’s Corner exit to Route 24. Follow Route 24 for about 13 miles until you go over the bridge to Bailey Island. At the top of the hill take a right onto Garrison Cove Road. Follow the road down to Cook’s Lobster and Ale House. Park in the parking lot, head down on the wharf, take a left right at the red building, which leads to a ramp to the north floats.
The Captain will arrive with the boat just before your tour, so please don’t be concerned if it is not sitting at the dock waiting. Captain Jay typically wears a navy blue West Wind Lobster Tours t-shirt (for sale on the boat, $15!) or a khaki buttondown, and the boat is bright red.
Sometimes Captain Jay is unreachable when he is preparing the boat–please call 321-213-1146 with concerns, if you don’t reach him, call or text 207-939-5481.
