Lucky Catch Cruises

Boat tour agency · Portland

Lucky Catch Cruises

Boat tour agency · Portland

2

170 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

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Lucky Catch Cruises by Courtesy Lucky Catch Cruises
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Lucky Catch Cruises by null
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Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null
Lucky Catch Cruises by null

Highlights

Hands-on Maine lobstering tours with lighthouses and seals  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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170 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101 Get directions

luckycatch.com
@luckycatchcruises

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170 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101 Get directions

+1 207 761 0941
luckycatch.com
@luckycatchcruises

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wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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@cntraveler

15 Best Things to Do in Portland, Maine, From Seafood Tours to Island Day Trips | Condé Nast Traveler

"Let the ultra-squeamish stay home; this 90-minute seafaring tour delivers a fun, hands-on understanding about one of New England's most important industries: lobstering. It's a fascinating educational mini-journey into the heart of Maine culture, and an up-close look at where one of the country's most prized foods comes from. Run by a tight-knit company of lobstermen and their friends and crew, these excursions are designed to offer a first-hand glimpse into the daily routine of catching lobster. These guys are the real deal; when not bringing passengers along, they're indeed out there on the waters, hauling in their traps." - Alexandra Hall

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-portland-maine
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Lucky Catch Cruises – Tour Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Zoom out. What’s the big picture here? Gather on Long Wharf in the city's Old Port , and jump on board for some lobstering with your small group. Each of the small company's three vessel takes no more than 20 for comfort. So it's smart to snag tickets in advance, since the boats fill up—particularly in the summer season. Tell us about your fellow tourees. You've got the be willing to get a little wet to make the most of any lobstering experience, and you can't be shy about slimy things, or put off by crustaceans in general. With one or two exceptions, our tourees leaned in to all of the above, embracing the inside (and hands-on) look into the hard work and know-how that goes into being a commercial Maine lobsterman. How are the guides? Run by a tight-knit company of lobstermen and their friends and crew, the excursions are designed to offer a first-hand glimpse into the daily routine of catching lobster. And these guys are the real deal; when not bringing passengers along, they're indeed out there on the waters, still hauling in their traps. On the 90 minute tours, they efficiently and expertly bring guests into their world, patiently and humorously explaining why certain areas bring in a better catch than others, how to check a trap, what their daily routines are, and what the selling process is. Anything you’ll be remembering weeks or months or years from now? Apart from the educational component (which is genuinely fascinating, and carries throughout the tour), what stays with you after the tour is over is the camaraderie. It's palpable among the crew, stays strong even when hard work is being done, and is warmly extended to guests. So by the time you're back on dry land, you've got a better understanding of the kind of attitude that keeps these guys going out there, doing such an iconic and challenging job day after day. So: Who will like this best? Let the ultra-squeamish stay home; this seafaring tour delivers a fun, hands-on understanding about one of New England's most important industries. It's a fascinating educational mini-journey into the heart of Maine culture, and an up-close look at where one of the country's most prized foods comes from." - Alexandra Hall

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/portland/lucky-catch-cruises
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monica watkins

Google
My husband and I went on this tour while we were stopping over in Portland. It was awesome! We had the best time and learned so much about lobstering and Portland. We got to see the beautiful lighthouse and we caught a GIANT lobster! We’re planning a trip back this summer with my family and are planning to book again so they can experience it too!

Shelley Buckwalter

Google
I took this lobstering cruise in September. It was such a great experience! The captain and crew were so friendly taking the time to chat with all of the passengers . They shared a lot of interesting information about lobsters and lobstering throughout the cruise. I loved being able to participate in every step of pulling and preparing lobster traps. At the end of the cruise, I chose I lobster we had pulled from the traps, carried it to the restaurant next door where it was prepared for me all for the most amazing price. It was delicious!

Anthony M

Google
Great tour with good people. The ship is on the smaller side so it's not a crowded tour, you get to learn a lot about lobstering and buy a fresh lobster if you like at the end. You can take it nearby to have it steamed. Wonderful experience that I'd definitely recommend

Ann S

Google
This excursion was worth it especially if you don't know anything about lobsters or the industry, curious, looking for something educational, and a little bit of hands-on experience. The boat left on time and ended just under 90 minutes. There were 3 lobster stops. Saw several herring gulls (seagulls). I got an opportunity to feed them with fish. Also got to hold a lobster with its claws held together. And put a band on the claws. You don't get to actually catch and release the lobster on your own. They'll have you do minor parts of it if you want to. The 2 men leading the tour were friendly and nice.

Destinee G

Google
Such a fun, unique experience! Captain and crew were very personable. We all held lobsters, fed seagulls, and even saw some seals. Everyone got to participate. The views were beautiful. 10/10 recommend!

Sanghee Choi

Google
The Lucky Catch Excursion was an unforgettable experience for our small group of 16. Boarding the lobster boat, we were immediately immersed in the excitement of a real-life lobstering adventure. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, patiently guiding us through each step of the process. From preparing the bait to throwing the lobster traps overboard and even rubber banding the caught lobsters, we were all given the opportunity to participate hands-on. The intimate setting of the small group allowed for plenty of interaction and questions. We learned about the intricacies of lobster fishing, the local ecosystem, and the sustainable practices employed by the crew. While the day was filled with laughter and excitement, the highlight was undoubtedly hauling in the lobster traps and witnessing the catch. It was a thrilling experience that we'll never forget. If you're looking for a unique and educational adventure in Maine, I highly recommend the Lucky Catch Excursion. It's a fantastic way to connect with the local fishing community and appreciate the hard work that goes into bringing fresh lobster to our tables.

Matthew Philips

Google
Can’t recommend them enough! This was likely our favorite activity during our New England road trip. They’re extremely friendly, informative & you can buy your lobster & go right next door to enjoy it. Best fresh lobster in NE!

Tara Wright

Google
Our family came to take the lobstering tour at 11:50am 10/12/24 Great light house photo ops, while learning about and engaging in a hands on lobstering experience My husband and I both enjoyed this as well as our teenager, pre-teen, and little kid.
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Stacey M.

Yelp
Amazing. Stumbled upon this excursion while we only had one afternoon in Portland (passing through). Easy to book online! Even though it rained all day our guide and excursion was INCREDIBLE! Both guides were exceptionally knowledgeable, fun, and friendly! They told us about harbor and Portland history and everything we could imagine about lobsters! We bought 2 onboard and had them for lunch at the restaurant next door! The full circle experience! Rain or shine... DO NOT MISS THIS!
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lauren v.

Yelp
We had an absolute blast on the lobster pull excursion with Lucky Catch Cruises in Portland, Maine! It was such a fun and engaging way to dive into the inside world of lobster catching. The captain and mate (I wish I could remember their names!) were beyond informative and interactive, guiding us through every step of the process. They equipped us with rubber aprons and gloves, which added to the authenticity of the experience. There were about 12 of us on their red lobster boat, and we got to see the whole operation up close. They took us out to their buoys, explained how they assemble the traps, how to size the lobsters, and even let us bait the traps. We each had a turn rubber-banding the claws and pushing a trap back into the water. They also captured some amazing photos of us with the scenic lighthouses in the background. At the end of the tour, they offered freshly caught lobsters for $10 each, and we jumped at the chance. We named ours Ralph and brought him to the Portland Lobster Co dockside restaurant, where they cooked him up perfectly with potatoes and corn on the cob for just $12 more. Ralph was delicious, and the restaurant experience was just as enjoyable. The captain and mate were so grateful that we bought a lobster, which really touched us. The whole experience was just $50 per person and totally worth it.. plus, it was just a quick 5-10 minute walk from the cruise ship. We decided to skip booking with the cruise line because of the overpriced price gouging and booked directly with Lucky, and we're so glad we did. Highly recommend it a million times over!
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Carly M.

Yelp
We went on their sunset lobster bake excursion to peaks island and it was relaxing and informative! We pulled lobster traps and got to hold the lobsters. You can be as involved as you want or not at all which is great for people that just want to observe and listen. After we learned about the lobster regulations. We made our way to Peaks island to go to island lobster company for our lobster bake. It includes a full lobster, corn, potatoes, and steamed clams. If you want to purchase a drink they have a bar just inside. It was really nice to watch the sunset from the island with the view of Portland in the background. The staff is super nice and very knowledgeable about the world of lobsters! It's a great activity to do if you want to learn, eat lobster, and sightsee from the ocean!
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Debbie M.

Yelp
My husband and I went on this tour and had a blast! We participated in baiting and measuring and banding lobsters from the traps. We learned so much about the whole process and had a great time! The folks were so knowledgeable and made the whole evening so much fun. And the scenery was fantastic as well--bonus!!
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Abbigail P.

Yelp
This review is for Lucky Catch Cruises in Portland, Maine. So there was lots of speculation in my family what business do go lobster catching we check out so many of the tour guides until we decided on Lucky Catch Cruises. The people were some of the nicest people I have ever met they made sure everyone on the boat was engaged in all of the activities (e.g pushing the traps in, putting bait in bags, and holding lobster). They took pictures for us as well. They had excellent knowledge of history in the area. The on lady named Erin went out of her way to sit by us and answered all of our questions! We were even able to hold the lobster and learn about them. I definitely recommend this business to anyone visiting the area! This is my review for the Lucky Catch Cruises in Portland, Maine.
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Melissa O.

Yelp
Incredible tour! Very hands on and informative! Our tour guide Jamie, Pat, and Stef were amazing! Questions were answered and we were filled with a ton of knowledge. We bought 2 lobsters to cook. Overall absolutely amazing!

Jojo K.

Yelp
Loved this experience so much. Would recommend to anyone. We took our lobsters, bought a pot and cooked them to make lobster rolls
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Stacy D.

Yelp
We had an amazing experience. This was absolutely the highlight of our trip to Portland. Very informative! We were "lucky" to experience an amazing sunset. The lobster bake was good too!

Allie U.

Yelp
I spent 6 days in Portland and Bar Harbor with my parents and we all agreed that this tour was the highlight of the trip. Our guides were so knowledgeable and nice and made sure that everyone got a chance to participate as much or as little as they liked. We did the lighthouse tour and it was a great way to see the sights while also learning about lobster trapping. We purchased several lobsters and it was much more cost effective than purchasing a whole lobster dinner otherwise. Definitely recommend!
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Sydney D.

Yelp
HIGHLY RECOMMEND Lucky Catch cruises! It was so fun and very informative. We learned so much about lobstering, wildlife, Portland life, and lighthouses along the way. We brought our 18 month old with us and he was even entertained! The crew is fantastic!

Chrissy T.

Yelp
Absolutely outstanding excursion! 5 stars for EVERYTHING!!! Captain and crew were amazing. Had a 4 yr old granddaughter with us and she was included in EVERYTHING!!! Loading bait, launching traps, banding a lobster.... trip of a lifetime. If you are going to Portland Maine.... book this amazing cruise!!!! Thank you for such an educational, informative, hands-on, fun experience!!!!
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Matthew S.

Yelp
A totally worthwhile experience that should be experienced by anybody visiting Maine, specifically in the Portland area. It is a lot of fun, learning a lot about how to lobster and yes, it is an interactive experience. Everybody wears the wetsuit and takes turns taking part in the process. Be ready to get your hands dirty! Depending on the situation, you can also keep the lobster you catch if it reaches a certain length. Unfortunately we did not get to that. But it is really cool to watch and take part in something that has been done for centuries. As our captain said, they are farmers, but farmers of the ocean rather than the land. Speaking of captain, our captain Bryan and his first mate Nora were an absolute hoot and awesome to be with for 90 minutes. They made everybody comfortable and really made it a fun experience. He even took us around some lighthouses, and got to see some wildlife as well, like seals and porpoises. You can also buy a lobster and have nearby restaurant Portland Lobster Company prepare it for you, for an additional fee. I chose not to do this, because I stink at eating lobster. But go ahead if you want to. Five stars from me.
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Victoria W.

Yelp
Going on a lobster fishing boat is a must-try experience when in Maine! For $40 a person, you can learn all about lobster trapping, handle lobsters, and get up close and personal with the sea life! The staff were really friendly and did a good job engaging all of the passengers on the boat. Each boat takes 12-14 passengers at a time so everybody has the chance to participate. You can buy a lobster off the boat for $10 and take it next door to have it cooked and garnished with sides (corn, French fries, slaw) for an additional $12. Well worth it in my opinion! The lobster meal was huge and we ended up splitting one lobster meal between two adults and being completely full at the end. Don't forget to bring cash for a tip at the end for the hard working and friendly crew!
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Sandy D.

Yelp
No question about it, this is the experience to do if you come to Maine! For $40, I chose the Lobstering excursion with views of the Portland Head Light. The group I was in was a great intimate size. As the boat picks up pace to make its way across war forts and lighthouses, the knowledgable Captain Tom was very engaging and provided information to give context to what we were seeing. I wasn't expecting the tour to be so interactive, but the whole excursion felt like a chill adventure. We got to personally bait lobster cages, push them off the boat, and wait to see if we got a lucky catch! Note peak lobster season is around July through December! Now imagine this hands-on education, all while taking in the nice light breeze, seagulls that keep landing on the boat, and the endless surrounding ocean. At the end of the tour, we got to pick and buy lobsters from their tanks on the boat that we enjoyed (courtesy of Tom's how-to eat a lobster video!) at a restaurant nearby. There's nothing like being able to eat what you catch! It's like a reward. This date was so fun and unique, I was sad I did this first thing on my Maine trip as it really set the standards high!
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Edie K.

Yelp
Had an amazing time at Lucky Catch Cruises! The cruise itself was 10/10 and an amazing experience. The guides are well spoken, fun, and informative! They involved all the people on the boat (about 11 of us) and still showed us as much as possible on a foggy day. We even got to meet/feed Jerry, the pet seagull who returns to the boat to get fed peanuts! Keep an eye out for the upcoming children's book that is coming out soon about him! At the end of the cruise, you can also hold one of the lobsters from their tank for a photo op! Best part of the cruise was being able to purchase a lobster from the boat for $10 and going right next door to Portland Lobster Company to get it cooked with corn, coleslaw, and a potato choice, for an additional $12! Eating right on the dock was fun and they offer Maine sodas. Good Things to Know: -There is a spot on the boat to set your things so they do not get wet -They give you aprons to avoid getting wet -Parking near the harbor is not cheap, so try to plan ahead if possible. (We parked in the nearest lot for $40 all day)
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Cole C.

Yelp
This was an exceptional experience. We booked a private tour on their smaller boat for our group of 14. Reservations were simple over the phone and they had availability on the day/time we wanted (booked one week in advance). The price was $450 for the hour and a half private tour. The guides are what really make this tour special. They were so engaging and found ways to keep our kids involved in the process from start to finish. Kids got to set bait, push out the traps, band the lobsters, hold the lobsters, and touch a variety of other sea creatures. They learned the difference between a male and female lobster, how to measure a lobster, and the parameter's for keeping one vs. tossing it back in. The guides were patient with our questions, patient with our kids on board, and really just created a fun, memorable experience for all of us. This was my favorite thing we did in Maine. I recommend without hesitation, book it!
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Bri A.

Yelp
such a fun tour and gray people who run this place I wouldn't book any other cruise, but this one
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Christopher S.

Yelp
As far as tourist activities go in Portland, this is a must if you are a fan of lobster. For $40/person (reserve online) one sets sail for around 2 hours with a group of about 15 other passengers and a crew of 3-4 to set lobster traps and catch them where the crew teaches you to do so while wearing the proper attire (don't wear any nice clothing since things can get dirty while dragging things along the bottom of the ocean). It's educational, hands on, and fun for folks of all ages. One has the option of purchasing a lobster for $12 upon docking and Portland Lobster Company will steam your lobster with cole slaw and fries for a reasonable fee if you wish to enjoy your fresh catch immediately. This is no Deadliest Catch, more like Friendliest Catch! Tip your crew and happy trapping.

Nicole E.

Yelp
Definitely a must do!!! So much fun! The crew was so friendly and informative. The group was small enough so it was easy to participate if you want. We bought the lobsters and had the cooked at the restaurant next door!! So tasty! Amazing experience!! One thing to note- you can buy the experience online but if you want to buy the lobsters or anything at their booth (I bought a tshirt) and tip them it's cash only!
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Lauron T.

Yelp
The Lucky Catch tour/excursion was SO much fun. We had a small group of about 12 people on board and everyone was friendly. And of course, we had our captains Brian and Erin. They were AWESOME. So fun and knowledgeable, they would teach us things without being overbearing or making you feel like you're in school again. We absolutely recommend going out on the water with them, you won't regret it! Plus, you get amazing pictures! Don't forget cash to buy your lobster or to tip them!
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Courtney K.

Yelp
Bottom Line: So much fun for everyone even if you don't catch any lobstahs! My husband and I went out on a 90 minute lobstering tour with Capt. Dave and Tom and it was awesome! I loved it! I enjoyed learning about how to bait lobster traps, how to measure lobsters to see if they are keepers, and how to tell the lady lobsters from the lad lobsters (not technical terms). It was fun to learn about the features of the traps and to see what was in them which included little lobstahs, three species of crabs, a baby eel and seaweed. The crew got everyone involved with baiting traps, cleaning out traps and putting traps overboard. Also, shout out to Lucky Catch for being so awesome with the little kids on board who were also having a fun time. In addition to messing around with lobster traps, we also did a little sightseeing of a Revolutionary War era fort, Civil War era Fort Gorges, several lighthouses and various other sights that Tom pointed out. Kudos to Capt. Dave for idling a bit in front of Portland Head Light while Tom offered to take photos of everyone in front of the iconic lighthouse. I enjoyed chatting with Tom and comparing notes on commercial crabbing in Maryland to commercial lobstering in Maine. We also got to discuss the rich heritage of Bath Iron Works and Maine's maritime history. Fun stuff! My husband and I had a super fun and action packed five-day vacation in Maine and lobstering with Lucky Catch Cruises is absolutely one of our very favorite memories! Here's a shout out to Mainahs working hard so tourists like myself can have a great time in your beautiful state. And here's a shout out to all of the commercial lobstermen and lobsterladies who work so hard on the water to bring fresh and delicious seafood to our tables.

Jordan J.

Yelp
Great time, informational, as hands on as you want to be. Our boat was at capacity and there was still plenty of room. Great for all ages. I would go again!
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Michelle S.

Yelp
Best lobster dinner we had in Portland. Staff is amazing, pleasant, patient and knowledgeable! Parker was working so hard on the island and making the experience even more memorable. Views from the island were amazing. Food was made fresh as we sat and waited (except the chowder but it was delicious and warm). Boat ride was smooth and we learned all about catching lobsters, the size, gender etc. Lori (I type that was her name) did a fantastic job! This is one option I would do again and again along with recommending to everyone.

Sara K.

Yelp
Such a fun experience. Would do it again. The crew was amazing!! We learned so much and was able to be super hands on!
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Travis A.

Yelp
If you're looking for an engaging, sightseeing and lobster catching fun, Lucky Catch Cruises is your go to spot. We had an exciting time and the weather was perfect!
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Jessica B.

Yelp
The lobster cruise with Lucky Catch was the highlight of our Portland trip! At a very reasonable $50/person, you basically get a little cruise, look at the 3 main lighthouses, learn a ton about lobsters/lobster industry/forts/naval history, and get to help with the lobster haul. Incredible deal and super family-friendly as well! Doesn't matter what you wear, they will give you lobster coveralls to protect your clothes and gloves to handle the bait. Stephanie and Dave did a great job as our guides, the lobster hour is about 1.5 hours. They were extremely knowledgeable, patient, and kind and taught us so much about lobster lifespan, male/female sexual dimorphism, fishing methods and regulations. We helped bait the traps, remove old bait, measure the lobsters (part of the process for finding ones big enough to keep), banding the lobsters, and setting the freshly baited traps back out to sea. My dad purchased the largest lobster we caught that day, and we brought it over to Portland Lobster Company and had it steamed and served to us. Doesn't get any fresher than that! Must bring cash for purchasing lobsters and for tip!
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Angela C.

Yelp
What an awesome thing to do in Portland! We really wanted to go lobstering and decided on the private tour, although I think that's all they're offering right now anyway. It was nice not having to be crammed with tons of other people while on a tour. It was much more intimate and hands on. We had to wear our masks while doing anything hands on but while we were just riding around on the boat we could remove them. We learned so much and it was very fun and relaxing. We went past two lighthouses and learned so much history about the area. My daughter absolutely loved lobstering. She liked measuring them and rubber banding their claws. At the end we had the option of purchasing lobsters for $5 each. My husband got one and we took it to the restaurant and had it cooked up. It was delicious. I highly recommend this.
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Ricardo E.

Yelp
Great experience and amazing crew. This was our second time taking this ride and it does not disappoint.
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Jeff K.

Yelp
Fun! Nice ride on the St. Croix, a real, solid lobster boat. Didn't see Quint, but did learn about how lobsters are caught and measured. Pulled traps. Dropped traps. Took home a lobster ... to the restaurant up the pier and ate it!
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Gray R.

Yelp
So much fun! The crew is knowledgeable, safe, and entertaining. Great fun for adults and kids alike. The crew did a great job making sure everyone who wanted to got to participate. Our 13 year old loved being on crab duty. We'll happily recommend Lucky Catch to anyone!

Stacie E.

Yelp
One of the best adventures I've been on, would love to do it again. The crew is great and very knowledgeable. A great inactive tour.

Jessica F.

Yelp
I can not say enough good things about Lucky Catch and the experience we had! The staff were all so kind and so informative. They explained everything and everything was hands on, my son said he felt like a real lobster fisherman. I highly recommend a lobster excursion with Lucky Catch, it's very family friendly, you can even bring a small stroller.
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Chris S.

Yelp
I had a great time on the lobster boat cruising around the harbor. The weather for us was a little bit chilly but still had fun. I was hoping for a little more interaction like grabbing the traps, using the winch, and pulling the lobsters out. But on my trip, all we got to do was put the bait fish in the bag and load the bait bag into the traps. 2 people got to push a trap overboard and that's it. But it still beats sitting on a tour bus listening to history. These guys on the boat also talked about lobsters and lobstering, the rules, what to look for as well as some other harbor sights to see. We also saw a small seal too.
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Nicole P.

Yelp
There's a special place in my heart for companies that show you a good time while educating you AND feeding you. It does not get better than this. They made my friend, a beautiful bachelorette, feel great, they kept us safe, fed us VERY well, and took us on am amazing adventure. This made my first trip to Maine the first of many. Cannot wait to return. *Also, if you're a veggie like me, check out Curbside Comfort for vegan lobster rolls!
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Jeff A.

Yelp
If you come to Portland make sure you take a Lobster excursion with the good folks at Lucky Catch Cruises. Captain Brian and Genna did an outstanding job explaining and showing the ins and outs of lobstering in Casco Bay as well making it fun and educational. If you're going on one lobster cruise make sure it's with these folks
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Tara M.

Yelp
We decided to do the lucky catch cruise Portland Headlight - Lobstering excursion while in Portland, ME. I am so happy we did! The excursion was very fun and interactive. The crew were all very knowledgeable and friendly and kept all of us engaged. This was so much better than whale watches I have been on. Each excursion is about 1.5 hours. Only 14-20 people on the boat. No bathroom! But there is on at the port terminal, stop there before you head out. You can also buy a lobster from the captain to take across the street to have cooked for you. If you go to Portland, this is a definite must do!
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Alison K.

Yelp
Fun activity in Portland! Did not make you feel like a tourist. The crew taught us some things about lobstering and lobsters in general. They show you how they measure the lobsters to decide if it's a keeper. The crew was really friendly and got everyone involved in baiting the traps, resetting the traps, showing the day's catch, allowing people to hold, rubberband, and choose your own lobster right out of the tank for purchase at the end. They give you orange aprons to wear and even have little sizes for kids. They guarantee enough lobsters already on board to purchase if no keepers were caught that day. We got about 5 keepers but caught 10-15 lobsters and crabs the day we went out. The biggest was over 2 pounds. There were also some cute baby ones (thrown back of course). The boat had about 15 people so not too big and didn't feel crowded. A bunch of little kids were on the boat and really enjoyed it as well - they got really involved. The heat wasnt too bad out on the water but don't forget sunscreen and water because there isn't much shade. After we chose our lunch, we literally walked down the pier, lobsters in hand, and around the corner to Portland Lobster Co. to have them cook it and prepare sides for it. Freshest lobster we have ever eaten. See my separate review on that! All in all an awesome experience and a good Portland activity for all ages.
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Brenda H.

Yelp
Captain Brian was sexy as h---! We had so much fun working with the lobster traps. The crew involved all of us
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Mark S.

Yelp
Came all the way from Houston, my fiancé and I had a blast!!!! The captain and tour guide were very educated on the laws and helpful to understand what it is that they do! The guide was in school to become a teacher, forgot his name...but good luck man!! Will recommend!!
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Gatangalie S.

Yelp
I had the opportunity to take a lobster boat cruise/tour with Lucky Catch in July 2020. This was my 1st time taking a tour post quarantine and I was extremely impressed with how they handled the tour. There was a total of 12 people on the tour (3 of them were staff members). Everyone were fairly spaced out from each other in other words adhering to that 6 feet social distance. Everyone had their mask on and their was a well deserved bottle of sanitizer available for our use. The tour booth and the tour boat is located in the Harbour of Old Port. The tour costed about $35. It was for 2.5 hours or so. I'd actually went on the morning tour. As you make your way onto the boat to where the lobster catching begins you'll pass along some beautiful and historical sights such as Fort Gorges, lighthouses (Portland Head Light, Ram lighthouses... ), Casco Bay and much more. The tour guides also gives a few fun facts on theses sites. Our tour was more educational per say as opposed to really catching lobsters. I've learned: - How manage a lobster trap - How to put the bait in the lobster trap - How to tell the difference between a male and female lobster - How to properly measure a lobster The tour was engaging as well where we all on the boat had an opportunity to participate in the learning process. It was definitely both fun and educational. I highly recommend checking out Lucky tour if and when you are in Portland, Maine. I'm guessing they are more active during the warmer months.
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Yelper K.

Yelp
Highly recommend the Lucky Catch. They are located on Long Wharf. It is on Commercial Street next to the DiMillos restaurant. We decided to book this trip the night prior and was lucky that they had 2 openings left. However, in the summer, you may need to plan a week in advance. You can book online or call. In the era of Covid, they have carefully implemented social distancing on the boat. There were a total 12 people on the boat with the captain, Rachel and 10 passengers. The captain seated us in 4 different sections of the boat adhering to social distancing rules. Rachel showed us how to prep the baits for the lobsters. Then to make the trip very interactive each passenger was encouraged to participate. For example, a volunteer would help the captain pull up the lobster trap, dump the leftover fish bait and replenish with a new bait. We made 3 stops. The captain showed us the lobster traps were tied to their distinctive buoys. As we stopped at the first buoy, the captain pulled up the lobster trap. There were crabs in the trap. Capitan and Rachel made the trip very educational and fun. They explained to us how to distinguish between female and male lobsters. The marine rules about releasing female lobster back to the sea. The proper size of the lobster that the fishermen may keep. Rachel and the Captain also showed us 3 light houses and share their rich knowledge of the light houses, architecture and story of the houses on the island with us. I would highly recommend this trip. If you are going in the fall season make sure to dress warmly.

Madeline T.

Yelp
We had a lot of fun on our trip! They made sure everyone got a turn doing each task and we caught 7 lobsters, a ton of crabs, and some ugly ass fish. I did think we were going to do a little more, like pulling the lobster out of the trap ourselves or pulling up the buoy/trap but we still had a ton of fun!
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Trinity N.

Yelp
I reserved the lobstering cruise weeks in advance. Unfortunately, my reservation for a party of 5 was cancelled at the last minute due to morning rain. My reservation was at 1:30pm. By 1pm, the skies cleared up and there was NO rain. Though weather can be unpredictable, it was disappointing that they cancelled our reservations the morning of. We were informed of the cancellation only two hours before our reservation. We were already walking over to check in. If it was actually raining during the time of our scheduled reservation, we would completely understand the need to cancel. My family is only in Portland, Maine for one day because it is a stop for our cruise so we could not reschedule for a different day. My siblings, grandparents, and parents were all looking forward to this day. Lucky Catch Cruises did not cancel the other appointments that day. 2pm and 3:30pm reservations were still able to go lobstering. If my family had booked an appointment just 30 minutes later, we would not have been put in this position. We are extremely disappointed in the way the company handled our situation. Furthermore, the FAQ page on their email mentions that they "rarely are forced to cancel the excursion." They also mention that they operate the cruise "rain or shine." Had my family known that our excursion would be cancelled, we would have booked elsewhere. Given the late notice, our entire trip to Portland was ruined.

Melissa A.

Yelp
Great hands on lobstering trip! The captains and crew are all very knowledgeable about lobstering, local forts, and lighthouses and enjoy sharing their enthusiasm. "Smallish" (14-16 people) groups means everyone gets a chance to bait traps, measure, and band lobsters and push the traps in.
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Melissa M.

Yelp
Our lobster cruise was so fun! Thanks to Cap'n Pat, Cathy, and Brian for their hospitality, knowledge, and entertaining personalities. We are so glad we decided to go!
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Allie S.

Yelp
I had more fun in this tour that I thought I would. I took the Portland Headlight lobstering tour which as the name says takes you close enough to that lighthouse. While it did get us close enough to many of the lighthouses in the area, the whole thing was also a very interactive and educational. There were just max about 14 of us in the boat and they took us to different lobster traps and had us help out with setting up the bait/traps. They made sure everyone participated in some small way from the 2 year old to the retirees. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a fun boat tour in Portland
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Della S.

Yelp
Their website seems a bit outdated and I wasn't sure if my payment would process safely when I made a reservation online, but luckily everything worked out and I was super glad I experienced this! The crew are super friendly and showed us different lighthouses in addition to visiting many lobster traps during the trip. I learned more than I expected about the local history of Portland in addition to lobstering. The crew makes sure to involve everybody on the boat in the process, from measuring the lobsters to attaching rubber bands and even throwing out crabs that crawl into the traps. There was a mix of couples, families, and young children on my boat and everybody enjoyed it. Definitely a very family friendly activity. At the end of the trip you can choose to buy lobsters (2 lobsters for us ended up being $15 total, cash only) which you can take to the Portland Lobster Company to cook for you for another $12 for each lobster. A unique opportunity that anybody who loves lobster should experience!

Melissa S.

Yelp
This was such a fun thing to do! You get to learn how lobstermen work plus lots of sightseeing and photo ops. Views of the port from the water are interesting as well. Crew is super nice and informative. My husband and I really enjoyed the tour. Highly recommend!
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Alex S.

Yelp
Actually a really good time. The internet description makes it seem like tge boats are smaller and less crowded but honestly it was great everyone was included as part of the trip and the activities on the boat. Definitely something that you need to do while in Portland.