Top Notch Charters - Lobster Excursions
Top Notch Charters - Lobster Excursions
Top Notch Charters - Lobster Excursions
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LOBSTER FISHING EXCURSIONSGet up close and personal with a lobster. Smell the salt air, feel the gentle breeze against your face, enjoy the thrill of taking a lobster right out of a trap, and savour the experience of a traditional Prince Edward Island lobster supper aboard the 45-foot fishing boat Top Notch.Aboard, you’ll discover what it’s like to: •haul a trap or band a claw•take a turn at the wheel•learn about the modern technology used in today’s lobster fishery•delight in Captain Mark's tales of the industry’s early days•sail into the Northumberland Strait, past historic Port La Joye/Fort Amherst and scenic Governor’s Island•experience breathtaking views•pass the home of Island sea birds and marine life•savour one of PEI’s true pleasures --- fresh lobster
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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Top Notch Charters - Lobster Excursions
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
861 reviews
Excellent
858
Very good
2
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0
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0
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1
WeDreamOfTravel
New Hampshire878 contributions
Jul 2022
After reading reviews, we signed up for a tour. Windy weather forced cancellation, but luckily Mark could fit us in the next day. From the time Mark and his daughter Sarah greeted us until they bade us good-bye, the experience was SO enjoyable! They explained the lobster fishing industry, its legal ramifications, how lobsters are measured for market, and loads more. It is a far more complex industry than we previously imagined, and Mark and Sarah went out of their way to help us learn about it and the sea life they work with.
There were four children on the tour with their parents. Mark and Sarah invited the children to participate actively in the fishing experience by piloting the boat, raising/lowering the cages, and examining the crabs and lobsters in them. They patiently and clearly spoke at the children's level to ensure they understood and enjoyed their tour. Sometimes a child wasn't supervised adequately by the parents, but Mark was constantly aware of where the kids were and what they were doing. One in particular easily evaded his parents, so Mark put a life preserver on the boy as a precaution. When he had to correct them, he always used a polite, respectful voice, simple words, easy directions, and spoke gently to them. This is a man who cares about all his passengers and their safety, and speaks to everyone like they are truly guests. It was very impressive to see how beautifully he interacted with everyone on the tour.
The tour was in the evening, and it included a lobster dinner. Mark expertly explained how to eat a lobster and offered fabulous tips for getting every delectable morsel of meat from the joints in the legs. We live in New Hampshire, a state with its own lobster industry, but had no idea how US fishing laws differ from those in Canada. Mark detailed the differences and shared some methods Canadian fishermen use to increase annual revenue by offering other catch-and-release fishing excursions while always respecting the animals, the laws, and the other fishermen of his beautiful country. Mark is passionate about what he does, ethical in his ways of doing it, and cognizant of the delicate balance needed to ensure that future generations can also fish for and enjoy the animals they catch.
If you want a great meal, an educational tour, a fascinating experience, and fabulous company, you owe it to yourself to sign up for Mark's tour. Top Notch is appropriately named.
There were four children on the tour with their parents. Mark and Sarah invited the children to participate actively in the fishing experience by piloting the boat, raising/lowering the cages, and examining the crabs and lobsters in them. They patiently and clearly spoke at the children's level to ensure they understood and enjoyed their tour. Sometimes a child wasn't supervised adequately by the parents, but Mark was constantly aware of where the kids were and what they were doing. One in particular easily evaded his parents, so Mark put a life preserver on the boy as a precaution. When he had to correct them, he always used a polite, respectful voice, simple words, easy directions, and spoke gently to them. This is a man who cares about all his passengers and their safety, and speaks to everyone like they are truly guests. It was very impressive to see how beautifully he interacted with everyone on the tour.
The tour was in the evening, and it included a lobster dinner. Mark expertly explained how to eat a lobster and offered fabulous tips for getting every delectable morsel of meat from the joints in the legs. We live in New Hampshire, a state with its own lobster industry, but had no idea how US fishing laws differ from those in Canada. Mark detailed the differences and shared some methods Canadian fishermen use to increase annual revenue by offering other catch-and-release fishing excursions while always respecting the animals, the laws, and the other fishermen of his beautiful country. Mark is passionate about what he does, ethical in his ways of doing it, and cognizant of the delicate balance needed to ensure that future generations can also fish for and enjoy the animals they catch.
If you want a great meal, an educational tour, a fascinating experience, and fabulous company, you owe it to yourself to sign up for Mark's tour. Top Notch is appropriately named.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dakota
14 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Our family (6) went for a lobster supper tour while visiting PEI. From start to finish;
The boat is very nice and well equipped for whatever type of fishing or tour you may do. It has a roof and vinyl roll up sides that can be open or closed depending on weather. Its clean, has tables and chairs, handrails, and washroom. The engine is a little loud, but that just means it has enough juice to do whatever needs doing. Maybe the captain races for pinks in his spare time as well. I’m sure it would win.
The tour was informative and fun. We learnt about crab and lobster, fishing practices, local customs and rules, and any other questions we had. Everyone was given an opportunity to hold the crabs and lobster, bring in or throw out the traps, drive the boat, and take pictures.
The supper was crazy. It was super good! Portions were huge. I felt bad I couldn’t finish. It was all delicious, and well prepared we had two celiac people (gluten allergy) that were accommodated very well. They’re both very sensitive to gluten and didn’t get sick after, so Top Notch did a… TOP NOTCH 🤣😂🥳🤯
All in all it was super worth it. Whether you’re old, young, short, tall, from Manitoba (my condolences), or allergic to shell fish, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the tour, or any other experiences Top Notch has to offer.
They were honestly awesome people and run a great business.
The boat is very nice and well equipped for whatever type of fishing or tour you may do. It has a roof and vinyl roll up sides that can be open or closed depending on weather. Its clean, has tables and chairs, handrails, and washroom. The engine is a little loud, but that just means it has enough juice to do whatever needs doing. Maybe the captain races for pinks in his spare time as well. I’m sure it would win.
The tour was informative and fun. We learnt about crab and lobster, fishing practices, local customs and rules, and any other questions we had. Everyone was given an opportunity to hold the crabs and lobster, bring in or throw out the traps, drive the boat, and take pictures.
The supper was crazy. It was super good! Portions were huge. I felt bad I couldn’t finish. It was all delicious, and well prepared we had two celiac people (gluten allergy) that were accommodated very well. They’re both very sensitive to gluten and didn’t get sick after, so Top Notch did a… TOP NOTCH 🤣😂🥳🤯
All in all it was super worth it. Whether you’re old, young, short, tall, from Manitoba (my condolences), or allergic to shell fish, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the tour, or any other experiences Top Notch has to offer.
They were honestly awesome people and run a great business.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ed_S_2004
Edmonton, Canada170 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
What a great experience. What an educational experience. Captain Larry truly cares about his industry and is a captain of his industry. He takes great pride in sharing with his guests the lobster catch program in PEI, the cycles, expectations and even the quotas.
Want to learn about lobster fishing, want to have a wonderful 2 1/2 hours on a lobster boat? And want to try lobster prepared the PEI way? You will not be disappointed.
Want to learn about lobster fishing, want to have a wonderful 2 1/2 hours on a lobster boat? And want to try lobster prepared the PEI way? You will not be disappointed.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
K_W
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Solo
Highly recommend this tour with Captain Mark and his family. Polite, informative, fun and delicious. He was accommodating with ingredient information for a gluten allergy and was very hospitable. He provides a locals perspective on the lobster industry with great views and delicious lobster.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jesieh2017
Vernon, Canada3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Everything we hoped for. First time visit to the maritimes and were thrilled with Captain Mark, and his deckhand Sarah(daughter). The booking was easy, the location simple, and the experience perfect.
We left on time, and Captain Mark had an informative talk about conservation, the industry, and lobster fishing. After the talk, anyone interested got a turn to drive the boat, pull a few traps aboard, and hold crabs and lobsters… and he had an impressive surprise in the third trap of the trip.
Nothing but great things to say about this trip. Totally worth all five stars.
We left on time, and Captain Mark had an informative talk about conservation, the industry, and lobster fishing. After the talk, anyone interested got a turn to drive the boat, pull a few traps aboard, and hold crabs and lobsters… and he had an impressive surprise in the third trap of the trip.
Nothing but great things to say about this trip. Totally worth all five stars.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John M
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Accommodated our family of 11 first thing Sunday morning after our tour was canceled on Saturday because of bad weather. Mark and his daughter were welcoming and friendly from the first moment. Shared a wealth of knowledge and experiences in an entertaining way from a lifetime of fishing the coastal waters off PEI. And very interactive as well. Everyone enjoyed it. Wouldn't hesitate to book another tour on our next visit.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lianne
Carp, Canada3 contributions
Jul 2019
Our family of five, 2 adults, 3 kiddos (ages 11,9,6) thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon about the boat with Mark and his daughter Sarah. Very informative, an expert in his industry, fantastic with the kids! Kids got to steer the boat, reel in the net, take lots of pictures, hold a live star fish, crab and lobster! And of course try the fresh taste of lobster! This was highly recommended to us by our friends who had done it a few years ago and we are so happy we were able to secure a reservation! It was hot day in July however Marks boat provided some shelter from the sun and we were quite comfortable out on the water. This is a MUST do excursion in PEI in my opinion.
Written April 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John F. C.
Toronto, Canada41 contributions
Aug 2022
This was fun and informative.We took the non-meal morning excursion on a beautiful day. Mark was great and we loved learning about the fishing industry and practices. The only thing that would make it better is if the beer was a bit cheaper!
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Timothy J
Calgary, Canada6 contributions
Aug 2022
What a great experience for the whole family. We choose to do this experience vs. a tour of Charlottetown and were very happy with our choice. The kids were so happy with holding tiny starfish, a crab, and a lobster. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting charlottetown and want to experience a fun time on the water. Mark and Sarah were great hosts and made the experience very informative.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CKinlin
2 contributions
Jul 2022
We booked an excursion for an afternoon ride and lobster meal with my in-laws, husband and son. Mark and his daughter, Sarah put on an amazing experience. We learned tonnes about the fishing industry. They were both incredible with our four year old son, who was keen to take his turn at driving the boat. Beautiful day on the water, would highly recommend this experience for visitors to the island.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
olgabilir
Toronto, Canada
Hi - we (4 adults and 1 child) are planning to be at Prince Edward Island on June 30th and July 1st. I am not sure if you will begin the lobster tours at that time but if so is there a way that we can book in advance? Thanks
Grommitshalf
Edmonton22 contributions
Do the tours run in June? We are hoping to be there between June 21 - 28. Also is there transportation from the hotels? We have not booked a place yet - any suggestions as we won't have a car? Many Thanks for your help.
Mark J
Charlottetown, Canada7 contributions
Hi, thanks for contacting us. Unfortunately I am still fishing lobster commercially until June 30th so we don't start our lobster tours until the first of July.
LaurieM526
North Bay, Canada42 contributions
What is the cost of this Charter?
carruth2016
Lower Saxony, Germany1 contribution
what is the cost
Is there a different charge for children if they do not eat the lobster meal?
Mark J
Charlottetown, Canada7 contributions
Thanks for contacting us. We do offer a BBQ chicken breast for those who do not eat lobster or we can customize a specific meal for special dietary preferences. We would have to know ahead of time for this. If the children are not eating at all then if you could give us a call we will try and accommodate you as best we can. 902-626-6689. Thanks Mark
Jill B
Jacksonville, IL
Do you have a brochure or where can I find details of tours and prices in mid-Sept.?
Mark J
Charlottetown, Canada7 contributions
Hi, Thanks for contacting us. Our lobster tours end on August 31st then we do tuna charters from September until mid October. It will not allow me to post our link or Book pages but our info is all there for you.
Louise Marie T
Trois-Rivieres, Canada
combien peut couter cette belle aventure 4 adultes (excursion bateau)? quelle sont les horaires?il n'y a pas de détails et je voulais en savoir plus . nous ne parlons pas anglais . merci
Louise Marie T
Trois-Rivieres, Canada
combien peut couter cette belle aventure pour 4 adultes ?. je voudrais connaitre aussi les horaires de la journée . nous ne parlons pas anglais , la traduction est- elle possible ?. merci
Mark J
Charlottetown, Canada7 contributions
I am sorry but i can't read or speak French
PinkFloydActuary
Gardiner, MT851 contributions
Can you please recommend where to park before we take the tour?
Mark J
Charlottetown, Canada7 contributions
Yes there is a paid parking lot where we are tied up at 2 Prince Street across from Founders Hall.
Betty P
Largo, FL2 contributions
My group of 4 is docking on the Veendam on July 15 from 9 to 6 and I wondered if one had to reserve ahead of time and the cost of the excursion. Pick up at ship? Lunch excursion available?
Mark J
Charlottetown, Canada7 contributions
Hi, Yes it is a good idea to book ahead we only take 12 people per trip and I only have 6 seats left on that date. We are only a 2 minute walk for the ship. Phone me at 902 626-6689.
Thanks,Patti-Lynn