Rugosa Lobster Tours
Rugosa Lobster Tours
5
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
This is a demonstration of lobster fishing and information about lobster biology, Maine lobster fisheries, commercial aspects of the fishery and last but not least, some local history. Fun for the whole family. The Rugosa is a real wooden lobster boat out on the Gulf of Maine and in terms of information shared by the tour guide, children must be at least 6 years. Very young children can be a distraction to the rest of the guests aboard the boat, enjoying the presentation. THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS, WE WILL BE TAKING ONLY 10 PEOPLE PER TRIP FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING AND WILL USE ALL PRECAUTIONS TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Features animals
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Rugosa Lobster Tours
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(145 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
984 reviews
Excellent
924
Very good
49
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Gary E
1 contribution
Oct 2022
These are such great people who too us on the lobster tour. We came from California to Maine and in 1 hour and 15 minutes we got a sensational informative tour. I have eaten lobster my whole life and now i know what care and “love” the lobsterman put forth everyday.
Gary E
Gary E
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you Gary E! Glad you enjoyed what we had to offer.
Written October 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dan W
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
An amazing day on the water with Captain Bob and John. If you are in the area, this is a must do! They were very knowledgeable, fun, and you caught live lobsters. It’s a small, intimate number on the boat so it’s a very personal touch and the price was very affordable. Definitely hit this up and we know we’ll be seeing Bob and John again when we come back to Maine.
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to review our little tour. Glad you enjoyed!
Capt. Bob
Written July 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cliff M
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Couples
It was a little different than expected, only in a good way. There was a marine biologist on board who explained all about lobster, answered questions and let everyone hold one as she explained everything. They caught over 30 total and released them all.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Great to have you aboard. We are delighted that you enjoyed yourselves!
Written October 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary S
Philadelphia, PA5 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We took this tour on Monday, August 16th with Captain Mark. This was a decent tour but cannot give it five stars because of the following: Captain Mark focuses on the youngest children on the trip and virtually ignored my 12 and 14 year olds. This may also be due to where we were seated. We were sitting under the covered portion and Captain Mark stayed mostly towards the back of the boat. I’m pretty sure we paid the same price so I would expect the same tour. Also, the write up for the tour was misleading as tour did not include tour guests helping to pull up a trap. If you are a kid, you will get to band the lobster. If you are an adult, it’s just a nice boat ride with some cool lobster trivia. I wouldn’t recommend it for the price.
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Mary,
I am so sorry that your trip aboard Rugosa was not up to your expectations. Mark is a very personable and experienced science teacher and lobster stern man and is very good at working with children. I am sorry that we missed your teenagers. Sometimes, it is very difficult to work with everybody equally. Obviously, we missed the target with your party.
As far as the trap hauling issue is concerned, by Maine law, only the lobster license holder is permitted to actually haul his traps. There is also an element of danger in doing this, as it is very easy to get hurt with the gear spinning and the traps coming onboard. I think there is a misinterpretation of the website in that, no where does it say that guests will be able to haul the traps personally. On page two of the website it states," Watch us haul our lobster traps". Now there are many travel publications throughout the country that mention us and I cannot account for what they say about us so there might have been a misstatement there. Anyway, I apologize for a less than stellar experience for you and hope you will give us another chance in the future.
Capt. Bob
Written August 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grayson M
Charlotte, NC27 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Awesome way to get out on the water during a visit to Kennebunkport. The tour focuses on education about all things lobster - biology, how they are caught, regulations, etc. Captain Bob pulled up multiple traps and everyone on the boat was given an opportunity to see the lobster up close. Bands were distributed to those who are prone to sea-sickness, which was a nice precaution. Bonus was getting to see the Bush compound at Walker Point from the water. Would highly recommend this tour!
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so very much. Glad you enjoyed what we have to offer.
Capt. Bob
Written August 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne D
18 contributions
Aug 2021
The Rugosa Lobster Tour was a highlight of our week in Kennebunkport! The first mate was fabulous and brought so much experience and knowledge to the tour. And Captain Bob shared fascinating information about the lobsters' life cycle, why they keep some and throw many back in, and how important sustainability is to the Maine lobster industry. I felt that every biology class in school would love to hear what Captain Bob said about my favorite delicacy! More than worth the ticket price, and we loved getting so close to President Bush's summer home, Walker's Point. The Texas flag was flying so that meant he and his family were in residence. Can't wait to return and bring all the grandkids! Well done!
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you Anne. It was our pleasure to have you aboard. Delighted that you enjoyed what we have to offer.
Capt. Bob
Written August 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul H
2 contributions
Sep 2021
I highly recommend Rugosa Lobster Tours when you are in Kennebunkport. The experience was exceptional and very informative. The captain and 1st mate are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the Lobster Industry. They caught numerous lobsters during our trip and explained how the industry worked, how it was regulated, and why it was important to keep it sustainable. This was a great experience for kids and adults and safety was their #1 concern.
Written October 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your kind words. It was our pleasure to have you aboard.
Capt. Bob
Written October 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SWilliams1962
Tulsa, OK125 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
The experience could not have been better. The Captain made the ride as smooth as possible in choppy conditions and the marine biologist was both personable and knowledgeable and spent extra time engaging the children on board. I would highly recommend this tour. As an added bonus you get to see President Bush’s compound from the water.
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to share some kind words. It was our pleasure to share what we have to offer. Thanks again .
Written July 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kangagrua
montclair6 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Captain Bob and Professor John took us on a great tour: informative, friendly, hassle free, kids were truly engaged (13, 10 and 7) and delighted. Four days later they are still talking about lobster facts and their crustacean boat pets. A really beautiful morning at sea. Highly recommend.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your kind words. It was our pleasure to have you onboard with us.
Capt. Bob
Written July 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellen J
Aurora, Illinois28 contributions
Aug 2022
Our family group consisted of grandparents, parents and kids and all ages rated this lobster tour as a highlight of our visit to Kennebunkport. The tour was informative and interesting and since the group was small, there were multiple opportunities to be hands on. The crew was great with kids. (Children must be at least six to go on this tour.) My granddaughter did not want to have anything to do with a lobster at first but by the end of the trip she was happily volunteering to hold a lobster and toss it back in the ocean. Don't miss it. Highly recommended.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you Ellen J! Glad you enjoyed your time with us and ,who knows, maybe your granddaughter might become a marine scientist some day!
Written August 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Any promotion codes?
Travis Lee
Kennebunk, ME40 contributions
There are currently no promotional codes for Rugosa.
best time of day to go
Travis Lee
Kennebunk, ME40 contributions
I would suggest the morning trip since generally is a little calmer before the afternoon breezes blow. Evening trips can be calm also.
can you interact with the traps and Lobsters or are they hands off?
Travis Lee
Kennebunk, ME40 contributions
You can interact with the lobsters and traps but pulling the traps from the water is only allowed by the license holder/captain.
You can handle and band the lobsters and throw them back at the end of the trip.
Capt. Bob
Richie G
Providence, RI
Can we buy lobsters from you guys? The ones that are caught fresh?
Travis Lee
Kennebunk, ME40 contributions
Unfortunately, we have an educational license and not commercial. So no we cannot sell you the lobster we catch but there are places close by where you can purchase them.
Capt. Bob
How much is this
Travis Lee
Kennebunk, ME40 contributions
It is $35 for Adults and $25 for Children (Kids must be 6 years old).
Check us out online. All the answers are there.
Thanks, Capt. Bob
Hello, I and my family are very interested in the Lobster Tours. Do we need to make an appointment before going there? if so, how can we make an appointment? and is there a limit of age for a kid? My daughter is 2.5 years old. Can she get on the boat?
Roberta M
Kingston, Jamaica4 contributions
Our hotel called ahead to make sure the tour was going out. They normally have 2 tours - morning at 10:30 and afternoon at 2pm if I recall correctly. If the weather is bad they do not go out. We then drove to the Nonantum Hotel where the tour leaves from and there is a computer terminal at the Front Desk, that you use to book and pay for the tickets. We got there about 15 mins before the tour departure time and had no problems. If it’s busy, it may be wise to get the tickets ahead of time. There were no children on our tour and I can’t recall if there was an age limit. It is easy to step on and off the boat. It is wide and flat but I think it’s best that you ask Rugosa directly.
Cathy J
Le Sueur, MN12 contributions
Unfortunately my husband suffers from motion sickness (seeing movement, not so much feeling movement). Is there a lot of movement on the boat?
Roberta M
Kingston, Jamaica4 contributions
It would depend on the weather I guess. The boat is wide and flat but does rock a bit. The captain had motion sickness pressure point wristbands available for those who wanted them.
capeverdeshades
San Diego, CA
Hi, are you similar tour like lucky catch in Portland, can we buy lobsters caught % price? and is there a place nearby that will cook them?
Travis Lee
Kennebunk, ME40 contributions
No. We do not have a commercial license and cannot sell lobsters. We are an educational boat only and all lobsters are returned to the water at end of trip.
Are there months of the year that the tours are not available? We are coming to the area in late September and are planning what we will do to explore the area
Travis Lee
Kennebunk, ME40 contributions
We will be operating until Columbus Day in October.
Dana J
5 contributions
We have a 23lb dog, is she allowed?
Travis Lee
Kennebunk, ME40 contributions
I am sorry. There are no dogs allowed on Rugosa with the exception of a REAL service dog.