Coffin Bay: Oyster Farm Tour, Fresh Oysters & Seal Watching

Summary

Wade through Coffin Bay oyster farms taste ocean-fresh oysters spot wild seals

You’ll wade through Coffin Bay’s famous oyster farms with a local guide, taste fresh oysters straight from the sea as you float on a boat, learn about reef restoration projects making a real difference here, and spot wild seals basking on Brother’s Island—all with plenty of time to soak up those salty breezes.

What’s the experience like?

We climbed aboard at the Coffin Bay boat ramp, still shaking off sleep. The water was glassy, with that salty smell you only get this close to the sea. Our guide—Pete, who’s lived here forever—handed out waders and grinned at my clumsy attempt to pull them on. “Don’t worry,” he said, “nobody looks good in these.” We cruised about 16km out, past silent stretches of bush and sand that looked untouched, honestly. The hum of the boat mixed with gulls overhead. I kept peeking over the side for dolphins but no luck today.

Out at the oyster farm, Pete showed us how they grow Pacific oysters right there in Coffin Bay’s clean waters. He let us try shucking one ourselves (it’s harder than it looks—I nearly sent mine flying). The taste was briny and cold, almost sweet somehow. I didn’t expect to like it so much. Someone asked about the Angasi Reef Restoration Project and Pete explained how every shell we ate would help rebuild native reefs—he seemed genuinely proud of that part. There was something nice about knowing lunch could actually do some good.

Back on board, we had a dozen oysters each—just plucked from the sea and opened right in front of us. You could buy local wine or beer too if you wanted (I stuck with water since I’m a lightweight). The sun came out then and everything felt lazy for a while; people just sat back and watched the bay roll by. On the way back toward town we stopped at Brother’s Island where a few seals lounged on rocks, barely moving except to flick their tails. It was quieter than I expected out there—like even the animals were taking it slow. I still think about that first bite of oyster sometimes, how sharp and alive it tasted compared to anything from a supermarket shelf.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coffin Bay oyster farm and seal tour

• Cruise along Coffin Bay coastline
• Visit oyster farms 16 km from town
• Eat fresh oysters on the boat
• Learn oyster farming history and restoration
• Stop at Brother Islands to see seals
• Return to Coffin Bay boat ramp

Top questions

How long is the Coffin Bay oyster farm tour?

The cruise covers about 16km from Coffin Bay township out to the oyster farms and includes stops before returning to the boat ramp.

Are fresh oysters included in the tour?

Yes, each guest gets a dozen freshly plucked Pacific oysters shucked onboard during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Do you see wildlife besides oysters?

Yes, there is usually an opportunity to see herds of seals around Brother's Island during the return trip.

Is wheelchair access available for this tour?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible for guests who need it.

Can I buy drinks during the tour?

You can purchase local beverages such as wine or beer onboard if you wish.

Who leads the Coffin Bay oyster farm tour?

A veteran local oyster farmer guides you through the experience and shares insights about farming and restoration efforts.

What’s included

Your day includes cruising from Coffin Bay township out to working oyster farms with all gear provided for wading in shallow waters; hands-on learning from a local guide; tasting one dozen Pacific oysters freshly shucked onboard; optional local drinks available for purchase; plus sightseeing at Brother's Island to watch wild seals before returning to shore.