Geraldton: Lobster Pot Pull Tour & Take Home Your Catch

Summary

Watch lobster pots pulled at sea near Geraldton and bring home your share

You’ll ride out from Geraldton with a local crew to watch real lobster fishing in action—hauling pots, counting & sizing the catch together. You’ll get hands-on time (if you want), learn a few tricks from seasoned fishers, then head home with fresh-caught lobster in your bag. It’s simple but somehow unforgettable—salt spray on your face and a bit of pride in what you carry back.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of rope against wet deck — that and the faint smell of bait, salty and sharp in the morning air. We met at Eco Wharf just after sunrise, all of us blinking in that pale light you only get by the water. Our skipper, Dave, had this sun-creased grin and didn’t waste time with long speeches. “Ready?” he asked, but we were already climbing aboard Dhu Force before I could second-guess my sea legs.

Out past Geraldton’s breakwater, the wind picked up — not wild, just enough to make my hair stick to my face and remind me I’d forgotten a hat. There’s something about being out there, watching Dave and his mate haul up those heavy lobster pots, that makes you feel both very small and oddly important. The pots came up dripping with seaweed and sometimes a stray crab clinging for dear life (which made us laugh). The lobsters themselves — bright orange-red against the grey deck — looked almost too perfect to touch. When Dave handed me one to check its size, I fumbled it; slick shell, cold as stone. He showed us how to measure properly (“not like that — here, let me show ya”) before tossing back the little ones.

I liked that it wasn’t a showy thing. Just real work, done quick but careful. We counted each catch together — someone kept score on a scrap of cardboard — and there was a quiet pride when we had enough for everyone to take some home. Bottled water got passed around (I’d forgotten how dry sea air makes you), and someone tried to ask about cooking tips; Dave shrugged, said “boil ‘em fresh or chuck ‘em on the barbie.” Simple as that.

On the way back in, I stood at the rail with my bag of lobsters cooling against my knee and thought about how different it felt from anything else I’d done in Western Australia. Not flashy or fancy — just honest work with good people, gulls wheeling overhead and salt drying on your skin. I still think about that view back toward shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Geraldton lobster pot pulling tour

• Depart 8am from Eco Wharf
• Travel on Dhu Force to lobster pots
• Watch crew pull and re-set pots
• Participate in counting and sizing lobsters
• Take home part of the catch

Top questions

What time does the Geraldton Lobster Pot Pull tour start?

The tour departs at 8am from Eco Wharf on Connell Road in Geraldton.

Can I take home lobsters from this tour?

Yes, you’ll take home part of the catch after helping count and size the lobsters.

Is bottled water included on this tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for all guests during the trip.

Are there age restrictions for joining?

The minimum age for participants is 8 years old.

Is this tour suitable for people with health conditions?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.

When does this lobster pot pull run?

This is a seasonal tour operating from 26th November 2025 to 25th January 2026.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Eco Wharf on Connell Road in Geraldton.

Can groups larger than 10 book this experience?

Yes, group bookings greater than 10 people are available by arrangement any day during the season.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Eco Wharf in Geraldton.

What’s included

Your morning includes bottled water onboard as you head out from Geraldton’s Eco Wharf with experienced local crew; you’ll watch (and help) as they pull and re-set twelve lobster pots at sea before returning ashore with your share of freshly caught Western Australian lobster to take home.