Sea kayaking in NW Casco Bay: oyster farm & tasting

Paddle to an oyster farm, then taste what you just harvested

Sea kayaking in NW Casco Bay combines a guided paddle to a working oyster farm with an island tasting of oysters you'll shuck yourself, led by a Master Maine Guide. The tour starts with on-land instruction for all skill levels, includes all kayaking gear and a choice of sauces for the oysters, and runs three hours from a launch point in Brunswick. Weather or tidal conditions may shift which of two farms you visit, and the guide takes candid photos along the way.

The Experience

You meet at 8:15am to get fitted for a sea kayak, then learn the basics of paddling on land before carrying your boat down to the water at Mere Point in Brunswick. The group launches together and paddles as one through NW Casco Bay, heading toward either Mere Point Oyster Company or Love Point Oysters depending on weather and tides. Along the way you'll watch for wildlife—sea gulls, cormorants, herons, osprey, bald eagles, and if you're lucky, seals—while your guide points out lobstermen hauling traps and shares the history of the area. The route stays in protected, scenic water, and photo opportunities come constantly.

Once you reach the oyster farm, the guide walks you through how the operation works and explains how oyster farming helps clean the water. Then the group paddles to a nearby island for a break where the real lesson begins: you'll learn to shuck oysters and taste them raw, choosing between plain, citrus, hot sauce, or Alice's Awesome Adventures Maine Blueberry Mignonette Sauce. There's time to explore the shoreline or just sit with the views before paddling back to your starting point, carrying the kayaks up, and debriefing.

Single and double kayaks are available, and all gear—paddle, life jacket and safety equipment—comes with the tour. Your guide is a Master Maine Guide trained to lead people of all ages and fitness levels. The whole experience runs about three hours, though conditions sometimes require adjustments to the starting point or timing; you'll get a text or email if that happens. Bring water and snacks for yourself, wear shoes that stay on your feet, and dress for the weather and water temperature.

What’s included

• Sea kayak (single or double) with paddle, life jacket and safety gear.
• instruction on paddling basics before launch.
• professional Master Maine Guide leading the group.
• fresh oysters on the half shell with sauce choices (plain, citrus, hot sauce, or Maine Blueberry Mignonette).
• time to explore the island shoreline and enjoy the views.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alices Awesome Adventures, LLC.

Is this one for you?The early 8:15am start and three-hour paddle suit travelers who are comfortable on the water and ready to move their own kayak. If you prefer to stay dry or need a slower pace, a motorized boat tour of the same farms would work better.

Traveler reviews

4.78★★★★★★★★★★

36 verified traveler reviews

5 ★33

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What oyster farms might we visit on this kayaking trip?

The tour visits either Mere Point Oyster Company or Love Point Oysters in NW Casco Bay, depending on weather conditions and tides on the day you paddle. Your guide will decide which farm works best for safe paddling.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle in Casco Bay?

No experience is needed. The guide teaches you paddling basics on land before you launch, and the tour is designed for paddlers of all ages and fitness levels. Single and double kayaks are both available.

What wildlife might we see while paddling?

The tour often encounters sea gulls, cormorants, black and mallard ducks, eider ducks, great blue herons, snowy egrets, osprey, and bald eagles. Seals appear occasionally if conditions are right.

How does the oyster tasting work on the island?

After reaching the oyster farm by paddle, the group stops on an island where your guide teaches you how to shuck oysters. You'll taste them raw with your choice of plain, citrus, hot sauce, or Maine Blueberry Mignonette Sauce.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The tour may be cancelled if paddling conditions become unsafe. You'll receive a text or email with notice, and you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

What should I bring and wear for this kayaking trip?

Bring your own water and snacks. Wear shoes that can get wet and stay on your feet, plus a hat, sunglasses, and a windbreaker or synthetic fleece for warmth. Dress for both air and water temperature.