Get 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 Island lobster supper aboard the 45-foot fishing boat Top Notch.

Sail out of Charlottetown harbour with Captain Mark Jenkins, a fourth generation Prince Edward Island lobster fisher.   Discover what it’s like to haul a trap or band a claw….take a turn at the wheel and learn about the modern technology used in today’s lobster fishery while  Captain Mark delights you with tales of the early days of the industry when lobster was considered a trash species.

 The journey begins from the dock behind Lobster on the Wharf restaurant and heads out into Charlottetown harbour. 

 Along the way, Captain Mark and his brother Cody will explain the importance of the lobster fishery to the Island economy and talk about the conservation measures being used to protect the stock.  

You will see how GPS technology is used to guide fishers to their traps and they’ll be able to check out the bottom of the harbour using sonar. 

Once they arrive at the first lobster trap, they can help haul the trap from the water and bring it on board.  Those who are brave enough will have the opportunity to reach inside and actually hold a live lobster in their hands.  Captain Mark and Cody will show them how to place a rubber band on the claws and explain how they do it to keep the lobsters from fighting and damaging each other.  They’ll show passengers how to tell the difference between a male and female lobster, explain how they mate and what a “berried” lobster is. 

When they haul the next trap, an amazing discovery will be made….a huge lobster! What an opportunity for a memorable picture to show the folks back home.  Captain Mark will explain why biologists think some lobsters are blue and how uncommon they are.  And when they haul up the crab pot, there could be even more surprises.  There could be almost anything inside…hermit, green or spider crabs along with rock eels, lumpfish, snails and starfish.   

While lobster suppers are a popular tradition on Prince Edward Island, no where else will you find a more magnificent setting than onboard the Top Notch anchored near the mouth of the Charlottetown harbour.  Diners can choose to have their lobster hot or try it cold, the way Islanders enjoy it.  And of course it will include Island potato salad and coleslaw.  Wine and beer will also be available.  On the evening sailing, the sun may just be starting to set as dinner is finishing.

On the voyage back into the harbour, Captain Mark will steam past Governor’s Island to show passengers how the island is teeming with wildlife…..seals and hundreds of sea birds like gulls, great cormorant, common murre, ospreys and maybe even a bald eagle!

Before arriving back at the wharf, anyone wanting to get a photo taken with Captain Mark at the wheel can simply hand their camera to Cody and he’ll be happy to snap a shot to preserve the memories of an incredible experience.

Participants: Maximum 12

Available: Daily (July 1 - Oct 31)    11:00 am – 12:30 pm (no lobster dinner)          $50.00+GST 

                                                  2:00 pm–4:30 pm (includes lobster dinner)     $85.00+GST

                                                                                     5:30 pm–8:00 pm (includes lobster dinner)               $85.00+GST

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I just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time on board the Lobster boat. It was an amazing experience that we will all remember for a very long time.   I hope it has been a success and will continue!   Pam, Rick, Madelyn & Sam Guelph, Ontario

We have just arrived home and thought we should send you a thank you note. We  absolutely loved the Lobster Lover boat trip with Mark and Cody!  We had an incredible time with them.  It was entertaining, funny, educational and yummy.  By far our best lobster dinner while in the Maritimes.  Thanks so very much for organizing everything for us!  We will certainly pass along our experiences with your organization.   Until next time, Val,Kelly & Ashley,  Victoria, BC

 Thanks for the fantastic lobster experience! That was one anniversary I won't soon be forgetting.     Jennifer & Ian, Toronto