Help Haul Lobster Traps Off Plymouth, Then Hold the Catch
A harbor cruise past Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II to real lobster traps, where every animal goes back into the sea.
Most of Plymouth's history sits on shore. This trip spends its 75 minutes on the water just past it, at a string of real lobster traps. Volunteers from the benches help the crew haul one up, and the crew passes around whatever came up with it: lobsters, crabs, snails, the odd fish.
Nothing comes home with you. Every animal goes back into the sea. A guest wrote in July 2026: "Loved the interaction with the young boys and engaging their 'help' pulling up the trap and handling the critters."
The listing charges USD 55 for each adult or child aged 2 and up, and USD 22 for infants under 2. Every booking needs at least one adult. Confirmation is instant, and a mobile or paper ticket works at check-in.
Lobstering Eco TourA 75-minute cruise from Town Wharf in Plymouth that hauls real lobster traps, then returns every animal to the sea.www.viator.comWhat Comes Up With the Trap
The traps sit about 10 minutes from the wharf, and the boat stays with them for about 50. That leaves most of the trip for the haul and the show-and-tell that follows, with crabs and snails turning up alongside the lobsters.
A guest wrote in June 2025 that the guide talked about "the placement of traps, lobster sizes, male v female and lots more." Another, writing in October 2025: "Even caught a glimpse of a seal!" Treat that one as luck.
Past the Rock and the Mayflower II
On the way out, the boat passes Plymouth Rock, then the Mayflower II at the state pier, with facts from the crew about each and a photo op at the ship. Neither is a stop.
The cruise stays inside Plymouth Harbor and Plymouth Bay, which the operator calls protected and calm, and it says seasickness is rare on its trips. Its tour page does not recommend this one for anyone prone to seasickness. Bring layers. The operator notes it is usually cooler on the water than on land.
A Family Boat Company on Town Wharf
Plymouth Cruises describes itself as family-owned and veteran-led, and says it has been running trips on Plymouth Harbor for more than 30 years. Its crew page lists Noah Petit as director and captain, with a USCG captain's license.
The crew gives a safety orientation before leaving the dock. Life jackets are stored on board for emergencies, and the operator says passengers on its USCG-certified vessel do not have to wear them. There are two restrooms on board.
Timing the Trip and Getting Aboard
When this page was checked on October 9, 2026, the last bookable departures of the year were Saturday, October 10, at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, and no 2027 dates were open yet.
- The operator asks guests to arrive 30 minutes before departure. The boat leaves at the scheduled time.
- Strollers stay on the dock next to the ticket booth. The operator cites limited space on board.
- Boarding means a few steps and a ramp. The boat takes a standard, non-motorized wheelchair up to 30 inches wide, and the operator asks wheelchair users to call ahead. Its tour page does not recommend the trip for anyone with severe mobility limitations.
- No outside alcohol is allowed on board. Bottled water and soda are not included; plastic water bottles are welcome, glass and metal are not.
- The operator sails rain or shine and cancels only for severe weather.
- Sales are final on the listing, with no refund for cancellations. The listing also flags that a trip can be called off for bad weather or too few travelers.
- Crew photos and videos taken on board may appear on the operator's social media or website.
📍 Check in at the Plymouth Cruises booth on Town Wharf, directly across from Wood's Seafood. The boat returns to the same spot. There are seafood restaurants close by, and the operator mentions a local fish market that can ship lobsters home.