The Damariscotta Region is to oysters what Napa is to wine; its name becoming synonymous with its product. And rightfully so. Smokey McKeen founded Pemaquid Oyster Company on the Damariscotta River in 1986, he was the area’s pioneer oyster farm. Pemaquid Oyster now raises over a million oysters each year that are shipped around the world.
Oysters have been consumed in the Damariscotta Region for over 2000 years, starting with the Native Americans. Ancient middens or oyster shell piles can still be seen on the river. The river is a clean, cold 15-mile corridor of shifting currents and tides. The mixing of fresh and salt water creates a perfect environment for nutrients and oyster growing conditions. All of which deliver some of the world’s tastiest oysters.
Plan an oyster tour and tasting trip while visiting the Pemaquid Peninsula. We have put together an oyster trail that you can follow. It contains information about some of the notable activities, tastings and tours.
Are you ready to kick off your Maine oyster adventure? Check out the Trail we put together compliments of maineoystertrail.com, note you will need to enter our address as your starting point 3063 Bristol Road, New Harbor, ME 04554: Your Trail
Here’s the itinerary:
Tours depart from: 40 Main St, Damariscotta, ME 04543
Open: May-October
Tour schedule: We have a schedule on our website, and we offer private tours as well.
How to Book:
Contact us via phone or our website to book an oyster tour.
Max # of passengers: 49
About:
Welcome to the Oyster Capital of Maine! Discover the Damariscotta River during our daily narrated Oyster Farms & Seal Watching Tour or take the popular Oyster and Wine Tasting Cruise (Wednesday & Saturday evenings) and learn from experts about how to pair the sumptuous oysters with wine as you cruise past all 8 farms. All fresh shucked Damariscotta River oysters and cocktails are available onboard.
Other instructions:
Parking is free for 3 hrs. in the Damariscotta Municipal Parking Lot
- Blackstone Point Oyster Co. | 207-682-0129 | email
Pick up oysters: 68 Main St. Newcastle ME, 04553
How to Book:
Contact Blackstone Point Oyster Co. over the phone to arrange a pickup at the Shuck Station (68 Main St. Newcastle ME, 04553) during normal operating hours mid-May to mid-October. You may also pick up oysters on location at the Shuck Station without ordering ahead. They also offer shucking lessons. For farm tours, contact them via email or phone to book. They can bring up to six passengers at a time, mid-May to mid-October.
Pick up oysters: 637 River Road, Edgecomb, ME, 04556
How to Book:
We are open 7 days a week from 11AM-5PM, May 7th-October 30th. Oysters are available for purchase first come, first serve at the window.
Tours are bookable through our website here. We will be offering them every day through August, multiple times a day. The tour schedule will adjust going into the fall, as well as for various events. Folks are encouraged to go to our website to see when our tours are offered. Booking ahead is highly recommended.
About:
The Farm Store at Glidden Point Oyster Farms is a shuck-your-own stop with beer, wine, and other local goods. Located on the Damariscotta River, our property offers guests an immersive experience through our personable service and tours. In addition to the oyster, we personally farm, we offer a variety of Maine oysters with our rotating selection. Come try them all!
Tours depart from: various locations depending upon the tour, see the website for details.
Open: June-September
How to Book:
We have a regular weekly schedule on our website. Customers must book in advance via phone or our website.
Max # of passengers: 12
About:
Midcoast Kayak offers tours and rentals in the Midcoast region. We offer several guided Oyster Tours scheduled every week through the summer season. Guests have an opportunity to see Damariscotta River oyster farms up close and shuck and taste chilled oysters at the end of the paddle.
Pick up oysters: 707 River Road, Edgecomb, ME, 04556
How to Book:
To purchase oysters, contact Scully Sea Products via phone or their website, or pick up on location at 707 River Road, Edgecomb, ME, 04556 (no pre-order required). Oysters are available from April-December, 7 days/week with no appointment necessary.
About:
Founded by one of the original pioneers of Maine oyster aquaculture, Barbara Scully has been growing oysters along the Damariscotta River for over 30 years. Scully’s Oyster & Lobster Market offers several local varieties of sea farm fresh oysters, littlenecks, steamers, & lobsters as well as shucking tools, gifts, sauces, & frozen prepared foods.
Location: 68 Main St. Newcastle me 04553
Open: Mid-May to Mid-October
Outdoor dining: Yes
Reservations: They don’t take reservations (first come, first served)
About:
The Shuck Station Raw Bar is located on Main Street in Newcastle and is a full-service restaurant that offers 8-12 oyster varieties and specializes on oyster education along with fresh local seafood, beer, wine, and spirits.
More info:
They also offer retail oysters to bring home at our location
View your trip route via Google Maps: Your Route
Don’t forget! You still need to book your experiences, please reach out to the above places that require advanced booking (farms and tour operators require you to contact ahead) and have a shuckin’ good time!
Complete your Oyster Adventure by finishing your day at The Bradley Inn Restaurant with oysters on the half shell, a glass of crisp white wine, followed by a great dinner and a night’s rest in one of our inviting guest rooms!
