2024 Farm Tours | Book Now!
Come experience all things oyster farming at Island Creek; from the hatchery where we grow our baby oysters, to a boat ride ’round Duxbury Bay where you can shuck until your heart’s content. After all of that, you end up back at our Raw Bar on the water for more oysters, caviar dogs, tins, and drinks with a view. It’s worth the trip! Some people come for the tour and then never leave. You might be next…
Tours will run every Wednesday-Sunday, Starting Friday, May 17th – September 29th with four tours a day: 11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm, 3pm-5pm, 5pm-7pm.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your tour starts where the oysters do: in our hatchery! See how we recreate the ideal conditions for oysters to reproduce, and learn the stages of growing algae (oyster food). Next, you’ll head outside to the nursery (our land-based upweller system) where our team monitors tiny oysters through a period of exponential growth before they are big enough to be planted out in the Bay...your next stop! Our Captain will guide you out on the water aboard the Nathaniel Winsor, our 27-foot Carolina Skiff, for an up-close look at the heart of what we do. We’ll share oyster tales over drinks, toss back some oysters, and soak up the sun. If you’re up for it, we will even teach you to shuck your own. PRO TIP: add caviar! Following the tour, you’ve got a table reserved for your party back on dry land. Eat more oysters and stay for the view. One thing is consistent at Island Creek: nothing stays the same. So, whether you’ve taken a tour before or not, come see firsthand what we’re up to!
BOOK NOW!
FAQs
- Are kids allowed on farm tours?
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Our farm tours are geared towards adults, however kids are certainly welcome!
We are approved by the US Coast Guard to host up to 12 passengers. Since children count as a passenger a ticket will need to be purchased. Please note this also applies to infants. Unfortunately USCG rules are any human counts towards the 12.
Please provide your own a life jacket for any child under the age of 12.
- When do tours run?
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Wednesday - Sunday
May 17th- Sept 29th
11a,1p, 3p, 5p
We have added some additional holiday tours Including 5/29, 7/3, & 9/4.
- What is included?
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A 2-hour tour, beginning in our hatchery, property and via our farm tour boat tour duxbury bay. You will receive a lesson in shucking and a bunch of oysters! After the tour you can join us back on land for some more drinks and fresh oysters.
- Boat is BYOB
- Are private tours available?
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Both Private and individual tickets are available. Upon booking your ticket you can select “Farm Tours” which will bring you to individual tickets for tours. “Private farm tour” - you guessed it, will bring you to private tour availability. Private tours are welcome to bring up to 12 guests. Private tours will not be available once a ticket is purchased for that time slot as we only run one Farm Tour Boat.
- How much does it cost?
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Price per ticket ranges from $110- $160 depending on which day of the week the tour is.
Private tours range from $1,320- $1,920 depending on which day of the week.This price is for up to 12 guests. Special pricing on holiday weekends. Please check our booking calendar for holiday pricing.
- I am running late for my tour - who should I notify?
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We suggest arriving 30 minutes before your tour time, this allows you to find parking and make your way to the check in, as well as allows time to check in with your fBoth Private and individual tickets are available. Upon booking your ticket you can select “Farm Tours” which will bring you to individual tickets for tours. “Private farm tour” - you guessed it, will bring you to private tour availability. Private tours are welcome to bring up to 12 guests. Private tours will not be available once a ticket is purchased for that time slot as we only run one Farm Tour Boat. arm tour guides and meet other tour guests. The tour will start promptly at the top of the hour. Please factor in Cape summer traffic into your travels!
If you are on a private tour we can certainly wait until you arrive, however your tour will still end at the scheduled time.
If you are running late please email Karla- Karla@islandcreekoysters.com or call the number that you receive the day before your tour.
PLEASE NOTE: Our tours run around the tide. That might mean that we start on the boat to assure we can get out on the water. If you are late, the boat will only wait 5 minutes past your scheduled tour time
- Where is the farm?
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401 Washington Street, Duxbury, MA 02332 – Turn into the driveway across from the church, and follow signs on the property for FARM TOURS and PARKING.
- How do I sign up?
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Tours are sold exclusively through our booking partner, Fare Harbor and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Click the “book now,” button above to get started. Tours are available for purchase the first week in April. Email Karla@islandcreekoysters to be added to our email list to be the first to know when they are available!
- Do I get to eat oysters?
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Yes! You will even have the opportunity to learn how to shuck from the best!
- What is your cancellation/reschedule policy?
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Cancellation policy:
Tours are non-refundable.
Transfer policy:
Tours are transferable if you sell them or give them to another party, so long as you contact us to confirm who will be taking your spot and provide their contact information.
Reschedule policy:
You may reschedule your tour with at least 2 weeks’ notice.
Weather cancellations:
We are prepared to offer your tour on land if there is light weather. If there is an issue caused by severe weather, and we are unable to take you out on your selected date, we will discuss alternative options on a case by case basis.
If you have to cancel your tour please reach out to Karla@islandcreekoysters.com to discuss rescheduling.
- Is the tour BYOB?
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Tours are BYOB during the boat portion of the tour only — no exceptions. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage pairing for the ride. PLEASE NOTE: Due to legal constraints, The Raw Bar at the farm is not BYOB, so we ask that if you want to have a drink before or after your boat ride, you purchase one at the bar.
- What should I wear on a farm tour?
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Please be prepared to dress for the weather. When in doubt, bring an extra layer! Wear comfortable shoes that can be worn outdoors, particularly on docks and boats. You will not be getting out of the boat and onto the mudflats, so street shoes are fine. We send an email the day before every tour to check in about weather conditions here in Duxbury expected for your tour day.
- Are you handicap accessible?
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Yes, if you have trouble with mobility, we have handicap ramps and parking available. To make things easiest, we suggest you consider booking a tour at high tide because the ramp to the dock gets steeper as the tide gets lower.
ISLAND CREEK OYSTER FARM
403 Washington St,
Duxbury MA 02332