Boats, bubbly, and a bundle of oysters
Castine Cruises and Tapley Cove Oyster Company team up for a unique culinary adventure
July 21, 2026
By John McClement
Got guests? Family in town? Looking for something different? Fan of oysters? I’ve got the perfect late afternoon activity to keep all entertained while showcasing the beauty of our coast and the intrepid creativity of locals.
Join Captain Zander Parker aboard Lil’ Toot, a 18 passenger tug, as he sets off across the Bagaduce from the Castine town landing to the West Brooksville home of the Tapley Cove Oyster Company and hosts Kristen and Joe Tapley.
‘Lil Toot’ brings oysters enthusiasts across Castine Harbor for a plein air tasting with Tapley Cove Oyster Company. Photos by John McClement.
Parker and his wife Kate Kana, a Rising Tide board member, own and operate Castine Cruises. Lil’ Toot is a real life, chugging version of the 1939 children’s book classic “Little Toot,” and its twenty six feet of cheerful brawn set the tone for the adventure. Fellow passengers turn quickly into new friends.
On a recent afternoon across the harbor and a bit up river, the Tapleys greeted my new friends and I with a glass of Prosecco and an introduction to the fascinating world of oyster farming. The first tiny babies of the season were on view in shallow trays as Joe acquainted us with sustainable oyster farming and regaled us with tales of the eastern oyster, crassostrea virginica. A short saunter uphill led to tables topped with wildflower filled vases, trays of oysters and all the accoutrements–including a blueberry mignonette–necessary for a deep dive into oyster tasting.
Once seated, we tasted two varieties of Maine oysters followed by Tapley Cove oysters. Each is remarkably different and demonstrates what is known to aficionados as “terroir of the sea” or “merroir.” Mer is French for sea. Merroir demonstrates the specific marine environment where the oysters are raised and influences everything from the shell shape to the flavors and textures.
The Tapley Cove oysters are briny and minerally with a clean finish. I consumed my 1/2 dozen oysters sans toppings so the true oyster essence could shine. Oysterlicious! Tapley Cove’s oysters have a distinctly fresh, clean flavor that could be dubbed “merroir Rivoire Bagaduce.” A taste of home when your home happens to be the tidal waters of the Bagaduce.
The environment where the oysters are raised impacts everything from shape to taste. Photos by John McClement.
After the tasting there was time for questions, and then we were asked if we wanted to learn how to shuck. Our skilled teachers demonstrated their favored methods and then we each grabbed an oyster knife and learned a new culinary thrill.
After many thank yous and goodbyes we were back aboard Lil’ Toot.
We made our way toward Castine town landing with a wide swing down to the mouth of the river, giving us great views over Penobscot Bay and the Camden Hills just beyond. The sun sank in the west as if on cue.
Captain Zander spiced up this final part of the journey with a brief history of Castine, including the town’s many famous landmarks and historic homes, as we made our way back to the dock. Back on terra firma by 6:45 p.m., we exchanged fond farewells and phone numbers.
The trip may have ended, but the search for more oysters has only just begun.
Tapley Cove Oyster Tasting Destination Cruises happen on Mondays and Thursdays but don’t delay as many of those summer dates are already fully booked and, as they say in the special event world, “seating is limited!”
For more information, visit castinecruises.com or tapleycoveoyster.com.
Bon voyage et bon appétit!