Portland Maine: Old Port Seafood Walking Lunch Tour

4.76

(148 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“You can always tell a lobsterman by their hands,” our guide Tom said, holding his own up for us to see — rough and nicked, but steady. He waved at someone unloading traps down by the wharf and they shouted something back I didn’t quite catch. The air smelled briny, mixed with fried batter from somewhere close. I’d never really thought about how much work goes into a lobster roll before this day trip in Portland, Maine. We started out slow, weaving through the cobblestone streets of Old Port while Tom pointed out old brick warehouses and told us which ones used to be fish markets (some still are, sort of).

I was hungry already when we stopped for our first bite — clam chowder, thick and hot, with that peppery kick you only get up here. Someone spilled a little on their sleeve and laughed it off. Tom kept the stories coming: how the tides shape everything here, why lobsters used to be considered poor man’s food (hard to believe now). When we finally got our lobster rolls — soft buns stuffed with sweet meat and just enough mayo — I tried to eat slow but honestly failed. There was also a surprise seafood snack at one spot (I won’t spoil it), plus cold Maine craft beer for those who wanted it. The group was quiet for a bit after that first bite; I guess we were all just… content.

We wandered past boats bobbing at their moorings and watched a couple of guys haul crates up from the docks. The wind picked up suddenly and someone’s hat nearly blew away — Tom caught it midair like he’d done it before. Dessert was a whoopie pie from a bakery that smelled like cinnamon sugar; I’m not usually big on sweets but this one hit right after all the salt and sea air. If you’re looking for a seafood lovers walking lunch tour in Portland that actually feels local — not just staged for tourists — this is it. Still think about that view of the harbor with my hands sticky from butter.