Frequently Asked Questions

REFUND AND RESCHEDULING POLICY
All sales are final. No refunds, reissue to gift cards, or rescheduling is permitted unless TRIP PROTECTION is purchased AT THE TIME OF SALE. Any add-ons (including but not limited to food or merchandise) not redeemed during a booked cruise cannot be refunded, exchanged, or applied to a future cruise.

TRIP PROTECTION POLICY
Trip Protection must be purchased at the time of purchase. Trip Protection allows for cancellations or rescheduling (subject to availability) of tickets 12 hours prior to departure time, for any reason. Rugosa Lobster Tours must be notified via email or phone at least 12 hours prior to departure time of any change requests. Ticket-holders may opt to receive a gift card, a refund, or reschedule.
Refunds will be reimbursed for the full amount of each ticket and any unredeemed add-ons, less the Trip Protection and processing fees.
Rescheduling to a less expensive cruise will generate a partial refund. Rescheduling to a more expensive cruise will require an upgrade fee.
Trip Protection is voided and no refunds will be issued if 1) guest(s) arrive and check into the cruise, or 2) guest(s) are no shows without notifying us 12 hours prior to departure time.

CRUISE CANCELLATION POLICY
Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather or minimum passenger count.
Activity usually runs in light rain and moderate weather, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. In the rare situation that the seller must cancel the event prior to departure, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability), receive a gift card, or receive a full refund. “Full refund” will include Trip Protection if it was purchased, additional 3rd party processing fees may not get refunded.

A. Each trip last 1.25 hours

A. A Rugosa trip is a boat ride that starts on the Kennebunk River and then off the Coast of Maine into the Atlantic Ocean. Guests will learn all about lobster biology, how we keep our fisheries healthy and sustainable, the hauling of traps, the licensing of the lobstermen and the business of lobstering. There is also some local history and stories thrown in for good measure as well as recommendations for restaurants and other area activities.

A. The Rugosa departs daily at from the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, ME starting Memorial Day Weekend and running until Columbus Day Weekend. The full schedule can be found on our website.

A. The Rugosa operates always within the parameters that our weather allows. If the sea state is very rough and impossible to leave the river, the trip will be cancelled. If it is pouring heavy rain or thunderstorms in the area, the trip will be cancelled. Many times, although it may be lumpy seas, it is possible to leave the river and fish some lobsters and do our full presentation, but not range as far and wide at sea.

Other times on fair, calm days, we can fish many traps and visit Walker’s Point. So, we give you the best trip we can, depending on what weather we have to work with. Safety and comfort are paramount on the Rugosa. We will notify you via email if a trip has to be cancelled and will do our best to keep you updated on possible cancellations the night before your trip.

A. Adults and Children from 6 to 12 (*under 6 years of age not permitted) are $49. We are permitted a certain number of “souls” on board and every “soul” is equal. The 6:30 Adults-Only cruise when offered is $55 per person.

A. The Rugosa departs from the docks at the Nonantum Resort. Park anywhere in any of the parking lots for free. Then walk behind the hotel, across the lawns to the marina, right there on the river. The boat is at the marina.

95 Ocean
Avenue, Kennebunkport, Maine. See contact us page for directions.

A. The Rugosa is a real lobster boat out on the Atlantic Ocean. The lobster biology and fishing information is comprehensive and complete and therefore very educational. The trip is not designed for, or appropriate for children under 6 years old. Young children can be a distraction or disruption to the rest of the guests enjoying the informative demonstrations and dialog. Therefore children under 6 are not permitted aboard public tours. They are allowed on private charters.

You can book a tour on Rugosa online at: rugosalobstertours.com or call us at 207-468-4095 for additional information or special booking arrangements.

A. Our operating season is from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
 We are often running earlier and later in the season so please call for info.

A. Each trip leaves the dock with a comfortable number of people aboard. 20 passengers is the maximum that we will take for comfort. We can accommodate more passengers on a Private Charter.

A. Most importantly, your camera! Feel free to bring any food or beverage
 with you. We supply complimentary water. On cooler days it’s a good idea to bring an extra layer of clothing.

A. Yes! As you can see in our pictures there is a large canopy top that covers a large portion of the seating area. It’s easy to stay out of the sun if you wish, but for those of you who want to catch some rays, there’s plenty of open air seating.

A. Yes! You can book a private lobster cruise or reserve the boat for special functions. The Rugosa makes for a wonderful cocktail cruise with plenty of deck space to mingle with friends. Private charters can also be booked online.

A. The Rugosa was built in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1963. She is 38’,
mahogany planked on oak frame, and has spent her life as a charter vessel. Originally running fishing trips off Cape Cod, she came to us in 2005, underwent a major restoration and has been operating out of the Kennebunk River since.

A. Unfortunately, we aren’t allowed to keep the lobsters we catch. We have a demonstration license only. We do own Rugosa Fresh Lobster and can deliver lobster to your vacation rental or even your home if you want to take your vacation home with you. If you’d like more information on lobster delivery please email matt@rugosalobstertours.com.