Cabbage Island Clambakes, Enjoy a Boat Ride to a Feast of Lobsters, Clams and More!
Written: Jan 10 '05
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Pros: It is a unique dining opportunity.
Cons: Fills up fast. You must reserve early. That's difficult when predicated on the local weather.
The Bottom Line: This is an outdoor clambake on an island that you get to by boat. It's a place we go to often to set the mood for our Maine trip.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Cabbage Island Clambakes |
One time was not enough for my family to have this special lobster dinner that comes with clams, corn on the cob and more. We have gone at least four times when we stay in Boothbay Harbor as a stop on our way up to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
A Boat Ride
The only way to have this dinner is by getting to Cabbage Island and the only way to Cabbage Island is by taking the Argo there. This boat is on pier 6 at Fisherman's Wharf in Boothbay Harbor. Reservations are a must as this very popular rustic dinner gets booked early. I recommend making reservations at least one day earlier. It's also important to get to the dock in Boothbay Harbor well ahead of time. There are plenty of people on a waiting list hoping you do not show up and your ticket will be given away at fifteen minutes before departure. We were on that waiting list one year and there are sometimes a few cancellations, but don't count on it. Many people know about this Maine tradition that has pretty much run every year since 1956.
The boat is a two decker that holds everyone comfortably. During the the ride to the 5 1/2 acre island you'll hear dialog from the captain who points out lighthouses, aquatic sea life like seals and you'll probably see ospreys flying above and porpoises swimming in the water. You pass a number of scenic islands on the thirty-forty five minute trip to Cabbage Island. These are protected waters and the ride is easy and comfortable. This seasick prone guy has NEVER had that kind of problem on this boat ride.
The prices from their web site are now as such
Clambake $28.25
Tax $2.00
Boat $14.70
Total $44.95
If I recall they did nor take credit cards when we have been there. This and other questions can be answered by calling ahead.
Though there are other time schedules the most popular is the 12:30PM-4:30PM time slot. Again, call for particulars.
Arrival
As the boat nears the island, those who want particular spots make their way toward the front of the boat. The fact is there are many picnic tables and benches with scenic views to find. The ships mate will help you off the boat and you'll be greeted by members of the island staff.
Everyone has a choice of one of the many tables scattered around the one side of the island or perhaps you would like to eat indoors in a large roofed and protected area out of the elements that the main dining room offers.
We happen to like the outside tables that are fairly close to the clambake cooking area and also have fine views of the nearby islands and bays.
Once we pick a table we are greeted by one of the waitstaff who take drink orders of coffee, iced tea, or lemonade. They bring over bowls of new England fish chowder and napkins.
At a certain point, not too long after getting settled we are told that the lobster and clam feast is ready. Everybody gets on line with their tickets that were given at dockside in Boothbay Harbor and make their way down to the cooking area that has a hot coal bed with layers of seaweed that encase the food being cooked. When you arrive at the island you can see the smoke and smell the aromas.
As you get to the serving area you move down the line, that moves rather quickly, with a plate that has two lobsters, a bunch of steamer clams that are wrapped in foil, corn on the cob, a nice soft cooked onion, and a Maine potatoes. I remember they used to include a hard boiled egg that we were told was a kind of timer alerting the cooks the lobsters were ready. Maybe that was just a tale they used to tell us. I didn't notice it on their menu any longer.
Believe me, you are carrying a huge plate that is totally full. You make your way back to your table and enjoy the feast. The waitstaff keeps coming to the table bringing napkins and any other needs like more drinks as everyone devours the hefty meal at hand.
After your plates are cleared the waitstaff brings blueberry cake.
For those who would like, there is a bar that can mix most cocktails for an additional charge.
Relax, Explore, or Play
After the feast you are free to just relax where you are or possibly get a chance at the hammock nearby. Many people chose this as a time to wander around the small island and see what around the next crop of rocks. There are fine views from all points of the island.
A badminton court is set up where people take turns playing a few rounds. Others play a game of horse shoes. The equipment is there.
The games are not on smooth surfaces. This is a rustic island outside of the building that can seat visitors and also has restrooms. Those restrooms do get busy after dinner and before the boat trip back. It's the usual woman's line a mile long and the men's very short. The last few times there the woman have used the men's room once that line diminished.
A small gift shop is also in the building. After a period of time everyone is called back to the boat for a relaxing ride back to the dock in Boothbay Harbor.
Closing remarks
The boat ride is relaxing and a bit shorter on the way back. It's a very safe ride and most people should be able to get on and off the boat with the help of the mates pretty easily. I do not know of handicap access, again call.
Th island itself has a few buildings and some nice landscaping around it. It is otherwise a natural island with no paved paths and the like.
Th dining building, if you decide to eat inside, is finished with paneling and is attractive. Arrangement can be made for weddings and other social functions too.
The food is a feast if you happen to like lobster and clams and the other fixin's that come with it. My family loves it and all chow down. Everyone gets the two lobsters plus everything else. If you call ahead, I believe arrangements can be made for chicken. Just a reminder, gratuities are not included and though you go on line and pick up your own lobster dish, the waitstaff does do a lot of other running around constantly clearing shells from your table and being sure all your needs are taken care of. They have always been friendly and helpful.
I like the feel of the place and the whole atmosphere of being on a private island with just those who came over with you. We have gone with the family many times and usually as group of about six. I'm really not sure how many come over on the boat, perhaps a hundred but the tables are quite scattered and we have never had the feeling of big crowds. We all enjoy our time there. I must say that we have always been fortunate to have had wonderful weather when we went in the months of July or August.
This happens to be our year of returning to Maine again. It's one we have taken pretty much every other year for the past thirty years. This July we once again plan to make a stop at Boothbay Harbor for the boat ride to the Cabbage Island Clambake. It's a one of a kind experience that shows Maine at its best.
Boothbay Harbor
The Rocktide Inn, Boothbay Harbor
Coastal Maine, One man's view
Bar Harbor, Maine
Acadia National Park
A Canadian side trip from Maine's Acadia National Park
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Best Suited For: Kids and Families
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