Lobster Excursion
90–120 minutes. Haul up to ~10 traps, band claws, and learn the fishery with our crew—hands-on and family-friendly.
Best for: first-timers & families with kids
Season: Jul 1 – Sept 15 (Mon–Fri)•Departure: 4:00 pm
Charters from MacMillan Pier • Provincetown
Haul Your Own Lobster. Dine on the Catch.
Three charter options from $175 per guest. Trap-to-table with raw bar, family-recipe chowder, and harbor sunsets — July through September, 4 PM departures.
1983
Lobstering Since
3
Generations
800
Traps in the Fleet
1–6
Guests per Charter
Provincetown
MacMillan Pier
Experiences
Three charters. Jul 1 – Sept 15, Mon–Fri · 4 PM departures from MacMillan Pier · 1–6 guests · Authentic trap-to-table lobster & raw bar, hosted by our family for yours.
Trap-to-Table Charter
Haul traps then dine aboard our houseboat—raw bar and lobster included with family-recipe chowder, corn, and dessert.
Best for: foodies & special occasions
Season: Jul 1 – Sept 15 (Mon–Fri)•Departure: 4:00 pm
Private Sunset Dinner (Houseboat)
Golden-hour service with seasonal courses, lobster and raw bar included, and harbor views. Perfect for proposals, birthdays, and small celebrations.
Best for: proposals, anniversaries & celebrations
Season: Jul 1 – Sept 15 (Mon–Fri)•
About Us
Three Generations of Cape Cod Lobstermen
Captain Chris Townsend and his wife Heidi lead a Provincetown family business rooted in North Atlantic seamanship and hospitality. Chris began lobstering in 1983, founded Townsend Lobster Company in 1992, and grew from 100 traps to a responsibly managed fleet of about 800 traps in near-shore and federal waters.
Daughters Caitlin and Caroline pitch in on deck and on shore—clamming for our chowder, assisting with hauls, and shaping the brand and social channels that showcase authentic Provincetown lobster charters and trap-to-table experiences.
Our Mission
Sustain the Sea That Sustains Us
We operate authentic Cape Cod lobster charters with traceable trap-to-table seafood—run responsibly to honor Provincetown’s working waterfront and protect North Atlantic stocks for the next generation.
- Sustainable harvests — seasons, sizes, and selective gear.
- Quality control — cold-chain discipline from rail to plate.
- Community & education — real working-waterfront knowledge.
- Safety first — trained crew and modern, USCG-minded procedures.
Our Vessel
F/V Heidi Lyn — 40′ Wayne Beal, Built for the North Atlantic
Sea-kindly, efficient, and built to work. Our custom 40′ Wayne Beal lobster boat (built 2008, acquired 2023) delivers a stable, dry ride and a deck-forward layout that keeps guests close to the action—perfect for authentic trap-to-table charters off Provincetown.
40′ Wayne Beal
Built 2008
Acquired 2023
≈800 traps
Provincetown, MA
Built to Work — and Welcome Guests
Wayne Beal hulls are prized for generous flare and fair running lines, delivering sea-kindly stability, efficient semi-displacement, and deck-friendly workability. The Heidi Lyn’s wide cockpit, sheltered wheelhouse, and hydraulic hauler keep the operation smooth, safe, and photogenic.
- Stable platform for hauling and guest visibility
- Dry ride at low planing speeds in North Atlantic chop
- Clean workflow for hands-on trap-to-table experiences
Our Family
Meet the Townsends
Buy Local Lobsters
41 Highland Rd, North Truro, MA 02652
(508) 237-1797
info@townsendlobster.com
Honor system • Availability varies
Fresh, boat-caught lobster direct from the Townsend family. Availability varies with the catch. Pickup runs on an honor system: it’s self-serve with clear signage. We try to be around to greet first-time visits if we’re home—after that it’s easy grab-and-go.
Tip: If it’s your first time, a quick text helps—otherwise the honor system is open whenever you see the stand set up.
Gallery
Life on the water — hauls, sunsets, and trap-to-table moments.
The Hand That Holds the Line (2025)
The Hand That Holds the Line by Geoff C. Bassett and Kim Roderiques chronicles Cape Cod’s working waterfront—featuring fishing families including the Townsend family—and the heritage, risks, and resilience of the region’s commercial fleet.
How Booking Works
From Inquiry to On the Water in 3 Steps
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1
Send Your Inquiry
Pick your charter, share your dates and group size, and tell us anything we should know. Use the form below or call us directly.
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2
We Confirm + Send Deposit
Within 24 hours we'll confirm availability and send a 50% deposit link to lock your date. Most charters book 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season.
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3
Show Up & Set Sail
Meet us at MacMillan Pier, Provincetown at 4 PM. We handle gear, gloves, food, and stories. You bring layers and an appetite.
Book / Inquire
Tell us your charter, your dates, and how many guests. We'll confirm availability and send a 50% deposit link within 24 hours. Limited 4 PM departures, Jul–Sept only — peak weekends fill 2–4 weeks ahead.
FAQ
Quick answers about charters, dinners, and merch shipping.
When is your season and what time do trips depart?
Season: Jul 1 – Sept 15 (Mon–Fri). Departure: 4:00 pm from MacMillan Pier, Provincetown.
How many guests can you take?
Up to 1–6 guests per charter—small groups so everyone can haul traps and learn the fishery.
What should we bring or wear?
Non-marking shoes, layers (cooler on the water), a hat, and sunscreen. We provide necessary deck gear while hauling.
What’s the deposit and cancellation policy?
Deposit: 50%. Refundable only if we cancel for weather/operations. Client cancellations are case-by-case and typically non-refundable; when possible, we’ll work to reschedule.
Where do we meet?
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA. Open in Google Maps.
Can you accommodate dietary needs on dinner charters?
Yes—tell us in your inquiry. We’ll adapt within reason (e.g., allergies) while keeping the trap-to-table focus.
How do I buy merch without a cart?
Tap Buy Tee in the Shop—your inquiry will prefill. Choose Merchandise / Shipping, include item + size + address, then pay via our Venmo on confirmation. We ship once payment is confirmed.
Can you buy the lobsters caught on the charter?
Yes. Pending the day’s catch and size/season rules, you can purchase your lobsters right from the boat after the trip or via our self-serve honor system described above. Payment is via Venmo; pricing follows current market and size. Just let the crew know on board or note it in your inquiry.
Townsend Lobster Co. Shop
Provincetown Lobster Tee
- Unisex
- M–XXL
- $25
- Gray
- Navy