Frequently asked questions.

When are you open?

Our current hours can always be found on our “Contact” page. We have extended hours during the summer months, and a lighter schedule in the fall.

We are currently open Thursday through Saturday 12-8, and Sunday 12-7. We are closed Monday through Wednesday.

What do you offer at your shop?

At our shop on the wharf at Gamage Shipyard, we have our oysters for sale. You can choose to have them shucked to order, shuck your own in house, or take them to go. Whether shucked or whole, all eat-in oysters are served on ice with lemon— cocktail, Tabasco, and mignonette available to add. The oysters are the main-event, but we also have a new selection of cured meats, cheese, crackers, olives, and jams for you to build your open picnic board to be enjoyed in house or take it to go for a day on the water. And, of course, a selection of Carlisle merch!

Do I need to know how to shuck oysters to visit?

No, you don’t need to know how to shuck — you can choose to have your oysters shucked to order. If you’d like to shuck your own, we provide you with everything you need and a lesson too!

Where are your oysters grown?

Carlisle Oysters are grown at our small oyster farm just south of Carlisle Island in the Damariscotta River. Check out our homepage for a map showing where Carlisle Island is located – just a few miles from our shop in South Bristol.

What kind of oysters do you grow?

We grow Crassostrea virginica, also referred to as Eastern or American oysters.

What size are your oysters?

We typically do what’s called a “plus” grade. Meaning our market oysters are all 2.75” or larger. Not every oyster you get will be graded to be exactly the same size, we offer a bit of a mix with the smallest being 2.75”

Can I buy in bulk?

Yes, with a few days notice we happily accommodate bulk orders. Availability and pricing depends on quantities desired. Please reach out to jennifer@carlisleislandseafood.com to get information or to put in an order.

Can I get your oysters anywhere else?

Nope! In past years, we’ve moved oysters through wholesalers and restaurants–but these days, we are 100% direct to consumer and we like it that way.

I want to get oysters to takeaway. How long will they keep?

When you’re getting oysters from us, you’re getting them very fresh, which means they will keep for a little while. Typically, the sooner you eat them the better they’ll be. However, stored properly they can last a week to ten days in the fridge. The best way to store oysters is in the fridge in a bowl or on a tray cup side down and covered with a damp cloth. When ready to enjoy, it’s best to serve them over ice.