Frequently Asked Questions
When do the tours run?
We run the Oyster Farm Tours daily all year round (even through winter!!), and several times per day through our busy periods. It is best to check times and availability online so you get up-to-date information on what tours and options are available. Actual live availability can be checked through the ‘Book Online’ link above, or click here.
Do I need to book and how much is the tour?
Yes, bookings are essential, the tours do book out. The tours have limited seating (more limited with COVID density restrictions), so pre-booking will ensure you get to enjoy this unique experience. Holiday periods book out in advance, so if you’re travelling through peak periods, it is best to book when you know the date you’d like to enjoy the tour. The tour costs and details are listed on the ‘About the Tours’ page for you to view. For info on kids, please see further down, ‘can I bring my child/ children on the tour?’ To make a booking click here.
What does the tour involve/ include?
Wearing waterproof waders (supplied as part of the tour), we wade out into the water, and sit at our semi submerged tour deck 'The Salt Water Pavilion' which is located right in a working commercial Oyster farm. While your feet dangle in the water and the salt breeze blows through your hair, you’ll hear from the Oyster Farmer himself (Ben) about how oysters grow, a bit of history of Coffin Bay and Matthew Flinders as well as learn about Oyster farming practices. It is a little bit educational, and a lot of light hearted fun, AND you’ll learn a new skill. We will give you a hands-on shucking lesson, so you can learn to open oysters yourself, and best of all you get to taste the freshest and most famous Coffin Bay Oysters you’ve ever tasted, straight out of the water! A very unique culinary experience and an epicurean adventure!
Choose from the options list to create your memorable experience by adding a bottle of Sparkling, Riesling, Bloody Mary Oyster Shots, and/or Extra Oysters, all to be enjoyed in the water as part of the tour. And for the ultimate seafood indulgence, pre-book a Seafood Platter after the tour at Oyster HQ overlooking our pristine waters of Coffin Bay!
How long is the tour?
The tours are 1.5 hours in length, and the majority of this is in the water.
Can I bring my child/ infant on the tour?
We welcome children & infants on the tour, although we leave it to the parents to make a decision about whether you think your child will be attentive & interested throughout the 1.5 hour tour in the water. Please remember this is a group tour and we like to try and create a memorable experience for everyone on the tour. Children 3 and older are charged at the standard rate, as most kids are curious about wanting to taste/ try an oyster, and also participate in the hands-on shucking lesson.
What should I wear?
As you’ll be putting waders on over the top of your clothing, its best to wear something fitted and comfortable. The waders have built-in boots, so please bring some socks to wear for comfort and hygiene. Dress for the weather, if it is warm, bring a hat, if it is cool, bring a jacket, and in winter a scarf and beanie is a great idea, along with raincoat if the forecast is drizzly. You’re also welcome to bring phones and cameras to capture the moment to share with friends. We have lockers so you can lock up bags/ valuables.
Will I get wet?
The waders are waterproof, and the aim is that you don’t get wet, (unless of course you fall over!). During the tour, you are seated at bench seats and tables, and you can rest your arms on the table, your feet and lower legs will be still in the water. Feel free to pack some spare clothes if you would like to, if you’re worried about getting a little damp.
What if I don’t eat Oysters?
We welcome everyone on the tour, even non oyster lovers, although we will try and convert you to being an Oyster lover! Part of the tour involves a hands-on shucking lesson, and most people, even non oyster lovers/ eaters like to have a go at opening oysters themselves. For this reason we don’t have a non-oyster price for the tours. We find that most non-oyster lovers are accompanied on the tour by Oyster lovers, so for them it is their lucky day, as they get to indulge in your oysters if you don’t want them. We do have a ‘Seafood Deluxe’ option as an add-on for any non oyster (and oyster lovers), which is a small tasting plate of Prawns, Abalone and Mussels to enjoy whilst in the water durning the tour.
Are there any other non Oyster food options on the tour, for non oyster lovers?
We have a ‘Seafood Deluxe’ option as an add-on for any non oyster (and oyster lovers), which is a small tasting plate of Prawns, Abalone and Mussels to enjoy whilst in the water durning the tour. The tours depart and return to Oyster HQ which has a tapas style menu with both seafood and non- seafood options. You are more than welcome to dine at Oyster HQ after the tour, where we have an extensive seafood and non seafood tapas menu. When making a tour booking online, there is an option to book a table at Oyster HQ after the tour, to reserve a table. To see the menu click here
Is the tour suitable for all ages, sizes, and fitness levels?
The tour is suitable for all ages from the very young to the very young at heart! (see below regarding specific information about children & infants). Wading through the water is approximately 50 meters, although there is a shorter water wading option (approx 25 meters) for those who would prefer. It isn’t a race, so we are happy to accommodate those who’d like to wade at a slower pace, or need assistance. Our team can also provide stability for those who would like some help wading through the water. We have waders in all heights for infants, and kids, as well as the very tall, with the largest up to about a US size 14 foot. The waders aren’t all that fashionable or forgiving, and on very rare occasions we are not able to fit some guests into the wader sizes. During the warmer months if you’d like to bring water shoes and wade out in shorts and t-shirt, you are certainly able to take up this option.
Do I need to pre-book my drinks?
If you book drinks and/ or extra oysters as part of your tour booking, they are enjoyed whilst sitting in the water during the tour. All pre-booked drinks are pre-arranged in the water, on ice prior to the tour. You can add drinks/ extra oysters on the day of the tour when you check-in, but we would ask you to arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour start time to allow time for this to be arranged, so that the tour start time isn’t delayed, so others on the tour aren’t impacted.
If I want to book a tour, how/ when do I pay?
We take payment at the time of your booking. If bookings need to be cancelled due to COVID travel restrictions/ border closures it is fully refundable. Bookings can be amended/ changed if there are seats available on the date you wish to change your booking to. You can do this online via the ‘change booking’ button in your confirmation email. If you need to cancel due to other/ personal reasons, bookings can be cancelled with 7 days or more notice with a cancellation fee of $50. If you cancel within 7 days of travel, or if you do not turn up for your booked tour, it is non-refundable, as we have held the seats for your booking.
I booked a tour online, but would now like to change the date?
You receive an email confirmation when booking the tour. If youd like to change the date you can click on the ‘change’ button in the email and change the date of your booked tour.
Can I take my phone or a camera on the tour to take pictures?
Yes of course you can. The waders have a little pocket at the front, where you can place your phone/ camera, or you can hold it in your hand above the water as you wade out. Other valuables (car keys, wallets, purses, bags) are best left on shore so they don’t accidentally get dropped in the water, and we have a locker to lock valuables away, or you can lock in your car.
When are Oysters at their best?
For oyster aficionados who would like to enjoy oysters when they’re at their absolute best and prime condition, it is when the water is cooler so usually anywhere from April to early December.
Is there somewhere close by to have lunch/ snack after the tour?
The tours depart and return from Oyster HQ, our beautiful Oyster & Tapas bar right on the water. When making a tour booking you can select the option to pre-book a table after the tour to enjoy our fabulous and local Eyre Peninsula Seafood, as well as non-seafood tapas, and of course indulge in more oysters. You can see a copy of the menu here
Are the tours cancelled due to rain or bad weather?
We run the tours all year round, although very occasionally we may need to reschedule/ change the time/ cancel due to very bad weather. Mostly this is where it is very windy and this would only be about 5 times per year, so it is very rare. If it is drizzly rain, and no wind, we have covers that we can pull out, but it is also good to bring a raincoat.
How far is Port Lincoln from Coffin Bay?
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled tour start time, so we can check you in, and get you fitted for waders. We suggest you allow 45 minutes travel time from Port Lincoln to Coffin Bay if you’re driving yourself, to ensure you arrive on time for the tour. So it is best to leave Port Lincoln 1 hour in total, prior to tour time, to allow for travel time, and check in time.
Where should I park?
We have an onsite car park at Oyster HQ where the tours depart and return. Please arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to scheduled tour start, so we can check you in and get you fitted for waders and ensure the tour starts on time to benefit all other tour guests. If you’re running late, please ring us to advise.
I’m travelling with a pet, is there anywhere for them to stay whilst I’m on the tour?
Yes we are pet friendly, and you can leave your beloved pet on the deck of Oyster HQ in a shady spot whilst you’re on the tour. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled tour start time, to ensure your furry friend is comfortable prior to the tour starting, and to not impact the other tour guests with a delayed start for the tour.
Ive heard there is a bacteria that has affected Oysters in the past?
Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) is a bacterium which naturally lives in marine, coastal and tidal waters where oysters grow. Vp can grow when the temperature of the oyster is greater than 10C (the current water temperature is around 17C). Reducing and maintaining low temperatures of oysters after harvest is therefore critical to managing Vp levels. Vp infection may be acquired by eating raw or undercooked shellfish where the Vp levels are unusually high. Vp counts can increase to high levels when oysters are out of the water, (occurs naturally through normal growing conditions and tidal movements) however these levels are reduced when the oysters are back under water, and filtering. In November 21, the Dept of Health identified there were several cases of VP contracted through eating oysters from all different growers across Coffin Bay, Streaky Bay, Ceduna, Smokey Bay and Cowell. As a result PIRSA and Dept of Health have instigated improved oyster harvesting and cold chain procedures to protect the industry and consumers. As oyster growers, we have also implemented improved procedures to ensure oysters are maintained at appropriate temperatures, and received audit sign-off by PIRSA to harvest. Tours are running as normal with a tasting of oysters as part of the tour.