Provincetown • Cape Cod
About Us
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
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.
Our Vessel
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.
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.
Our Family
Authentic Provincetown charters, sunset dinners, and our signature trap-to-table lobster & raw bar—hosted by our family for yours.
90–120 minutes. Haul up to ~10 traps, band claws, and learn the fishery with our crew—hands-on and family-friendly.
Haul traps then dine aboard our houseboat—raw bar and lobster included with family-recipe chowder, corn, and dessert.
Golden-hour service with seasonal courses, lobster and raw bar included, and harbor views. Perfect for proposals, birthdays, and small celebrations.
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.
Life on the water — hauls, sunsets, and trap-to-table moments.
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.
Tell us what you’re looking for—charters, trap-to-table dinners, film, or merchandise shipping.
Quick answers about charters, dinners, and merch shipping.
Season: Jul 1 – Sept 15 (Mon–Fri). Departure: 4:00 pm from MacMillan Pier, Provincetown.
Up to 1–6 guests per charter—small groups so everyone can haul traps and learn the fishery.
Non-marking shoes, layers (cooler on the water), a hat, and sunscreen. We provide necessary deck gear while hauling.
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.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA. Open in Google Maps.
Yes—tell us in your inquiry. We’ll adapt within reason (e.g., allergies) while keeping the trap-to-table focus.
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.
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.
