Captain Sponges Magical Oyster Tours
Captain Sponges Magical Oyster Tours
Captain Sponges Magical Oyster Tours
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Captain Sponges magical oyster tours is a unique and authentic oyster farm tour on Pambula lake.Cruise the picturesque natural wonder which is Pambula river estuary aboard our oversized oyster punt. Taste our oysters .. Learn about oyster farming in the area, its' history, modern techniques and biology. Sample the world renowned Pambula Lake Sydney Rock oyster straight from the pristine waters of the lake and have a go at shucking your own after a personal lesson from your oyster farming captain. Set sail downstream to the scenic meandering Pambula river where ancient aboriginal middens dot the steep tree-studded banks whilst White bellied sea eagles circle overhead. Geology of this area is also a feature. Tours run for about an hour and a half Vessel can be chartered privately also... Tours leave from Pambula lake jetty which is located on Landing road approximately 4.5km south of Pambula towards Eden on the Princes highway. Take the Landing road turn on the left (coming from Pambula) and follow signs to "Boat ramp access".Park in the car park and take a short walk down to the lake jetty. Toilets are available in the car park
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5.0
122 reviews
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119
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Amy F
Liverpool, UK6 contributions
Dec 2019
2 hours on a stunning lake being regaled with oyster facts was fantastic. Captain Sponge is an entertaining character who could make the most mundane story an encapsulating tale.
We learnt a huge amount about oysters, farming techniques, the local history and environment. We also chowed down some freshly harvested oysters too!
I would give a word of caution if you have spritely younger ones as two hours in an enclosed space with mainly talking may not appeal to some.
We learnt a huge amount about oysters, farming techniques, the local history and environment. We also chowed down some freshly harvested oysters too!
I would give a word of caution if you have spritely younger ones as two hours in an enclosed space with mainly talking may not appeal to some.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there
Thanks for the review and happy to be of service..remember to buy oysters, eat oysters and repeat
Cheers
Sponge
Written 15 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suzie G
Canberra, Australia27 contributions
Apr 2021
Learn all about the intricacies of growing an oyster just for your pleasurable consumption - Captain Sponge doesn't disappoint, on information, on humour, on hard work nor on quality oysters to enjoy as he takes you on a magical boat ride around his 'farm'. Your next oyster will be consumed with new found respect for what goes into making this little delightful mouthful of magic. Best two hours you'll get touring the pristine waters flowing through national park, while taking a look into this hidden world of farming effort.
Tip of the trip - it's cold on the water as you whiz along in the oyster punt, so take a jacket/wear long pants.
Tip of the trip - it's cold on the water as you whiz along in the oyster punt, so take a jacket/wear long pants.
Written 22 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine O
Bairnsdale, Australia126 contributions
Mar 2022
Captain Scotty provided a great fun 2 hours of knowledge on oysters, subject history & the area in his inimitable laid back style. It was very interesting & we learnt a lot. The weather was perfect & we cruised the lake up to the ocean entrance, learning all the way! Highly recommended.
Written 22 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cassandra
Griffith, Australia29 contributions
July 2021 • Solo
Unfortunately this tour wasn’t operating when we went to book. The online bookings were still working, so we rocked up at our allocated time and waited. When nobody turned up we called the number and were advised tours aren’t currently operating, sponge was incredibly apologetic and still very helpful in pointing us in the direction of where we could find some local fresh oysters, as well as giving us some history and education on oysters (as best he could given the circumstances)
He’s a great bloke and even though we didn’t get to do the whole tour we would still recommend him. You don’t find people like him anymore and given the circumstances we can understand why businesses like this can’t operate.
He’s a great bloke and even though we didn’t get to do the whole tour we would still recommend him. You don’t find people like him anymore and given the circumstances we can understand why businesses like this can’t operate.
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Couples
An excellent, informative and enjoyable tour learning about the life cycle and farming of oysters. Scott our tour guide was lots of fun and very energetic, had endless knowledge and answers to every question asked by the group.
Highly recommend for anyone visiting the area and wanting to learn about oysters. Beautiful scenery, great to taste freshly shucked oysters on the water and also be shown the technique of how to best shuck oysters which we have used since when buying unopened oysters. Also good value for money.
Highly recommend for anyone visiting the area and wanting to learn about oysters. Beautiful scenery, great to taste freshly shucked oysters on the water and also be shown the technique of how to best shuck oysters which we have used since when buying unopened oysters. Also good value for money.
Written 3 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liss217
Newcastle, Australia5 contributions
Jan 2021
Such a fabulous tour!
Sponge was very passionate and knowledgeable about his oyster industry.
Even my 'non oyster eating' husband enjoyed the whole experience.
You also get to see a part of our beautiful country that is not usually accessible to the general public
Sponge was very passionate and knowledgeable about his oyster industry.
Even my 'non oyster eating' husband enjoyed the whole experience.
You also get to see a part of our beautiful country that is not usually accessible to the general public
Written 26 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ebonymaria
Sydney, Australia10 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
What a fabulous morning well spent with Captain Sponge touring his oyster farm leasehold areas in Pambula Lake and Pambula River. I was travelling with my seven and three year old children and we are really enjoyed the experience, giving us entirely new insights into oyster farming systems, processes, technologies and historical practices.
Due to the closure of Pambula Lake to oyster harvests as a result of recent flooding we were not able to sample Pambula Oysters on our tour but Sponge brought some fresh Narooma oysters for us to try. Thankfully on the day of our tour Merimbula Lake reopened and we were able to get our fill down at the west side of Merimbula Lake at the newly opened “Oyster Barn” - an absolutely charming little hole in the wall with the most delicious seafood imaginable, with a chic deck overlooking the oyster farms and mangroves. Sponge recommended the prawn baguette and it’s quite possibly one of the most sublime sandwiches I’ve eaten in my life! It’s not far from the tour location so if you’re in the mood for an early seafood lunch once you finish up, head down to the Oyster Barn without a doubt (though Google Maps didn’t do us any favours - best to not follow their turn off directions once you’re on the Princes Hwy and wait instead until you see the white diamond “Oyster Barn” signage on the side of the road).
All in all this was a fabulous morning out and great value. We learnt so much and Sponge was very engaging, including with the children whom he involved in some aspects of the tour to their great delight. Thanks so much for your hospitality and we will be visiting again soon!
Due to the closure of Pambula Lake to oyster harvests as a result of recent flooding we were not able to sample Pambula Oysters on our tour but Sponge brought some fresh Narooma oysters for us to try. Thankfully on the day of our tour Merimbula Lake reopened and we were able to get our fill down at the west side of Merimbula Lake at the newly opened “Oyster Barn” - an absolutely charming little hole in the wall with the most delicious seafood imaginable, with a chic deck overlooking the oyster farms and mangroves. Sponge recommended the prawn baguette and it’s quite possibly one of the most sublime sandwiches I’ve eaten in my life! It’s not far from the tour location so if you’re in the mood for an early seafood lunch once you finish up, head down to the Oyster Barn without a doubt (though Google Maps didn’t do us any favours - best to not follow their turn off directions once you’re on the Princes Hwy and wait instead until you see the white diamond “Oyster Barn” signage on the side of the road).
All in all this was a fabulous morning out and great value. We learnt so much and Sponge was very engaging, including with the children whom he involved in some aspects of the tour to their great delight. Thanks so much for your hospitality and we will be visiting again soon!
Written 16 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iggy B
Sydney, Australia8 contributions
Sept 2020
Even after seeing all the positive reviews I was so surprised by this tour and Capt Sponge. It was so much fun, he is a great guy with so much knowledge and passion.
We paid for a private tour because it was winter and no one else was around/wanting to do the tour, and i still thought it was money well spent/good value, I am so happy we did it.
Thanks Captain Sponge, it was awesome!
We paid for a private tour because it was winter and no one else was around/wanting to do the tour, and i still thought it was money well spent/good value, I am so happy we did it.
Thanks Captain Sponge, it was awesome!
Written 1 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey ... much thanks for the rap and so glad to be of service.. any day on the water’s a good day I reckon.. although at times the wind can make u feel otherwise
Hope your travels were good ones
All the best
Sponge
Written 3 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rory
57 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
An oyster tour is not something I would normally do. I'll be completely upfront and say how wrong I was. However, this is a lot more than an oyster tour as you also get to understand the ecology of the area and life cycle of the oyster. What really makes the tour even more worthwhile is the humour and mannerisms of Captain Sponge who makes the whole trip entertaining. It's a great trip for the kids as well. Highly recommended to do. Just do it.
Written 7 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny_C_id
4 contributions
Jan 2021
Fantastic way to explore the beautiful South Coast with the family (12 and 10yo). Captain Sponge is a great host sharing his entertaining insights into oyster farming ... not to mention the opportunity to sample wonderful fresh Pambula oysters!
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello I will be arriving on the Noordam cruise ship which is scheduled to dock in Eden on Feb 24 from 0800 to 1500 hrs. But the tour schedule on your website shows you are expecting the Noordam on Feb 25. Which is correct? I would like to take your tour regardless of whether I book through you or through the cruise ship.
Written 3 February 2020
Hi there and many thanks.. it IS the 24th .. it has been entered incorrectly on my website.
My tour is bookable on the ship Depending on the ship there may be a combination tour called “cruise and brews” including oyster tour and a visit to our local micro brewery or my tour alone which is generally called the “Ultimate oyster experience “
Can’t take bookings outside my contractual agreement I’m afraid and hope to see you on our lake enjoying our oysters.
All the best and calm seas to you
Cheers
Brett
Written 3 February 2020
I will be coming in on the cruise ship on 27th September can I book direct through your site as I live in Australia. Could you also provide tour times, pickup and returns (if this is included) as we arrive at 8am and depart 5pm. Thank you for any information you can provide.
Written 13 September 2019
I will be coming in on the cruise ship on 27th September can I book direct through your site as I live in Australia. Could you also provide tour times, pickup and returns (if this is included) as we arrive at 8am and depart 5pm. Thank you for any information you can provide.
Written 13 September 2019
Hi
Thanks for your interest in my oyster Farm tour
I am currently contracted to the cruise ships which come in to the port of Eden and as such my tour is available to be booked aboard.
Depending on the ship there may be a combination tour called “cruise and brews” including oyster tour and a visit to our local micro brewery or my tour alone which is generally called the “Ultimate oyster experience “
Can’t take bookings outside my contractual agreement I’m afraid and hope to see you on our lake enjoying our oysters.
All the best and calm seas to you
Cheers
Brett
Written 14 September 2019
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