Trip OverviewPenn Cove Crab & sail
Push off from the Captain Whidbey Inn dock and settle into a full-day Pacific Northwest immersion, doing what people have done in these waters for hundreds of years, catching crab, cooking them over an open fire, and gathering together a stone’s throw from where the food was harvested. As the wind fills our sails and passing the Coupeville Pier and Long Point, we make our way toward a sheltered anchorage where lunch is gathered just a stone’s throw from the waters the ingredients were harvested from.
Along the way, guests help pull pots and learn the techniques of crabbing from the stability of our trimaran before coming ashore to prepare and share a meal featuring the day’s catch.
Throughout the journey, Captain Paul interprets the geology, marine life, and history of these home waters, offering a deeper connection to the landscape and the experience of exploring it together.
7 Hour Sailing Times (only available for a limited time in July):
10:00 am- 5:00 pm
Private all-inclusive charter 1–4 passengers: $1,400 + tax + tip
Sailing itinerary
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Meet at The Captain Whidbey Inn
We will meet at the Captain Whidbey Inn at 1030am. You’re welcome to use the restroom before joining us on the dock to check in.
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Tour the mussel farms
Our first course takes us toward the mussel farms, sailing past seals and herons while learning about the history of shellfish farming in the nutrient-rich waters of Penn Cove.
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Dock at the Coupeville Pier
After about an hour and a half of exploring by sail, we’ll stop at the Coupeville Pier to stretch our legs, use the restroom, and learn about this charming town before setting sail to our lunch anchorage.
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Explore Penn Cove
After our stop at the pier, we set sail across Penn Cove to check our crab pots and gather the fresh Dungeness crab for our lunch.
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Pulling crab pots
Learn how to pull pots and clean crab after hauling in your catch before heading to shore for our afternoon feast.
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Lunch on the beach
After the morning’s work, we’ll head ashore for a seaside lunch featuring crab and seafood caught just off the beach, sharing the flavours of the region in good company.
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Sail up home to the Captain Whidbey Inn
As the day comes to a close, we’ll enjoy the afternoon winds as we sail Windy back up the bay and return to the dock by 530pm
Thank you so much, Paul. We had a wonderful time. I love seeing your passion for your home, and thank you for sharing it with us. Our trip was a fantastic addition to our anniversary on Whidbey Island.
- Hannah
General Information
How do we reserve our trip?
Contact us by email with your preferred listed date, and reserve your trip with a 50% nonrefundable deposit by credit card.
What is included in the all-inclusive trip price?
Two rounds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, lunch, snacks, and photographic coverage of your trip by Captain Paul.
What’s not included in the trip price?
All onshore expenses, gratuity, and transportation to and from the boat.
Can we request a custom itinerary?
Yes, within the time and area of our charter. If you’d like to create a journey elsewhere, please let us know.
What are the guest requirements?
Guests must be comfortable on boats with prior expirience, able to swim, willing to wear a provided life jacket, and meet a per-person weight limit of 250 lbs, with a maximum total of 850 lbs for up to four guests.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions & preferences?
With advance notice, we’re happy to accommodate when possible. Just include any details in your email.
What is your age limitation?
Our age limitation is based on the size of our child life jackets, which typically fit children around 4–5 years old depending on weight. Please specify in your email, as we love having families aboard.
