FAQs
What time are the farm tours offered?
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a Farm Discovery Walk, showcasing the techniques and equipment used to support the growth and harvesting of our homegrown oysters, as well as examples of how the farming process protects the natural ecosystem of the lagoon. At the end of the experience is the Oyster Shucking Class and Oyster Tastings. Every guest is equipped with shucking tools to shuck and taste freshly harvested oysters on our shaded farm viewing deck.
How long is the tour and tasting?
Approximately 1.5 hours total: 10 minute shuttle ride to the farm, 30 minute Farm Discovery Walk and 30 minute Shucking Class & Oyster Tasting, 10 minute shuttle ride back to your car.
Can I take a tour without making a reservation?
To make sure we have a tour guide available and oysters prepared to shuck, we do require a reservation for each guest.
Please book on our website via the Farm Tours page.
Reservations are available up to 1 hour before the tour begins.
Will we be on a tour with other parties?
The tour groups are filled to maximum capacity of 16 guests with multiple parties. Please contact us for details and pricing on private events.
How much does it cost?
Adults (13+) are $40 per person. Kids (0-12) are $10 per person. We are currently not offering any discounted tickets.
Should I tip my Tour Guide?
Tipping is not necessary but is greatly appreciated, especially if you enjoyed your tour! 100% of tips go directly to your tour guide.
How many oysters can I eat on the tour?
Included in the Farm Tour ticket, 6 oysters per adult and 2 oysters per kid are provided as part of the tasting experience.
Can I buy oysters directly from the farm?
Additional shellfish is available to Farm Tour guests to purchase and take home after the tour, and can be paid for with cash or card. All product is bagged up and put onto a fresh bed of ice.
Alternatively, our Farm Pick-Up is available 7 days a week, 9:00am - 4:30pm.
Please place your order on our website via the Oysters & Mussels page.
Farm Pick-Up orders must be placed at least 2 hours before the preferred pick-up time.
How do I store my shellfish once home?
Once you have access to a refrigerator, they can be placed into a dry bowl (no water or ice needed) and put directly into your fridge for up to 4-5 days. Placing a damp kitchen towel over the dry bowl will keep the humidity high so they will stay nice and happy in there.
Where is the farm and where should I park?
There is currently no on-site parking. We now have a new off-site parking location for farm tours. Farm tour guests will catch our shuttle van to the farm. Guest Parking is located at: 2500 Mountain View Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
Follow the signs and park in the lot next to the small hockey arena. There will be a passenger van waiting with your tour guide to check you in and transport you to the Carlsbad Aquafarm! Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour start time. Note that the shuttle will leave exactly at the start time of your tour. If you miss the departure, there is no other access to the farm and your reservation will be cancelled. If you can no longer attend, please contact us at your earliest convenience.
What is your cancellation/reschedule policy?
Please contact us at least 48 hours before the tour if you would like to cancel to receive a full refund. If you are running late or can no longer attend, please contact us at least 1 hour before the reserved tour to reschedule. Due to current demand, tickets cannot be rescheduled less than 1 hour prior to the start of the tour. We appreciate your understanding!
Are you open on rainy days?
Yes we still carry out our tour & tastings rain or shine! We recommend that if it is raining to bring a rain jacket so your hands will be available to shuck open your oysters on the deck. If you'd like to reschedule your tour due to weather, please call us at 760-908-2744.
Is the tour BYOB?
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted onsite. Please do not bring any alcohol to the farm tours. If brought, we will ask you to leave it in your vehicle.
Can I bring my dog?
We love our furry friends and provide water for them on the shucking deck! Well behaved dogs are welcome on the farm, but please bring a leash and doggie bags.