Oyster Farm Tours at Oysterville Sea Farms

About this experience

The Farm Tour

Step onto a working oyster farm and experience Willapa Bay the way few people ever do.

Our guided oyster farm tour begins in our historic oyster building, the only oyster building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From there, you’ll move through the farm and out onto the tide flats to see how oysters grow, how the bay is cared for, and how oysters make their way from water to table.

This is a hands-on, family-friendly experience designed to be educational, immersive, and memorable.

What you’ll experience

Begin at the Interpretive Center

Your tour starts with an introduction to Willapa Bay and what makes it such a special place for oyster farming. You’ll learn about tides, water quality, ecology, and the long history of shellfish farming in the bay.

Walk the oyster beds

A short walk takes you out onto the oyster beds themselves. Here, you’ll see different farming methods up close and learn about the life cycle of an oyster while standing where it all happens. This portion of the tour gives you a true sense of the scale, rhythm, and work of an oyster farm.

Inside the production room

After the beds, you’ll head inside the production room, where oysters are cleaned, sorted, and prepared for market. You’ll learn how oysters move through different stages of their lives and why careful handling matters.

Hands-on shucking lesson

Back at the farm, our team will teach you how to shuck an oyster safely and confidently. You’ll shuck three oysters yourself, which we’ll grill for you to enjoy.

Relax and enjoy the view

The tour wraps up on our deck overlooking Willapa Bay. Take in the view, enjoy the oysters you just shucked, and soak in the place that makes this experience so unique.

If you’d like to stay longer, we’re happy to reserve a table for you after the tour so you can enjoy a full meal in this remarkable setting.

What to know before you book

• Tours last approximately 90 minutes
• Expect about ½ mile of walking, including uneven, muddy, and tidal terrain
• Most of the tour is wheelchair accessible. The walk onto the oyster beds is not suitable for wheelchairs or walkers. Guests are welcome to skip the bed walk and rejoin the group afterward
• Children are welcome and typically do very well on the beds with adult supervision
• Boots are required for walking on the beds. Please bring rubber boots or sturdy boots that can get muddy. Boot rentals are available if you do not have your own

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the oyster farm tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Most of the tour is wheelchair accessible. The only portion that is not accessible is the walk out onto the oyster beds, which involves uneven, muddy, and tidal ground. Guests may skip this portion and rejoin the group for the rest of the tour.

Are children welcome on the tour?

Yes. Children are welcome and often enjoy the hands-on, outdoor nature of the experience. The oyster beds are typically manageable for kids with adult supervision.

How much walking is involved?

The full tour includes approximately ½ mile of walking. Guests who choose not to walk onto the oyster beds will have significantly less walking.

What should I wear?

Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and rubber boots or sturdy boots that can get muddy, especially if you plan to walk onto the oyster beds. If you don’t have boots, we have boots available to rent for the tour. Layers are recommended, as conditions can change quickly near the bay.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 90 minutes, including time at the farm, on the beds, and during the shucking lesson.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours may be canceled due to inclement weather or unsafe conditions on the beds. If this happens, we’ll contact you as soon as possible.

Can I cancel or reschedule my tour?

Cancellations or reschedules are allowed up to 12 hours before your scheduled tour using the “Modify booking” link in your confirmation email. No-shows are non-refundable.

Will photos be taken during the tour?

We may take photos during tours for educational or promotional purposes. Please let us know if you prefer not to be included.