“Experience Oysters” Aquaculture + VIMS

TOUR DATE: Saturday, November 2, 2024

(Rain date is Sunday, Nov 3) Before purchasing your ticket, be sure you can go on the actual tour date and the rain date. This rain date is an alternate tour date, reserved for “severe” weather and lightning. The trip ordinarily goes rain or shine. We provide umbrellas.

TIME: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm (8 hour tour)

PRICE: $100/person + 2.6% credit card fee = $102.60

*Important Note: We do not offer ANY refunds after tour is booked.

DEPARTURE LOCATION: REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA (Private groups can choose the pick-up location.

DESCRIPTION: This tour has participants “experiencing oysters” in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To learn what we will do on this tour, you’ll need to read this blog

(For clarification, we will go to the VIMS at Gloucester Pt and to Big Island Aquaculture this time – same article; different oyster farm).

Your guide, James Abbott, will give you an oyster education and history on our ride to the Aquaculture Genetics & Breeding Center at VIMS (Virginia Institute of Marine Science) in Gloucester Point. Researchers there will show you the inner workings of the hatchery operation and how they are trying to save oyster of the Chesapeake Bay. We will then continue on to Big Island Aquaculture Farm, where you will see a working oyster farm and sample some of their incredible oysters.

Host or Publisher The Nature Bus