Oregon Coast Crabbing Charter & Guided Dungeness Crab Trips
Looking for an Oregon Coast crabbing charter or a fun guided Dungeness crab trip near Astoria, Tillamook Bay, or the north Oregon coast? Marvin’s Guide Service offers hands-on crabbing trips that are fun, beginner-friendly, family-friendly, and delicious.
Whether you’re visiting the Oregon Coast, planning a trip from Portland, or looking for a fresh seafood adventure, crabbing is one of the best ways to enjoy the coast and bring home great-eating Dungeness crab.
Call or text 503-314-5087 or book your crabbing trip here.

Fresh Dungeness crab caught on a guided Oregon Coast crabbing trip with Marvin’s Guide Service.
Guided Crabbing Trips on the Oregon Coast
Crabbing on the Oregon Coast is more than just a day on the water. It is a chance to enjoy beautiful coastal scenery, learn how to crab, and bring home some of the best seafood in the Pacific Northwest.
With over 30 years of experience on the water, I know how to set gear, read conditions, and help clients make the most of their trip. These trips are great for first-timers, families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a fun coastal adventure.
Trips are run aboard my 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder with a heated cabin, helping keep you comfortable when the Oregon Coast weather is cool or wet.
Astoria Crabbing Charters
Astoria, Oregon is one of my favorite areas for guided crabbing trips. The lower Columbia River, Columbia River estuary, Hammond area, and nearby coastal waters can offer excellent Dungeness crab opportunities when conditions are right.
Astoria is also a great place to make a full coastal trip out of it. Many clients combine crabbing with sightseeing, restaurants, hotels, and sometimes salmon fishing during the right season.
Planning a trip to Astoria? You may also like my Astoria fishing guide and charter page.
Tillamook Bay Crabbing
Tillamook Bay is another well-known Oregon Coast crabbing area. Many people search for Tillamook Bay crabbing because the bay has a long reputation for Dungeness crab, coastal scenery, and easy access from the Portland area.
Crabbing success in Tillamook Bay depends on tides, weather, freshwater runoff, and season timing. When conditions line up, Tillamook Bay can be a great place to catch Dungeness crab.
My guided crabbing trips are scheduled based on the best available opportunity. Depending on the season and conditions, trips may focus on Astoria, Tillamook Bay, or other productive north Oregon Coast crabbing areas.
Best Time for Crabbing on the Oregon Coast
Some of the best guided crabbing trips on the Oregon Coast happen in late fall and winter, especially from November into early December. This is often when crab are heavier, fuller, and excellent for eating.
Bays, beaches, estuaries, tide pools, piers, and jetties are generally open for recreational crabbing year-round in Oregon, while ocean waters are closed for crab from October 16 through November 30. Always check current rules before your trip with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish regulations.
How Many Dungeness Crab Can You Keep in Oregon?
Under Oregon’s recreational shellfish rules, the daily limit for Dungeness crab is currently 12 male crab per person, with a minimum size of 5 ¾ inches. Regulations can change, so always check ODFW before crabbing.
I help clients identify legal crab and can help clean crab after the trip so you can head home with fresh Dungeness ready for the table.
Do You Need a License to Crab in Oregon?
Yes. Most crabbers need a valid Oregon shellfish license. You can review license information through the ODFW licensing page.
Do You Offer Crab Cooking?
Crab cooking services are often available at the marina for an additional charge. You can also take your crab home and cook it yourself.
How Much Does an Oregon Coast Crabbing Charter Cost?
Guided crabbing trips with Marvin’s Guide Service start at $150 per person. These trips are a great choice for families, couples, groups of friends, visitors from Portland, and anyone who wants to experience Oregon Coast Dungeness crabbing.
Seats and prime dates can fill quickly during the best crabbing season, so it is smart to reserve your spot early.
Call or text 503-314-5087 or fill out the trip inquiry form to ask about available dates.
Why Book a Crabbing Trip With Marvin’s Guide Service?
- Over 30 years of local fishing and boating experience
- Guided Oregon Coast crabbing trips for all skill levels
- Beginner-friendly and family-friendly trips
- Heated cabin boat for comfort in cooler weather
- Hands-on help setting and pulling crab gear
- Chance to harvest fresh Dungeness crab
- Help cleaning your crab after the trip
Planning an Astoria Crabbing Trip?
Astoria is a great destination for a crabbing trip, family getaway, or weekend on the Oregon Coast. Before or after your trip, you can enjoy local restaurants, hotels, views, and attractions.
- Hotels and motels around Astoria
- Restaurants in Astoria and Hammond
- Top attractions in Astoria, Oregon
If you are visiting during salmon season, you may also want to check out my guided salmon fishing trips or my Buoy 10 salmon fishing page.
You may also enjoy visiting the Astoria Column, Fort Clatsop, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and the waterfront restaurants in Astoria.

Clients enjoying a successful Oregon Coast crabbing trip with Marvin’s Guide Service.
Book Your Oregon Coast Crabbing Charter
Ready to catch fresh Dungeness crab on the Oregon Coast? Book a guided crabbing trip with Marvin’s Guide Service today.
Call or text: 503-314-5087
Book online: Send a trip inquiry
Oregon Coast Crabbing FAQ
Where are the best places to go crabbing on the Oregon Coast?
Astoria, Tillamook Bay, and other north Oregon Coast bays can all be good crabbing areas depending on tides, weather, season, and local conditions.
Is Astoria good for crabbing?
Yes. Astoria and the lower Columbia River area can offer excellent Dungeness crabbing when conditions are right.
Is Tillamook Bay good for crabbing?
Yes. Tillamook Bay is one of Oregon’s well-known crabbing areas and can be productive during the right tides and seasons.
What is the best month for crabbing in Oregon?
Late fall and early winter are often excellent because crab are usually heavier and fuller, but good crabbing can happen at other times depending on conditions.
Do beginners need experience?
No. Guided crabbing trips are great for beginners. I help with the gear, the process, and identifying legal crab.
How do I book a crabbing trip?
Call or text 503-314-5087 or use the trip inquiry form.






