Skip to main content
Tourism PEI

When is the best time in the spring and summer months to go clam digging?

Answer by:
Image of Verna Lynne Weeks holding an oyster and standing in front of Oyster Art
General Island

Good afternoon;

Thank you for contacting Ask an Islander. You will find all the information you need about clam digging in this article. As noted, the phase of the moon plays a part in the harvest. The best time to dig for clams is when the tide is lowest. This occurs once a month at the time of the full moon, also known as spring tides. When the moon is full, the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon upon the earth is most powerful. During this time, the high tides are higher and the low tides lower. This means that you can go out farther on the sand bars where the clams burrow deep.

Your question reminded me to look up the next full moon. It is July 3. Sadly, it was too cold for me to go clam digging shortly after the full moon of June 3.

I invite you to download or order our 2023 visitor’s guide. You can always stay in touch by signing up for the Tourism PEI newsletter which includes details on upcoming festivals and events and recipes (some for clams) too!

We hope to see you soon!

Verna Lynne

Recently Asked Questions

Jana Mumford

Salt Lake City, Utah

Asked: Are 3-wheeled ebike rentals available--like an electric tricycle? Traveling with older folks!

Portrait image of Taylor Swansburg, Vacation PLanner, Tourism PEI
General Island

Shelley Clarke

Windsor , Ontario

Asked: Do l need to pay each time that l enter a national or provincial park in pei? Is there a Canada pass to enter any national park?

Image of Verna Lynne Weeks holding an oyster and standing in front of Oyster Art
General Island

Nancy Millar

Georgetown, Ontario

Asked: I am interested in activities that we can do in June 2025. There are four of us with my kids being 21 and 23.

Image of Rod Weatherbie sitting at a dining room table with a crossaint on a plate
General Island

Don't be Shy...

Ready to Ask an Islander? Type in your question and we'll send it to the Ambassador whose expertise suits what you're looking for. Ask your question - and you'll discover brand new reasons to fall for PEI.