Ordering live lobster can be a hassle, especially if you’ve never done it before. If this is your first time buying seafood from an online retailer, you might not know what to expect. To set the stage, we’ve included the below price grid. These are the costs you’ll be working with if you want to order fresh lobster online.

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Our Top Maine Lobster Delivery Companies

Category Company Most Popular Size Average $/Lobster Dinner* Customer Ratings Go To
Highest Customer Ratings Lobster Anywhere 2 lb. $335 5.0
Best for Sustainability Crab Place 2 lb. $280 4.5
Best for Lobster Tails Cameron’s Seafood 12 oz. $350 4.7
Best Variety Fulton Fish Market 2 lb. $270 4.6
Best for Lobster Meat Wulf’s Fish 1 lb. N/A 4.8
Most Frequent Discounts Get Maine Lobster 1.5 lb. $275 4.9
Best Website Experience Winter Harbor Lobster Co-Op 1.5 lb. $335 4.6
Best for Smaller Lobsters Sanders Lobster Company 1.5 lb. $270 4.5

*Estimated cost for 4 lobsters (or tails), potential add-ons, and shipping.

Now that you know the types of prices and shipping a live lobster purchase will require, here’s how to actually make the purchase. This is a shortened, bulleted guide designed for folks who want to cut to the chase. For more elaborate explanations of these concepts and practices, see our post to best lobster delivery online.

How to Order Fresh Lobster Online

  • Choose your lobster provider. Not all lobster retailers are created equal, so look for a variety of products and good customer reviews.
  • Figure out what you want to order. Decide on the lobster sizes and products you need. Remember that lobsters are typically available in 1-pound, 1.25-pound, 2-pound, 3-pound, and 5-pound options. Frozen tails and meat are also available.
  • Choose a delivery time that suits your schedule and budget. Lobster prices fluctuate a lot throughout the year. At peak season, which runs from mid-September to mid-November, then from April through early June, expect to pay less.

How Much Does it Cost to Order Fresh Lobster Online?

Shipping is typically where customers will see the most difference in cost. Keep in mind that companies offering free shipping typically roll these costs into their per-pound pricing in order to offset potential losses. Once you factor for shipping, most lobsters will cost around the same per pound.

How is Lobster Shipped?

Most companies offering fresh lobster online will have the same or similar shipping strategies. On the day before your lobster is scheduled to arrive, an employee will pack the selected crustaceans into a Styrofoam cooler with an additional cooling agent, like ice or gel packs. The package is then dropped off at a shipping facility, where the selected provider – UPS or FedEx, usually – takes over. For more information about the process, see our complete guide to seafood shipping.

How to Prepare for your Lobster Shipment

When you order fresh lobster online, you’ll need to do a little prep work. You should have the following materials ready before placing your order, especially if you’re expecting a next-day delivery.

  • Stock pot, best between 12 and 30 quarts
  • Ice
  • Metal tongs
  • Cutting board
  • Refrigerator or freezer space
  • Butter

Tips for Receiving Your Lobster Order

When you order fresh lobster online, try to be at home for the delivery. However, these delivery windows are often several hours long, so we know that may not be possible for everyone. If you need to leave the house, write a note to the delivery person indicating where they should leave the package. In a shady spot, such as on a porch, in the garage, or even under a nearby tree, is ideal. And, if your order is dead, check out our guide to dealing with dead lobster.

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