Bucket List Lobster Trip in Islamorada

Catch Your Own Florida Keys Lobster Adventure

Ready for a taste of the real Florida Keys? Our half-day lobster trip in Islamorada is the perfect way to dive into local life and snag your own seafood dinner. We'll take you to the best shallow spots where spiny lobsters love to hang out. Don't worry if you've never done this before – our guides know all the tricks to help you spot and catch these tasty crustaceans. It's a hands-on Keys experience you won't forget!

Trip Rundown

Here's what you can expect on our 4-hour lobster hunt: We'll cruise out to some prime lobster spots in the crystal-clear shallows around Islamorada. Our experienced guides will show you how to use tickle sticks and nets to coax those spiny lobsters out of their hiding spots. You'll be snorkeling in warm, waist-deep water most of the time – perfect for beginners and families. We provide all the gear you need, including snorkel equipment, lobster nets, and those all-important tickle sticks. Plus, we've got the licenses covered, so you're good to go. Just bring sunscreen, a towel, and your sense of adventure. The best part? You get to keep your legal catch (up to the daily limit) and we'll even clean them for you. Fresh lobster for dinner, anyone?

Lobster Hunting 101

Never been lobstering before? No sweat. Our guides will teach you the ropes. The key to catching these spiny critters is the tickle stick – a long pole used to gently encourage lobsters out of their hidey-holes. Once they're in the open, you'll use a net to scoop them up. It's all about patience and a steady hand. We'll show you how to check for legal size and tell males from females (we throw the ladies back to keep the population healthy). The waters we hunt in are typically clear and shallow, making it easy to spot those telltale antennae poking out from under ledges and coral heads. It's like an underwater Easter egg hunt, but way more delicious!

Why Folks Love Lobstering

There's something special about catching your own dinner. Our guests rave about the thrill of spotting a big lobster and the satisfaction of a successful catch. It's not just about the lobsters, though – it's the whole experience. You're out on the water, soaking up the Florida sun, and getting a glimpse of the incredible marine life in the Keys. From colorful fish darting around the reefs to the occasional sea turtle sighting, there's always something cool to see. Plus, our guides love sharing local stories and insider tips about life in the Keys. It's a true slice of Florida living that you just can't get from a restaurant or beach day.

All About Spiny Lobsters

The Florida spiny lobster, also known as the Caribbean spiny lobster, is the star of our show. These guys are a bit different from their Maine cousins – they don't have the big claws, but they make up for it with their sweet, tender meat. Spiny lobsters hang out in the warm, shallow waters around the Florida Keys, hiding in reefs, under ledges, and in rocky areas. They can grow up to 15 inches long and weigh several pounds, but most of the ones we catch are in the 1-2 pound range – perfect for a meal!

Lobster season in Florida runs from August 6 to March 31, with a special two-day sport season in late July. During the season, these crustaceans are fair game (with the right license and within legal limits, of course). Spiny lobsters are nocturnal, so they're usually tucked away during our daytime trips. That's where those tickle sticks come in handy! Fun fact: spiny lobsters travel in single-file lines when they migrate to deeper waters in the fall. It's a pretty cool sight if you're lucky enough to catch it!

Time to Catch Your Dinner

Ready to try your hand at lobstering? Our half-day trips are perfect for both first-timers and seasoned pros. You'll get a true taste of Keys life, learn a new skill, and hopefully snag some delicious lobster for dinner. Plus, with our small group size (max 6 guests), you'll get plenty of personal attention from our guides. Don't miss out on this quintessential Florida Keys experience – it's the kind of adventure you'll be talking about long after your vacation ends. Book your spot now and get ready to make some waves (and catch some lobsters) in Islamorada!