Key West Lobster Charters
Get Ready for Mini Season in Key West!Guided spiny-lobster dives • PADI-certified crew • Transparent pricing
Daily Reef & Wreck Dives
Our Key West Lobster Charters
Join Captain Hook’s Dive Key West for a morning or afternoon, two-site lobster hunt. Each trip visits two locations chosen the day of departure for the best visibility, weather, and lobster probability, with one hour of bottom time at each site. The primary goal: bring home legal Florida Keys spiny lobster!
Lobster Charter Overview
- Duration: ~4 hours total
- Departure times: 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily
- Check-in: 60 min before departure at 3128 N. Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL
- Dives: Two sites × 1 hour each
- Included: fresh fruit, filtered water & ice, on-site parking, and stowage of your personal gear so it’s waiting on board
- Certification required: Open Water / Scuba Diver + proof of C-card
Why Hunt Lobster With Us?
- Complimentary divemaster in the water: Use them as a guide or explore with your buddy at your own pace.
- Site flexibility: Reefs selected day-of for optimal lobster activity, wind, and visibility.
- No hidden fees: One clear price covers drinks, fruit, parking, and gear handling.
- On-site shop: Buy (not rent) tickle sticks, nets, and gauges before departure. Full scuba rental packages also available.
Hear From Our Happy Customers
Key West Lobster Charter Reviews
Great lobster hunting trip on Friday night. Great work by the crew of Evan, Shelby and Divemaster David!
We're HOOKED. Captain Hooks crew took us out for two dives the first day & four the second. On the second day we did spear fishing and lobstering with David. AMAZING. I had never done either of the before and it was so so so fun. We caught 13 lobsters and two hog fish. Highly recommend this crew and highly recommend trying out both spear fishing and lobstering with them! Thank you, david, bill, evan, steve and bob.
Me and my two brothers did our checkout dives for certification here and I couldn't have ask for more. We got to see nurse sharks, moray eels, spiny lobster and best of all a 4 to 5 hundred pound Goliath grouper. Our instructor Rob was over the top. The whole experience was great and I would definitely recommend
Top Rated Lobster Trips
Blue Star Operater
Dive Key West, Inc. was the first dive facility in the Lower Keys to quality as a Blue Star Operator. This designation is awarded to operators who are dedicated to coral reef education and preservation. Bob Holston and Cece Roycraft the owners of Dive Key West have been involved in many initiatives for the preservation of the Florida Keys coral reefs for the past 44 years. They had the honor of being the citizens to go before Congress requesting the Keys be designated a National Marine Sanctuary. As Captain Hook’s Dive Key West, we hope to carry on that tradition as new the owners.
Find the Best Lobster Charters in Key West
Just minutes from Old Town Key West, our Key West dive shop is conveniently located across from Bayview Park and next to the Key Plaza Shopping Center. We’re also a short drive from the Key West Historic Seaport and Higgs Beach. Stop by today to book your lobster charter.
- Free on-site parking available for all guests
- Check-in: 60 minutes before departure
- Accessible via the Duval Loop and city bus lines
Captain Hook’s Dive Key West
Lobster Charter FAQs
Do I need a license to catch lobster?
Yes. Florida salt-water fishing license and lobster permit unless you qualify for an exemption.
Can I rent lobster gear?
No. Gear is for sale only at the shop. Bring your own or purchase on-site.
What's the cancellation policy?
If cancellation is due to weather or unmet minimums, you’re allowed a free reschedule, full refund, store credit, or future-trip credit. Otherwise, 24 hour advance notice is required.
Can non-divers come on the lobster trip?
Absolutely. A “Rider—Lobster (KW)” seat is $49 and lets friends or family enjoy the outing without diving.
Lobstering Tailored for You
Get The Best Lobster Catching Experience in Key West FL
Over the years, we’ve many concerns from our customers (and we listen!): mini-season chaos, confusing rules, pricey trips with add-ons, and boats so crowded you can’t even swing a tickle stick. We built a different kind of charter. They’re calm, clear, and fun.
Safety Concerns?
Mini-season especially is infamous for “chaos” and “rowdy, inexperienced divers” that make the water downright dangerous for first-timers. Our trips include an in-water divemaster, mandatory buddy checks, and we recommend no alcohol before boarding because bringing back dinner isn’t worth risking your life.
Want Real “Bug Time”?
We cap guest numbers and pick two sites day-of based on visibility, current, and lobster activity, guaranteeing the full 60 minutes underwater at each spot.
Avoid Regulation Headaches
Divers stress over felony-level fines for short lobsters, missing gauges, or fishing without a permit. We brief every guest on bag limits, provide loaner gauges on deck, and double-check licenses before you splash so you can focus on hunting.
Every Dollar Counts
Divers are concerned that charter prices keep climbing and “extras” add up fast. Our flat $95 rate covers fruit, filtered water, ice and free on-site parking. No hidden fuel surcharges or resort taxes. Need tanks or weights? Rent only what you need at checkout.
Top Rated Lobstering in Key West