09/05/2026
Planning to go lobstering with us? Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions and some important information to help you choose the right trip for your group.
💰 HOW DOES PRICING WORK?
All of our lobster charters are private trips priced at a flat rate for the boat — not per person.
Whether you have 1 guest or 6 guests, the boat price is the same. Each boat can accommodate a maximum of 6 passengers.
Your lobster charter includes:
• Private boat & captain
• Masks, snorkels & fins
• Lobster nets & tickle sticks
• Measuring equipment
• Required lobster charter licensing
• Cooler with ice & bottled water
• Local knowledge, instruction & guidance
There is no need to rent or purchase lobster equipment before your trip.
🦞 WHICH LOBSTER TRIP SHOULD I BOOK?
We offer different lobster experiences because not every guest needs the same level of difficulty.
🌴 3-HOUR INTRO TO LOBSTER
Best for: Beginners, families and first-time lobster hunters
Our Intro to Lobster trip is specifically designed to teach you the basics without beginning in deeper water.
We focus on approximately 5 feet of water or less while teaching you how to:
• Locate lobster
• Use a tickle stick and net
• Properly measure your catch
• Identify legal-size lobster
• Safely handle your equipment
• Understand the basic techniques used while lobstering
This is the best choice if you’re interested in lobstering but aren’t ready for the swimming and freediving required on our dedicated lobster charter.
Children under 8 are welcome on this trip.
🦞 4-HOUR DEDICATED LOBSTER CHARTER
Best for: Confident swimmers with previous snorkeling experience
This is our true lobster-hunting experience and is a physically active snorkeling charter.
We typically hunt in approximately 5–15 feet of water and will move between several locations throughout the trip.
Guests should be comfortable:
• Swimming and snorkeling for extended periods
• Swimming in ocean current
• Wearing and breathing through a mask and snorkel
• Diving below the surface on a single breath
• Clearing their ears while descending
• Repeatedly climbing back aboard using a swim ladder
• Getting in and out of the boat at multiple locations
Previous snorkeling experience is required.
This is very different from casually snorkeling on the surface. Successfully catching lobster requires you to dive down, locate the lobster, work it from its hiding place with a tickle stick, net it and return to the surface with your catch.
For this reason, children must be at least 8 years old to participate in our dedicated lobster charters.
🪸 4-HOUR LOOE KEY SNORKEL + LOBSTER COMBO
Best for: Families or groups wanting a variety of Florida Keys experiences
Want to experience lobster hunting without making the entire trip about lobster?
Our Looe Key Snorkel + Lobster Combo combines beautiful reef snorkeling with time spent searching for lobster.
Children under 8 are welcome on this trip, making it a better option for families with younger children.
🤿 DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SNORKEL?
For our 4-hour dedicated lobster charter, yes.
You don’t need to be an expert freediver, but you should already know how to use a mask and snorkel and be a confident swimmer.
If you have never snorkeled, aren’t comfortable swimming in current, or aren’t sure how you’ll handle diving underwater, we strongly recommend our 3-hour Intro to Lobster instead.
Our captains are happy to teach you how to use the lobster equipment, but a dedicated lobster charter isn’t intended to be a first snorkeling lesson.
🌊 HOW DEEP WILL WE GO?
It depends on the trip.
Intro to Lobster: approximately 5 feet or less
Dedicated Lobster Charter: approximately 5–15 feet
Lobster move, and conditions change. On a dedicated trip, we may begin shallow and move into deeper water if necessary to find productive areas.
🏊 CAN I CATCH LOBSTER WITHOUT DIVING UNDERWATER?
Generally, no.
Florida spiny lobster typically hide beneath structures and inside holes along the bottom. You’ll need to dive below the surface on a breath hold, use your tickle stick to encourage the lobster from its hiding place, net it and bring it to the surface to measure.
Your captain can guide and assist you, but you are an active participant in catching your lobster.
👧 CAN CHILDREN COME?
Yes — but please choose the appropriate trip.
Dedicated Lobster Charter: Ages 8+
3-Hour Intro to Lobster: Children under 8 are welcome
4-Hour Looe Key Snorkel + Lobster Combo: Children under 8 are welcome
If you’re traveling with younger children or have family members with different swimming abilities, one of our combination or introductory trips will usually provide a much better experience for everyone.
🦞 ARE WE GUARANTEED TO CATCH LOBSTER?
No. Lobster are wild animals, and their location and availability can change with weather, water conditions, previous harvesting and other factors.
We’ll use our local knowledge to give your group the best opportunity possible, but no charter can guarantee a catch.
Your swimming ability and willingness to actively participate also play a major role in your success.
🎒 WHAT SHOULD WE BRING?
We recommend bringing:
• Towels
• Reef-friendly sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Camera/GoPro
• Snacks or additional drinks you’d like aboard
We provide the snorkel and lobster equipment, so there’s no need to purchase gear specifically for your charter.
⚓ WHICH TRIP IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Never snorkeled or completely new to lobster hunting?
→ Choose the 3-Hour Intro to Lobster
Comfortable snorkeling and swimming, and ready to actively hunt lobster?
→ Choose the 4-Hour Dedicated Lobster Charter
Have younger children or want lobster plus an iconic Florida Keys reef experience?
→ Choose the 4-Hour Looe Key Snorkel + Lobster Combo
Still unsure? Give us a call and we’ll help you choose the trip that best matches your group’s swimming experience and comfort level.
🦞 SALTWATER SEAFARI
Private Florida Keys Lobster Charters
📍 Big Pine Key, Florida
📞 (305) 900-8160
Visit our website for current pricing, availability and additional trip information.
www.saltwaterseafari.com
