Your Guide to the Florida Keys Lobster Season 2024
Welcome to the sun-drenched shores of Islamorada, where a culinary adventure unlike any other awaits. At Islander Resort, we’re here to guide you through the exciting lobster season in the Florida Keys, where the ocean gifts us its most cherished treasures. From delectable dishes to the expanse of our reimagined resort, boundless discovery is yours for the taking.
The Lobster Season Experience
The Florida Keys are renowned for their spiny lobsters, a sweet and sought-after delicacy that attracts seafood enthusiasts from around the globe. If you’re wondering when lobster season starts in Islamorada, the season officially commences on August 6 each year and extends through March 31. It’s a months-long invitation to immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of the islands we call home.
Preparing for the Catch
Ready to dive in? To ensure a healthy sea, there are a few rules to follow. Make sure to secure a Florida saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit, both of which are required for your catch. Obtaining a license and permit for lobster season in the Florida Keys is quick and easy, and can even be done online. Gear up so you’re ready to go, then retreat to your relaxing accommodations at Islander for some downtime in your private bungalow.
The Mini-Season Warm-Up
Don’t miss out on the famous Florida Keys lobster mini-season, a two-day annual tradition that takes place each year on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July. This precursor to the regular season offers an invitation to dip your toes into the vibrant lobster culture. Delve deeper into this prelude by visiting our guide to lobster mini-season in the Florida Keys.
Finding the Best Lobster
Islamorada’s waters are filled with hidden alcoves where lobsters thrive. While we can’t reveal all our secrets, rest assured that our exclusive beach, the largest privately owned beach in the Florida Keys, serves as the perfect starting point for your lobster quest. Join local charters or guides, such as the crew at Bud n’ Mary’s Marina, who can lead you to the best lobster havens.
Coastal Dining
To kick off the 2024 lobster season, consider a journey to the lively Key West Lobsterfest, a four-day celebration featuring a lobster boil, street fair, live music, and other shoreside merriment. Lobsterfest graces the Florida Keys with this lively and tasteful celebration in the summer, offering a taste of Florida’s freshest seafood, perfect for your sunny escape. This year, the festival takes place from August 8 to the 11.
For other flavorful dining options, local favorites like Chef Michael’s, Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, and Islamorada Shrimp Shack offer some of the best dock-to-dish lobster meals in town. When you’re looking to wind down, turn to our on-site restaurant, Tides Beachside Bar & Grill, for catch-of-the-day indulgences, served right on the waterfront.
Paddle Into Paradise
For another chance to connect with the Florida Keys lobster season, glide through the serene waters in a kayak, and keep your eyes open for the diverse marine life that flourishes here. As you coast along, you might see playful dolphins, gentle manatees, and an array of colorful fish that call these waters home. Try the Night Tour with Aquaholic Adventures, where LED-equipped kayaks and paddle boards illuminate the underwater world. You might just spot some spiny lobsters along the way.
Preserving Paradise
As you connect with nature during your stay, there are a few things to keep in mind so the seas can remain vibrant and full of life. Remember to adhere to Florida’s lobster season rules, such as sticking to catch limits, measuring lobsters carefully, and always choosing sustainable practices.
Whether you’re here to dive, dine, or simply soak in the beauty of the Florida Keys, Islander Resort promises a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Book your stay with our Good Catch offer and enjoy special perks like complimentary drinks, a lobster collection kit, and a pack of local beers when you show your lobster license at check-in. With memories that will linger long after you leave our shores, lobster season is just one of many invitations to discover your inner islander.