Every summer, the Florida Keys buzz with anticipation for one of the most exciting events of the year: lobster mini-season. This special two-day event gives recreational divers a head start on harvesting Florida spiny lobsters before the official season begins. Whether you’re an experienced diver or trying it for the first time, 1800 Atlantic is the ideal place to find the perfect Key West condo rental to stay for this thrilling adventure.
Below is everything you need to know to plan your perfect mini-season experience!
What Is the Florida Lobster Mini-Season?
The lobster mini-season is an exciting 48-hour event in Florida, where recreational lobster hunters have the opportunity to catch spiny lobsters before the commercial season begins. This fun opportunity usually happens on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July. Make sure to book your stay with 1800 Atlantic to enjoy some great outdoor adventures!
Rules and Regulations
To ensure a safe and sustainable lobster mini-season, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) enforces specific rules. Here are a few highlights, but make sure to check the website for the complete and up-to-date regulations:
- Six lobsters per person is the daily limit in Monroe County (including Key West).
- Lobsters must have a carapace longer than 3 inches, and must be measured in the water.
- Night diving is prohibited in Monroe County during the lobster mini-season.
- Lobster harvesting is prohibited in several areas, including Dry Tortugas National Park and no-take zones in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Always check that harvesting is allowed in your planned location before you go!
- In Florida, a Saltwater Fishing License and a Lobster Permit are necessary for harvesting spiny lobsters.
Top Key West Lobstering Charters
Why Key West Is a Top Destination for Lobster Mini-Season
Travel to the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.
Key West is as deep as you can travel into the Florida Keys making it an exciting destination to enjoy lobster mini-season. You can explore Key West’s hidden wonders on eco-tours. Honest Eco Tours stands out with biologist-designed excursions featuring dolphin watching, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. Blue Planet Kayak Eco-Tours invites guests to paddle through mangroves and tidal flats with seasoned naturalists, offering photography and nature walks along the way. At Namaste Eco Excursions, snorkeling meets science, as guests help collect data for coral preservation. For an exclusive underwater experience, Finz Dive Center offers intimate six-person diving tours in the breathtaking Dry Tortugas National Park.
Enjoy the Ultimate Luxury Coastal Vacation in Key West
For those seeking luxury on the coast, 1800 Atlantic in Key West offers an unforgettable experience. These upscale Key West condo rentals blend elegance and comfort with resort-style amenities such as an Olympic-sized heated pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center—all just steps from the ocean. After a day of enjoying lobster mini-season, you can unwind on the patio or balcony of your Florida Keys condo rental with the sound of ocean waves.
1800 Atlantic offers the perfect base for your trip, with spacious oceanfront condos, fully equipped kitchens, and resort-style amenities to relax after your day on the water!
