What certification do I need?

Open Water certification or higher is required; single divers must hire an instructor guide.

Do I need a lobster license?

Yes—if you intend to harvest, you must carry a valid Florida lobster permit and follow season rules.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 45–60 minutes before check-in to complete paperwork, get fitted, and review the safety briefing.

Is dive gear included?

The charter includes tanks and weights; dive gear rental may be available for an additional fee.

What are the departure times?

AM trips check in at 7:00 AM with boarding at 7:30 AM and return around noon; PM trips check in at 11:00 AM with boarding at noon and return around 5 PM.

Are children allowed?

Divers must be at least 10 years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult in and out of the water.

Two-Tank Lobster Dive in Key Largo: Reef Exploration & Lobstering Charter | Scuba | Water Activities

Adventure Brief

Spend a half day diving Key Largo’s reef tract on a two-tank lobstering charter—perfect for certified divers who want reef time plus the thrill of lobster hunting. Small groups, experienced guides, and two distinct sites mean greater habitat variety and more chances to find spiny lobsters.

4 hours

moderate

From $238.35

Key Largo Dive Trip – Lobstering puts you on the water in Key Largo, Florida, launching from a marina roughly 15 minutes from the dive shop and running two guided boat dives across contrasting reef habitats. This four-hour, two-tank charter pairs reef exploration with targeted lobster hunting, giving certified open-water divers age ten and up a chance to see coral gardens, spur-and-groove formations, and the cryptic crevices where Caribbean spiny lobsters hide. Boats run morning (7 AM) and midday (12 PM) departures; expect return times around noon or 5 PM depending on the trip. On this trip you’ll visit two distinct sites chosen by the crew based on conditions and diver experience. Typical features include shallow patch reefs where colorful elkhorn and brain coral attract schooling fish, and deeper ledges and rubble zones that create ideal lobster habitat. Guides provide a thorough briefing covering local regulations, safe lobster-hunting techniques, proper handling, and buoyancy control. The charter includes two tank fills and weights; divers must hold Open Water certification (or higher) and carry a valid lobster permit if required by the season. Single divers can hire an instructor as a mandatory guide or dive as a buddy team. What makes this offering stand out in the Keys is its blend of natural variety and practical structure: small groups (maximum eight) mean personalized instruction and more eyes on pinchers, while the two-site format maximizes habitat variety and lobster opportunity in one half-day window. Unlike large, daily charters that focus solely on drift dives, this trip tailors depth and sites for lobster season and diver skill, so you’re not dropped indiscriminately over unfamiliar terrain. Plan to arrive 45–60 minutes early for gear fitting and paperwork, bring certification cards, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and warm clothes for off-boat comfort in cooler months. Rentals for dive gear and lobster essentials (bags, tickle sticks, gloves) may be available for a fee; gratuities and snacks are not included. Lobster season timing is specific: sport and main season dates govern when take is legal—ask the operator before booking. Whether you’re hunting your first lobster or refining search technique, this Key Largo lobster dive balances adrenaline with stewardship: enjoy close encounters with parrotfish and angelfish, inspect intricate coral architecture, and learn to harvest responsibly in one of Florida’s most accessible reef systems. Check-in windows require arriving 45–60 minutes early so staff can check certifications and fit rental gear; boats depart from a marina roughly a 15-minute drive from the shop. Maximum group size of eight keeps noise and diver traffic lower on the reef. Bring a current lobster license during season and expect briefings on size limits, tailing techniques, and how to avoid damaging coral when reaching into holes.