Fishing pier at Parrot Key Hotel & Villas in Key West

Key West Lobster Season: A Tropical Adventure

When the Key West lobster season returns, our tropical haven is abuzz with excitement. Spiny lobsters, a culinary jewel in the Florida Keys, are a highlight from August 6 to March 31. At Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, we’re here to guide you through this cherished period, when the ocean gifts us its most delectable treasures.

Eco-Friendly Adventure Awaits

Eager to embark on your underwater quest? We recommend becoming familiar with lobster season regulations for a successful stay. To help us prioritize the health of our seas, be sure to obtain your required Florida saltwater fishing license and lobster permit — your key to a sustainable celebration. The process to obtain these documents is straightforward and can conveniently be completed online, ensuring you are fully prepared for the lobster season in the Florida Keys.

The Mini-Season Prelude 

Experience the excitement of lobster mini-season, a two-day head-start, reserved for recreational divers. If you’re wondering when lobster mini-season is in the Florida Keys, it’s hosted on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of each July; the perfect introduction to Key West’s lobster culture. For a mid-summer getaway, get a taste of the fun while unwinding with seaside views at Parrot Key — the perfect place to recharge after your aquatic adventures.

Palate Pleasers

Kickstart the 2024 Key West lobster season at the 27th Annual Key West Lobsterfest. This annual four-day extravaganza, running from August 8 to 11, is the perfect fusion of culinary and cultural joy, featuring an iconic lobster boil, an eclectic street fair, and the rhythmic pulse of live music. Embrace the summer spirit as Key West Lobsterfest brings the best of Florida’s seafood to your sun-soaked retreat. 

Away from the festivities, dine at local favorites like Eaton Street Seafood Market, and Conch Republic Seafood Company for some of the best lobster dishes in town. For a romantic twist, consider a sunset sail with Danger Charters, where you can enjoy fresh seafood as the sun dips below the horizon.

If you’re looking for a place closer to your hotel stay, relax at The Grove Kitchen & Bar, Parrot Key’s on-site restaurant, where local ingredients are transformed into culinary creations. Enjoy a light, al fresco lunch under the shade of palm trees, or savor a classic Key West dinner as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico.

Discover Lobster Hideaways

Key West’s waters are a labyrinth of secret coves, teeming with thriving lobster populations. If you’d like help navigating, partner with local experts, like the crew at Saltwater Seafari to uncover the best lobster havens in Key West’s waters. 

Even if you’re not planning on fishing, there are still plenty of ways to explore the Keys. Consider hopping aboard a daytime charter with Key West Paddle, spending an afternoon on the Snipe Point sandbar. There, you might spot some spiny lobsters while snorkeling in the turquoise waters. 

To get accustomed to swimming around, Smathers Beach has warm, shallow waters, and is a great place to kick back. There, you can find kayaks, paddle boards, and other watersport rentals for a day of play. To get there, hop on our complimentary shuttle and enjoy the quick ride to Key West’s longest beach.

Conservation in the Keys

As islanders at heart, we cherish our marine environment. As you dive into the lobster season in the Florida Keys, we encourage responsible practices to preserve our aquatic paradise. Keep an eye on the catch limits and size rules, making sure there’s treasure for tomorrow too. 

At Parrot Key, every stay is an invitation to indulge in the beauty and charm of our little piece of paradise. To make the most of your getaway, take advantage of our exclusive Good Catch offer, adding special perks to your stay like a five-pack of local beer and freshly caught lobster when you book a one-bedroom or two-bedroom suite. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, your home-away-from-home will be sure to leave you with lasting memories of an idyllic getaway.

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