How does a Key West party boat work?
You buy a seat, not the boat: $69.95–$99 per adult in the October 2026 scan, with child fares from $39.95. The boat anchors on the reef and wrecks and you bottom-fish for snapper with bait and tackle supplied. Gulfstream runs daily from 10 am to 4 pm, year round.
The Key West party boats compared
| Boat | Size and capacity | Trip | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfstream IV | 56 ft; up to 40 anglers; Coast Guard inspected; restrooms, snack bar | 6 hours, daily 10 am – 4 pm, year round | $69.95; child $42.95; under 5 $39.95; rider $45.95 |
| Cora Beth II | 60 ft; 35 on public trips | 5-hour daily reef trip within 15 miles; Key West November to April | $75; child $60 |
| Salty Goat | 50 ft; Coast Guard inspected; over 30; needs 10 to run | 5 hours, 9 am – 2 pm | $85; child $70; military and first responders $75 |
| Captain Conch “Stella Blue” | 33 ft; up to 10 | 4 hours, light tackle nearshore | $99 |
Book a Key West party boat
Each boat books online with live dates and seats; the button opens that boat’s party trip. Prices read 6 October 2026.
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Gulfstream Fishing
4.8 Google · 1,667 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Gulfstream IV: 56 ft, up to 40 anglers, six hours daily from 10 am to 4 pm, year round. $69.95 adult, $42.95 child.
Departs: Historic Charter Boat Row #8 1801 N. Roosevelt Blvd Key West FL 33040
Check availability -
Cora Beth Fishing
5.0 Google · 845 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Cora Beth II: 60 ft, a five-hour reef trip within 15 miles. Fishes Key West November to April. $75 adult, $60 child.
Departs: 230 Margaret St. C-Dock Slip 5, Key West FL 33040
Check availability -
Salty Goat Fishing Charters
4.7 Google · 229 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Salty Goat: 50 ft, five hours from 9 am to 2 pm; needs 10 to run. $85 adult, $70 child.
Departs: Galleon Marina, Slip 7, 619 Front St
Check availability -
Captain Conch Charters
Stella Blue: 33 ft, up to 10, four hours of light tackle nearshore. $99.
Departs: 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd, Charter Boat Row
Check availability
Google · 1,667 reviews · read 4 October 2026 What a party-boat day is like
Gulfstream anchors over reef and wreck structure and fishes the bottom with squid, chumming to bring the snapper up, and moves if the bite is slow. Expect yellowtail, mangrove and mutton snapper and the odd grouper; Gulfstream says it does not target tarpon and that barracuda are incidental. On party boats, Gulfstream’s terms say fish are divided at the captain’s discretion based on who caught what.
Cora Beth is seasonal in Key West: its own listing says the boat fishes Key West from November to April and New Hampshire in summer.
What is included, and what is extra
- Included: bait, tackle and your fishing licence (Gulfstream says every ticket includes rod, reel, tackle, bait and licence).
- Rods: Gulfstream also lists a $5 rod rental, and Cora Beth rents Penn combos; ask what your ticket covers.
- Fish cleaning: Gulfstream describes it as included on one page and as $0.50 a fish on another, so ask; Cora Beth fillets if you want.
- Food: Gulfstream has a snack bar on day trips (none on night trips); Cora Beth sells light snacks and drinks.
- Tip: at your discretion, in cash; see tipping.
Party boat or private?
For one or two people the seat price wins easily. For four or more, a private half day at $650–$1,199 per boat works out at about $163 to $300 each and buys your own crew and water. Private vs shared sets them side by side, and night fishing covers the summer night boat.
Party boats: questions
How much is a party boat in Key West?
Gulfstream $69.95 per adult for six hours, Cora Beth $75 for five hours (November to April), Salty Goat $85 for five hours, and Captain Conch $99 for four, in the October 2026 read. Children 12 and under pay $39.95 to $70.
What is the best party boat in Key West?
It depends on what you want: Gulfstream is the biggest (56 feet, up to 40 anglers) and runs every day of the year; Cora Beth and Salty Goat run five-hour trips; Captain Conch’s boat takes only ten. Ratings for each are on the operator list and the reviews roundup.
Do you need a fishing license on a party boat?
No. The boat’s licence covers every customer fishing aboard; Gulfstream says the licence is included in every ticket. Do you need a fishing license explains the exemption.
Next step
Looking for fishing trips in the Florida Keys?
Fishing Trips Florida Keys is an independent guide — no boats, no bookings, nothing to sell. It exists so you can ask better questions before you hand an operator a deposit.
Fishing Trips Florida Keys takes no bookings and earns nothing from a click. You book with the operator directly.