How much is a private fishing charter in Key West?
In the October 2026 scan, $650–$1,199 for a four-hour half day, $900–$1,500 for six hours and $1,250–$2,000 for eight, per boat. Most private boats carry up to six passengers, the Coast Guard limit for an uninspected boat. Tip, 15 to 20 percent, is extra.
Why most private boats take six
Under federal rules (46 CFR), a vessel under 100 gross tons carrying no more than six passengers, at least one paying, is an “uninspected passenger vessel”, the industry’s “six-pack”. Carrying more than six requires a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection, which states the maximum number of passengers. Key West Fishing Deals says its private charters are limited to six under Coast Guard rules. Gulfstream and Salty Goat say their bigger boats are Coast Guard inspected.
What the private price buys
- Your choice of water: flats, reef or offshore, with the captain’s advice for the week.
- Your schedule: morning or afternoon half days at many operators (Linda D runs 8 to noon or 1 to 5; Key West Fishing Deals 7 am or 1 pm).
- The crew for your group only, and the option to head in early.
- Per-boat pricing: four people on a half day pay about $163 to $300 each.
Private charters you can book online
A selection from the operator list, across the price range. Every operator there takes private bookings online.
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Low Tide Charter
5.0 Google · 76 reviews · read 4 October 2026
$650 for four hours, up to four; light tackle reef and wreck.
Departs: Hurricane Hole Marina, fuel dock
Check availability -
Key West Fishing Deals
4.8 Google · 1,019 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Six boats; $850 (4 h), $1,150 (6 h), $1,350 (8 h) on its website, fuel surcharge extra.
Departs: 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd Key West, FL 33040
Check availability -
Laid Back Key West
5.0 Google · 101 reviews · read 4 October 2026
$900 for four hours up to $1,600 for eight, up to six; you choose the style.
Departs: Hurricane Hole Marina
Check availability -
Charter Boat Linda D
4.8 Google · 276 reviews · read 4 October 2026
$1,000 half day, $1,300 three-quarter, $1,500 full day, up to six.
Departs: 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd, Charter Boat Row
Check availability -
Key West Conchlife Charters
4.9 Google · 68 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Four, six or eight hours, offshore or inshore, up to six; from $1,199.
Departs: Beach Weekend Marina, 5710 US-1
Check availability -
Boa Vida Charters
5.0 Google · 44 reviews · read 4 October 2026
From $800 for four hours; 30, 34 and 42-ft boats.
Departs: Historic Charter Boat Row, Garrison Bight City Marina
Check availability
Google · 76 reviews · read 4 October 2026 Private charters: questions
How many people can go on a private fishing charter?
Usually up to six, the Coast Guard limit for an uninspected passenger vessel. Some boats take fewer (Low Tide and Recon up to four); inspected boats take more, like Gulfstream (45) or Blind Squirrel (licensed for 41). Group charters covers bigger parties.
Is a private charter worth it?
From four people up, usually: the per-person cost comes close to a split charter and you get the boat, the crew and the choice of water. For one or two, a party boat or split seat is far cheaper. Private vs shared compares them.
Do private charters include everything?
Rods, bait, tackle, the licence and ice, at almost every operator; most clean your fish. Food, drinks, the tip and any fuel surcharge are extra. What’s included lists each operator’s own wording.
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.