Key West fishing charter prices vary depending on trip length, boat, type of charter, and the fishing experience you choose. Understanding these costs before booking makes it easier to compare options and select the right trip for your group and budget.
Cowboy Cowgirl SportFishing Charters offers both private and shared fishing charters in Key West, with options ranging from shorter half-day trips to full-day and extended fishing adventures.
This guide explains typical charter prices, what is included, what is not included, and some of the factors that can affect the price of your fishing trip.
IMPORTANT PRICING NOTE
What Are the Typical Costs for Key West Fishing Charters?
Private fishing charter pricing depends primarily on the boat selected and the duration of the trip. The 36-foot Cowboy provides a useful starting point for understanding private offshore charter pricing.
- 4 Hours — Half Day: $850
- 6 Hours — 3/4 Day: $1,150
- 8 Hours — Full Day: $1,350
- 10 Hours: $1,550
- 12 Hours: $1,750
These are listed charter prices. The applicable fuel surcharge and crew gratuity are not included in these prices. Larger boats and boats with additional amenities may have higher starting rates.
Shared fishing charters provide another option for anglers who do not need to reserve the entire boat.
How Much Do Private Fishing Charters in Key West Cost?
Private fishing charters allow your group to reserve the boat rather than sharing the trip with unrelated anglers. Private charter pricing varies according to the boat and trip duration.
| Vessel | 4 Hour | 6 Hour | 8 Hour | 10 Hour | 12 Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36' Cowboy | $850 | $1,150 | $1,350 | $1,550 | $1,750 |
| 40' Irish Cowboy | $950 | $1,250 | $1,450 | $1,650 | $1,850 |
| 45' Cowgirl | $1,050 | $1,350 | $1,550 | $1,750 | $1,950 |
| 47' Sanctuary | $1,150 | $1,450 | $1,650 | $1,850 | $2,050 |
Private charters accommodate up to six passengers and give your group the boat for the trip. The applicable fuel surcharge and crew gratuity are additional and are not included in the listed charter price. Full-day trips are popular for Key West deep sea fishing and offshore fishing charters.
What Are the Prices for Shared Fishing Charters in Key West?
Shared fishing charters are priced per person and can be a more affordable way to experience offshore fishing in Key West without reserving the entire boat.
| Trip Length | Listed Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Half-Day Shared Charter — 4 Hours | $200 per person |
| 3/4-Day Shared Charter — 6 Hours | $250 per person |
| Full-Day Shared Charter — 8 Hours | $300 per person |
Shared charters allow individual anglers or smaller groups to join other guests aboard the boat and share the fishing experience.
How Does the Boat You Choose Affect the Price?
The size, style, features, and amenities of the boat can influence the price of a private fishing charter. Examples of starting half-day private charter prices include:
- Cowboy — 36' Hatteras: From $850
- Irish Cowboy — 40' Luhrs: From $950
- Cowgirl — 45' Hatteras: From $1,050
- Sanctuary — 47' Hatteras: From $1,150
- Knotty Cowgirl — 37' Contender: From $1,000
- Blue Cowboy — 34' Contender: From $1,100
These are starting private charter prices, not shared charter rates. The applicable fuel surcharge and crew gratuity are not included in these listed prices.
Different boats provide different fishing styles, layouts, amenities, and levels of comfort, allowing guests to choose a boat that works best for their group. You can compare each vessel on our Key West charter fleet page.
Which Types of Fishing Trips Affect Key West Charter Prices?
Different fishing experiences may involve different boats, trip lengths, destinations, and pricing. Available experiences can include:
- Offshore fishing
- Light tackle fishing
- Reef fishing
- Wreck fishing
- Shark fishing
- Marquesas Keys adventures
- Historical tours
- Snorkeling and fishing combinations
- Mixed fishing and sightseeing trips
Trip duration also influences the total price. Longer trips provide more fishing time and can allow the captain to reach fishing grounds farther from Key West. Browse all of our Key West fishing charters to see the full range of trips.
What Are the Rates for Reef and Wreck Fishing Charters?
Reef and wreck fishing can be offered as private charter experiences, with pricing based on the boat and trip duration. Starting private charter prices include:
- Cowboy — 36' Hatteras: From $850
- Irish Cowboy — 40' Luhrs: From $950
- Cowgirl — 45' Hatteras: From $1,050
- Sanctuary — 47' Hatteras: From $1,150
- Knotty Cowgirl — 37' Contender: From $1,000
- Blue Cowboy — 34' Contender: From $1,100
The applicable fuel surcharge and crew gratuity are not included in the listed prices.
How Much Does a Key West Shark Fishing Trip Cost?
Shark fishing trips are priced according to the length and type of trip. Current listed prices for Key West shark fishing charters include:
| Trip | Duration | Listed Trip Price |
|---|---|---|
| Inshore Shark Fishing Trip | 3 Hours | $600 |
| Reef Shark Fishing Trip | 4 Hours | $800 |
| Deepwater Shark Fishing Trip | 6 Hours | $1,050 |
Shark fishing provides a specialized Key West fishing experience with trip options ranging from shorter inshore adventures to longer deepwater trips.
What Are the Costs for Night Snapper and Marquesas Keys Adventures?
Night Snapper trips generally begin later in the day and continue into the evening. A five-hour Night Snapper trip is $1,050 plus a $150 fuel surcharge, for a charter and fuel total of $1,200 before crew gratuity. Crew gratuity is not included.
Marquesas Keys adventures are conducted aboard light tackle boats and start at approximately $1,500.
Trips to the Marquesas require enough time to travel, fish, explore, and enjoy the area. While six hours may be possible for some trips, an eight-hour trip is recommended for guests who want more time to experience both the fishing and history of the Marquesas Keys.
Any applicable fuel surcharge and crew gratuity are separate unless specifically stated otherwise.
Night fishing trips run May through August aboard the Blue Cowboy or Knotty Cowgirl, with a maximum of six passengers.
What Is Included in the Price of a Key West Fishing Charter?
One advantage of booking a professional Key West fishing charter is that most of the essential fishing equipment is provided. Charter trips include:
- Fishing rods and reels
- Fishing tackle
- Bait
- Required fishing licenses
- Cooler with ice
- Fish cleaning for legal fish you choose to keep
- Professional captain and crew
- A private boat experience when booking a private charter
Guests do not need to purchase fishing equipment or a separate fishing license before the trip. Fish cleaning for legal fish you choose to keep is provided at no additional charge.
Which Equipment and Services Are Included?
The fishing equipment needed for the trip is provided, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Required fishing licenses are also covered through the charter. A cooler with ice is available aboard the boat.
The crew can also clean legal fish you choose to keep after the trip at no additional charge.
What Is NOT Included in the Listed Charter Price?
It is important to understand that the listed charter price is not necessarily the final amount you should budget for your fishing trip. The following are not included in the listed charter price:
- Applicable fuel surcharge
- Crew gratuity
- Food
- Beverages
- Personal items
- Transportation to and from the marina unless specifically arranged
The fuel surcharge is separate from the listed charter price. Crew gratuity is also separate and is not included in the charter price or fuel surcharge. Guests should consider both when budgeting for their fishing trip.
Food and beverages may be brought aboard according to the charter's policies.
Why Is There a Fuel Surcharge?
Fuel is a major operating cost for fishing boats, particularly offshore vessels traveling to fishing grounds beyond Key West.
Rather than hiding this cost inside the advertised charter rate, the applicable fuel surcharge is shown separately from the listed charter price. This helps guests understand the base price of the charter and which additional charges apply to their trip.
The applicable fuel surcharge is not a crew gratuity. Fuel surcharge and crew gratuity are two separate items.
Is Crew Gratuity Included in a Key West Fishing Charter Price?
No. Crew gratuity is not included in the listed charter price and is not included in the fuel surcharge.
The captain and mate work throughout the trip to prepare fishing equipment, locate fish, assist anglers, maintain the boat during the trip, handle catches, and help provide a safe and enjoyable fishing experience.
Guests should budget separately for crew gratuity when planning the total cost of their charter.
What Factors Influence the Price of Key West Fishing Charters?
Several factors can influence the listed price of a fishing charter.
Trip Duration
Longer trips generally cost more because you are reserving the boat and crew for a longer period of time. Available trips can range from shorter shark adventures to 4-hour, 6-hour, 8-hour, 10-hour, and 12-hour private fishing charters, including half-day fishing charters.
Boat Size and Amenities
Larger vessels and boats with additional comfort features can have higher charter rates. Depending on the vessel, amenities may include features such as:
- Air conditioning
- Enclosed areas
- Restrooms
- Additional seating
- Shade
- Larger interior spaces
Guests should consider both fishing style and comfort when selecting a boat.
Private Versus Shared Charters
Private charters reserve the boat for your group and can accommodate up to six passengers. Shared charters allow individual anglers and smaller groups to share the boat with other guests and pay a per-person rate.
For travelers looking for a lower-cost way to experience Key West fishing, a shared charter can provide excellent value. Our guide to shared versus private fishing charters compares the two side by side.
Trip Type and Destination
Some trips require more travel time or specialized fishing techniques. For example, offshore fishing, shark fishing, Marquesas Keys adventures, reef fishing, wreck fishing, and light tackle trips can involve different destinations, boats, and trip durations.
How Can You Find the Best Value Key West Fishing Charter for Your Budget?
The least expensive option is not always the best value for every group. Start by considering:
- Number of people in your group
- Desired trip length
- Private versus shared charter
- Type of fishing
- Boat size
- Comfort and amenities
- Target species
- Overall budget
A shared charter may make the most sense for one or two anglers who want to keep the per-person cost lower. For a family or group that wants the boat to themselves, a private charter may provide better value and a more personalized experience. Families often start with our family-friendly fishing charters.
Shared Versus Private Charter Value
Shared charters currently offer three trip lengths:
- 4-Hour Half Day: $200 per person
- 6-Hour 3/4 Day: $250 per person
- 8-Hour Full Day: $300 per person
The applicable fuel surcharge and crew gratuity are additional.
Private charters begin at $850 for a four-hour trip aboard the 36-foot Cowboy, with different rates available depending on boat and trip duration. The applicable fuel surcharge and crew gratuity are also additional to the listed private charter price.
How Does Cowboy Cowgirl SportFishing Charters Offer Value?
Cowboy Cowgirl SportFishing Charters is a family-owned Key West fishing charter business with roots dating back to 1965.
Guests can choose from multiple boats and fishing experiences instead of being limited to a single vessel or trip type. Options include shared fishing charters, private offshore charters, light tackle fishing, shark fishing, reef and wreck fishing, and other Key West fishing adventures.
This range of options gives anglers the ability to choose a trip according to their group, budget, fishing goals, and preferred level of comfort.
When Is the Best Time to Book for Pricing and Availability?
Cowboy Cowgirl SportFishing Charters maintains consistent base charter pricing rather than raising prices simply because a particular date is in high demand.
Booking early is still recommended, especially when you want a particular boat, date, trip length, or departure time. Advance booking gives you a better opportunity to reserve the trip that best fits your plans.
Plan Your Key West Fishing Charter
Understanding Key West fishing charter prices makes it easier to choose a trip that works for your group and budget. Shared charters begin at $200 per person for a half-day trip, while private fishing charters begin at $850.
When comparing prices, remember that the listed charter price does not include the applicable fuel surcharge or crew gratuity. Fishing equipment, bait, tackle, fishing licenses, ice, and fish cleaning for legal fish you choose to keep are provided.
Whether you choose an affordable shared fishing charter or reserve a private boat for your group, comparing the boat, trip duration, fishing style, amenities, and total expected cost will help you select the right Key West fishing experience. Contact us with any questions about your trip.