This page is for booking on short notice: today, tonight, or tomorrow. The quickest way to find out what is open is to text or call us at (305) 304-2946. We answer from 6 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week.
For a trip today or tomorrow, contact us before you book. We check the boat, crew, and departure time, and for a shared trip, whether at least four guests are booked. Once we confirm an option with you, you can complete the booking. An opening on the online calendar, or an automatic FareHarbor confirmation email, does not by itself mean a short-notice trip can depart. If you have already booked online for today or tomorrow, text or call us right away so we can verify the departure details. Want the full picture of how same-day scheduling works? Read our same day fishing charter guide.
How to Check Last Minute Availability
- 1Text or call (305) 304-2946 first with the details listed below. Texting is usually fastest, and it gives us everything in writing.
- 2We check the boat, crew, and departure time. For a shared trip, we also check whether at least four guests are booked.
- 3Once we confirm an option with you, complete the booking. We will tell you whether to book online or take care of it with you directly.
- 4We confirm the dock. Most of our boats leave from 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd; the Sanctuary leaves from Stock Island.
- 5Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure with sunscreen, a hat, and your own food and drinks.
Booking for Tomorrow?
What to Tell Us When You Text or Call
The more we know in the first message, the faster we can give you a real answer.
- The day you want to fish: today or tomorrow, and any backup day
- The hours you are free, including the latest time you need to be back
- How many people are going, and the ages of any kids
- Shared seats or a private boat for your group only
- How long you want to fish: 4, 6, or 8 hours
- Anything you are hoping for, such as reef fishing, offshore, or sharks
- If you are on a cruise ship: the ship name and your all-aboard time
- Your name and the best number to reach you
Shared or Private on Short Notice
Private charters are generally easier for us to arrange at the last minute when a boat and crew are available, because your group books the whole boat. A shared charter requires at least four booked guests to run. One or two people may be able to join a shared trip that already has four or more guests booked and open seats, but an empty shared trip is not automatically available to depart. Last minute pricing is the same as booking ahead. We do not add a short-notice fee, and we do not discount open trips.
| Trip | Length | Listed Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared charter | 4 hours | $200 per person |
| Shared charter | 6 hours | $250 per person |
| Shared charter | 8 hours | $300 per person |
| Private charter | 4 hours | From $850 per boat, depending on the boat |
For every boat and trip length, see our Key West fishing charter prices, the shared charter details, or compare the fleet.
If the Trip You Want Is Full
A full boat does not have to mean a lost day. Depending on what is open, we may be able to offer:
- A different departure time on the same day
- A private boat for your group if another boat and crew are available
- One or two shared seats on a trip that already has at least four guests booked and room aboard
- A different boat in the fleet
- A shorter trip that fits the time you have
- An evening or seasonal night trip, such as night snapper fishing
- The first open departure tomorrow
- Splitting a larger group across two boats
If nothing fits your schedule, we will tell you so rather than squeeze you onto a trip that does not work.
Last Minute Trips for Cruise Ship Passengers
Cruise passengers book with us on port days regularly. A 4-hour trip is usually the right fit.
- 1Confirm your all-aboard time first, then work backward
- 2Leave at least 90 minutes between returning to the dock and all-aboard
- 3Text us your ship name and all-aboard time so we can match you to the right departure
- 4Plan your ride back to the pier before you leave the dock
Buffer Your Time
What's Included and What's Not
- Included: rods, reels, bait, tackle, fishing licenses, ice, and fish cleaning
- Included: a licensed captain and mate on every trip and USCG-required safety equipment
- Not included: the applicable fuel surcharge and crew gratuity
- Not included: food and beverages, so bring what your group wants for the day
- Bring: sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, soft-soled shoes, and any personal medication
What you may encounter depends on the season and conditions, and no species is guaranteed. Check the Key West fishing calendar for the month you are here.
What Happens if the Weather Turns?
The captain makes the call based on conditions at the dock, not a forecast app. If we cancel for weather, you can reschedule or take a full refund. Read the full cancellation policy before you book.