🔱 Key West, Florida
Key West Spearfishing Trips
Go get it yourself. Rio is a competitive spearo and he'll teach you how.
Captain Rio's Charters runs private freediving spearfishing trips out of Key West, Florida, guided by Captain Rio — a competitive spearfisherman and lifelong Keys local. No scuba certification is required and all experience levels are welcome. Flat rates from $500 for up to 6 guests.
The experience
What the day actually looks like
This is the trip Rio gets most excited about. He's a competitive spearfisherman who has been hunting these reefs and wrecks since he was a kid, and there is no substitute for that kind of local knowledge — knowing which ledge holds hogfish in March, which wreck the amberjack stack up on, how the tide has to be running before it's worth getting in.
It's all freediving, so there's no scuba certification required and no tanks to lug around. If you've never held a spear gun, Rio starts you in shallow, calm water and works through breathing, equalising, safety and shot placement before you go anywhere near a fish. If you already know what you're doing, he'll take you straight to the good stuff.
Everything is 100% private, which matters more here than on any other trip — spearfishing needs the boat working around one group's pace, dive by dive, not a schedule.
No certification needed
Freediving only. If you can snorkel, Rio can get you started.
Every level welcome
Complete beginners through experienced spearos hunting a specific fish.
Coaching included
Breath-hold, equalising, safety protocol and shot placement, taught properly.
What you're hunting
Grouper, snapper, hogfish, lionfish and amberjack, depending on season and depth.
The boat
1998 Stamas 32 · Twin Yamaha 250s
One 32-footer, licensed for six, with a shaded cabin and a bathroom on board. Everything you need and nothing you have to share.
What's included
- Snorkel & dive equipment
- Spearfishing gear and coaching
- USCG licensed & insured captain
- Cabin with seating & shade
- Bathroom on board
- Fish cleaning when we get back in
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A towel and a change of clothes
- Your own mask and fins if you have a set you love
- Snacks and drinks
Rates
Flat rate. Never per person.
Whether there are two of you or six, the price is the price. That is the whole idea of a private boat.
All rates are flat per boat for up to 6 guests — never per person. Fuel is not included: consumption is tracked on every trip, and the fuel your charter uses is billed on top of the rate. This applies to every trip, inshore and offshore, with no exceptions. Gratuity is not included.
Questions
Key West Spearfishing Trips FAQ
Do I need to be scuba certified to go spearfishing?
No. These are freediving trips — breath-hold only, no tanks. If you are comfortable snorkelling, Captain Rio can teach you the rest on the boat.
I have never speared a fish. Can I still come?
Yes, and plenty of guests haven't. Rio starts beginners in shallow, calm water and covers breathing, equalising, safety and shot placement before you hunt anything.
What can you spear in Key West?
Grouper, snapper, hogfish, lionfish and amberjack, depending on the season and how deep you're diving. Rio knows which spots are producing week to week.
How much is a spearfishing trip?
A half day (4 hours) is $900 and a full day (8 hours) is $1,700 — flat rates for up to 6 guests, not per person. Fuel is billed on top: consumption is tracked on every trip and you are responsible for what your charter uses. Gratuity is not included.
Is spearfishing legal in the Florida Keys?
Yes, in permitted areas and for permitted species, and Captain Rio only fishes legal ground. The vessel's license covers guests on board, and Rio handles size and bag limits so you don't have to.
Also aboard
Combine it with something else
Half and full-day charters can mix any of these into one trip. Just tell Rio what your group is after.
Key West Fishing Charters
Reef, wreck, offshore or backcountry — you pick the fight, Rio finds the fish.
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The only living coral barrier reef in North America, plus a sandbar all to yourselves.
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Dive down, tickle him out, net him. Then eat him. Hard to beat.
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Your boat, your people, your day. Tell Rio what you're celebrating.
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Let's get you out on the water
Rio answers his own phone. Call or text him about dates, tides, group size, or what's been biting this week.
Departing Hurricane Hole Marina · Key West, FL · 7 days a week