Guide:

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

4 hours on the beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico.
This amazing trip is only offered seasonally August through March. We also offer trips for the NEW 1 day Lobster hunt for Florida Residents only. And the 2 day Lobster Mini Season which for 2024 is July 24 & 25, this is open to everyone. This is best suited for strong swimmers with experience snorkeling. If you don’t want to travel with dive gear it can be rented from any of the local dive shops, I will give shop recommendations once booked. Most of the time we will be diving in between 4’ and 10’ deep water. It is a lot of fun, but it takes patience and a lot of practice. We can talk and customize your trip based on your preferences.

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Intermediate, Advanced

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 3 days before the trip.

Tackle

You will need your own tackle.

Waders

Wader rentals are not available.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	4 Hours
1 Person	$900.00
2 People	$900.00
3 People	$900.00
4 People	$900.00

Pay 20% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Reserve Your Trip

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Paulie M.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Independent Guide

Laid-back

Instructional

Adventurous

Quality

Talkative

Expert Oriented

About Your Guide

Paulie M.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide

Born and raised on and in the waters of Key West, FL Captain Paulie is a 5th generation Conch. Most of his early knowledge of the waters comes from his father Paul Jr., who also grew up in Key West and was a light tackle charter guide. Paulie spent a lot of time on the docks as a kid learning from many of the great local guides as well, hoping to one day be able to guide as well.

Paulie spends most of his time on the water, fishing, diving, and hanging out on sandbars with family, friends and clients. He also loves to share his knowledge of the waters while just exploring the backcountry, mangroves and sandbars.

Fishing with families where the opportunity to teach about fishing in the Keys, rather than just doing everything for the customer or client has always been a big part of fishing for him. “It’s always nice to see people enjoy the process of what we do as guides to produce a day of fishing.” Diving for Spiny lobster is another of Paulie’s favorite ways to spend a day. An art in its own right which takes practice and patience.

Captain Paulie can also take a day and spend it shelling. There are many species of shells located in the keys, you just have to know where and how to look for them. “Most of the good shells you have to dive for. Anywhere between 1 to 4 feet of water is where the quality shells are usually found, (cones, cowries, trumpets.”) Whether it's fishing or diving, it's always a great day in the boat.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Aside from very large sharks, the largest keeper I’ve ever caught is a 180 pound Goliath Grouper, back when it was still legal to keep them.

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

An assortment of fried fish especially Snapper and Grouper with black beans, rice and plantains or fresh Tuna salad, tartare, sesame crusted fried tuna.

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Aside from very large sharks, the largest keeper I’ve ever caught is a 180 pound Goliath Grouper, back when it was still legal to keep them.

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

An assortment of fried fish especially Snapper and Grouper with black beans, rice and plantains or fresh Tuna salad, tartare, sesame crusted fried tuna.

What’s your favorite band?

To many to list.

What’s your favorite movie?

Men In Black. I will watch it every time I run past it.

What’s your favorite sports team?

Not into sports.

What’s your drink of choice?

Sweet iced tea or the occasional Captain and Diet Coke.

What was your last halloween costume?

A hippie.. for Fantasy Fest. I think!!

What do you want for Christmas this year?

I never want gifts. But my wife never listens to me when I tell her that!!!

How did you get started guiding?

I guess you can say it’s in my blood, but my dad was a guide here for many years, so I grew up on the ocean.

What makes you different from other guides?

It’s not a job for me, it’s truly my passion. I enjoy everything being on the water had to offer.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Key West, Florida

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Private 4 Hour Lobster Snorkeling Trip

Boat Type: Center Console
Boat Manufacturer: SeaVee
Year Built: 1996
Boat Length: 28'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Center Console
Boat Manufacturer: SeaVee
Year Built: 1996
Boat Length: 28'
Engine Manufacturer: Mercury
Total Horsepower: 300
Number of Engines: 2
Additional Amenities: Live well, ice box with separate area for drinks. Stereo. Cushioned seating and coffin box, SeaDek flooring for traction and comfort. Ladder for ease of entering and exiting the water.

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Intermediate, Advanced

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 3 days before the trip.

Tackle

You will need your own tackle.

Waders

Wader rentals are not available.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Wading

Everything Else to Know

Client must have their own mask, snorkel, fins and gloves, which can be rented locally. Also, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, uv shirt, hat, drinks and snacks.
I will provide the nets, tickle sticks, measuring tool, license.

You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 3 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 3 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

5.0

based on 2 reviews

Michael

Verified Review

May 31

100% would book again. My group had the BEST time with Captain Paulie!! He made sure we all caught plenty of fish big and small and that everyone had a great time! We each caught numerous snapper, jack, and even a Barracuda!

We HIGHLY recommend Captain Paulie!

Michael

Verified Review

May 31

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Trip: Fishing-Private Half Day Charter

Response from Paulie:

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a great review. It’s greatly appreciated. I’m very happy everyone had a good time. I look forward to fishing with you all again soon. Enjoy the rest of your stay. Captain Paulie

Response from Paulie:

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Sarah

Verified Review

July 25

Captain Paulie was incredible - engaging, entertaining and put us on the spots (limits achieved!). Kids and adults had a great time and can’t wait to come back and charter Captain Paulie again. Highly recommend!!

Sarah

Verified Review

July 25

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Response from Paulie:

Thank you so much Sarah. We really appreciate the positive feedback. I’m very glad that everyone had a good time. I had a great time with you all too. Enjoy those lobsters!!

Response from Paulie:

Thank you so much Sarah. We really appreciate the positive feedback. I’m very glad that everyone had a good time. I had a great time with you all too. Enjoy those lobsters!!

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.