Private Dry Tortugas Fishing Charters 

4.9
(47 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Hurricane Hole 5130 Overseas Hwy #1, Stock Island, FL 33040, United States–

Private Dry Tortugas Fishing Charters 

Stock Island, FL, United States
–
33 ft
6
4.9
(47 reviews)

Laid Back Key West offers private, fully customizable fishing charters out of Hurricane Hole Marina on Stock Island. Aboard Colorado Blue — a fast, comfortable 32-foot Intrepid 323 center console with twin 300 HP Yamaha engines — Captain Eric Grandcourt takes up to six guests out for a day built entirely around what you want to catch. No crowds, no rigid schedule, no big-box charter feel — just your group and the water.

Our specialty is the Dry Tortugas — a full-day run 70 miles west to some of the most productive, uncrowded fishing in the Keys, with historic Fort Jefferson and world-class snorkeling waiting when you're ready for a break. It's a bucket-list day, and few people know that stretch of ocean better than Captain Eric, who has run these waters for years — including on the Dry Tortugas National Park ferry, which he still captains on Fridays.

Closer to home, fish the reefs and wrecks for snapper, grouper, and more, or run offshore for mahi and tuna. Prefer to mix it up? We can combine fishing with snorkeling, sandbar stops, and dolphin watching — your ideal day on the water, your way.

The boat is rigged and ready with quality gear, rod holders, a shaded bimini, freshwater shower, and a private head. We clean and fillet your catch so you head back with dinner ready for the grill. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the family out for their first trip, Captain Eric puts you on the fish and makes it a day you'll remember.

Laid Back Key West offers private, fully customizable fishing charters out of Hurricane Hole Marina on Stock Island. Aboard Colorado Blue — a fast, comfortable 32-foot Intrepid 323 center console with twin 300 HP Yamaha engines — Captain Eric Grandcourt takes up to six guests out for a day built entirely around what you want to catch. No crowds, no rigid schedule, no big-box charter feel — just your group and the water.

Our specialty is the Dry Tortugas — a full-day run 70 miles west to some of the most productive, uncrowded fishing in the Keys, with historic Fort Jefferson and world-class snorkeling waiting when you're ready for a break. It's a bucket-list day, and few people know that stretch of ocean better than Captain Eric, who has run these waters for years — including on the Dry Tortugas National Park ferry, which he still captains on Fridays.

Closer to home, fish the reefs and wrecks for snapper, grouper, and more, or run offshore for mahi and tuna. Prefer to mix it up? We can combine fishing with snorkeling, sandbar stops, and dolphin watching — your ideal day on the water, your way.

The boat is rigged and ready with quality gear, rod holders, a shaded bimini, freshwater shower, and a private head. We clean and fillet your catch so you head back with dinner ready for the grill. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the family out for their first trip, Captain Eric puts you on the fish and makes it a day you'll remember.

Eric Grandcourt
Captain
Eric Grandcourt
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Dry Tortugas National Park
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
24 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $2,900
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
47 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (16)

What anglers say

97%
Great experience
97%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
94%
Recommended
88%
Caught fish

All reviews (47)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 48 reviews
Ron Ferris
Ron Ferris
us
Florida, US
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
Perfect day in imperfect conditions!
6 Hour Trip on August 5, 2024 • 2 adults • 1 child

Eric was an excellent Captain for our fishing trip. He was great with our two teenage girls that wanted to fish, but didn’t want to touch the bait! He kept them baited and explained how to catch the fish and was very patient with us all. We were fishing in the days after the TS Debby weather and Eric helped us craft our trip to accommodate the rough weather conditions and the girls caught several fish. When he could tell the kids were “fished out” he suggested we go search for dolphins. We found a beautiful pod of about six dolphins with a baby which was an amazing way to end our trip that day! We’d definitely use Laid Back Key West Charters again when in Key West and would recommend him to everyone!

Reported catch:
Mutton Snapper
Monica Codner
Monica Codner
us
Missouri, US
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
Fun day!!
6 Hour Trip on September 21, 2025 • 2 adults

6 hour day of fishing! Ray was always busy putting on bait or re-rigging so there was no interruption with our fishing experience. We caught plenty yellowtail snapper, couple cobias, and a little shark. Great day!

Russ Abernathy
Russ Abernathy
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2022
The captain canceled
April 17, 2026
Trip was supposed to happen on April 17, 2026

The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.

Christy Roop
Christy Roop
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
Family day trip
6 Hour Trip on September 14, 2023 • 6 adults

Captain Eric was excellent ! We had so fun! My husband and I, our two daughters and their husbands went out for a day of fishing, snorkeling and sand bar hopping. We managed to get in fishing and the sand bars, but the moon jellies had other plans so no snorkeling. But plenty of laughs and great memories were made! I would highly recommend!!!! What a great day!!!!!! ❤️Roop Family

Reported catch:
Yellowtail Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Da. Land
Da. Land
us
Alabama, US
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
May fishing trip
5 Hour Trip on May 25, 2023 • 4 adults

Our captain was awesome. Real nice and he accommodated my family wishes. He customized to our needs and made it enjoyable for all. The fish were not biting but he kept trying. Sometimes you win sometimes you don’t. That’s why it’s called fishing. If you want a big box fishing charter this is not for you. If you like a laid back adventure this is for you. Highly revommend

FAQs about Private Dry Tortugas Fishing Charters

Private Dry Tortugas Fishing Charters offers the following trip to customers:
  • US $2,900 per group - Dry Tortugas National Park (24 hours)
When you book a trip with Private Dry Tortugas Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet A real, private head — not a bucket or a cramped box you have to crawl into. Colorado Blue has a genuine enclosed bathroom with 6'2" of standing headroom, a sink, a light, and a door that closes for full privacy. There's also a freshwater shower to rinse
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Live bait well
  • Multimedia system
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radio
  • Sonar
Trips booked with Private Dry Tortugas Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (The live bait we use depends on the time of year. Often it's pinfish, easily gathered from a trap we've already set, or pilchards we catch by throwing a cast net where the pelicans are diving. Either way, bait is included in your trip.)
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (We're happy to clean and fillet your catch so you head home with dinner ready for the grill. Generally we take care of it back at Hurricane Hole Marina, where we depart from. Depending on the trip — if we need to drop you somewhere else — we're glad to cl)
  • Drinks (Water included. Beer not included.)
  • Fishing license (We are fishing license that are attached to the boat for up to six anglers and it will cover everywhere we fish.)
Private Dry Tortugas Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (Dry Tortugas )
Private Dry Tortugas Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Spinning
Top targeted fish species with Private Dry Tortugas Fishing Charters include:
  • Cobia
  • Hogfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)

Your captain

Eric Grandcourt
Eric Grandcourt
Stock Island, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
48 Customer reviews
Typical response within 6 hours
Member since May 2014
Captain Eric Grancourt's journey began in Colorado many moons ago. Having explored the Rocky Mountains and the mile high city of Denver and Boulder, Eric found a renewing warmth in Key West. The cold winters spent hiking and snowboarding lost their appeal, and he traded his Colorado office suits in for wetsuits. Eric dove into the world of open waters, sea turtles, and schools of bottlenose dolphin. He worked as a divemaster and later became a captain for Captain's Corner Dive Shop. In the winter of 2011, Eric purchased his own boat – the rest is history.
Eric Grandcourt
Eric Grandcourt
Fully verified
48
reviews
2014
member since
~6h
response
Captain Eric Grancourt's journey began in Colorado many moons ago. Having explored the Rocky Mountains and the mile high city of Denver and Boulder, Eric found a renewing warmth in Key West. The cold winters spent hiking and snowboarding lost their appeal, and he traded his Colorado office suits in for wetsuits. Eric dove into the world of open waters, sea turtles, and schools of bottlenose dolphin. He worked as a divemaster and later became a captain for Captain's Corner Dive Shop. In the winter of 2011, Eric purchased his own boat – the rest is history.

The fish you can target

Cobia
Cobia
Hogfish
Hogfish
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Cobia
Cobia
Hogfish
Hogfish
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper

Real catches by this captain

  • Angler proudly displaying a large fish while fishing offshore, showcasing a vibrant blue ocean backdrop.
    Monica C.
    Monica C.
    6 hour day of fishing! Ray was always busy putting on bait or re-rigging so there was no interruption with our fishing experience. We caught plenty yellowtail snapper, couple cobias, and a little shark. Great day!
  • A dolphin leaps out of the vibrant turquoise waters, showcasing the beauty of marine life in a tropical setting.
    Fish 1
    Mangrove Snapper
    Stephanie M.
    Stephanie M.
    It was a wonderful experience. The captain knew what he was doing and made the trip enjoyable. We got to snorkel, see Dolphins, and fish!
  • Adult angler reeling in a fish from a seated fighting position on a center-console boat offshore.
    Jacqueline M.
    Jacqueline M.
    Awesome day with Captain Eric! I was able to let all my cares float away. Excellent tour around the islands and fishing was fantastic!
  • Adult angler and child proudly display a freshly caught fish aboard a recreational fishing boat on calm open water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Jack Crevalle
    Eric S.
    Eric S.
    Great day on the water! Started off by trying to catch a tarpon with unfortunately no luck but saw plenty and was still fun. Saw some dolphin close then went to beautiful sandbar with family which was an amazing time swimming and snorkeling if beautiful water. Then went to reef and caught some very tasty yellow jacks for dinner which capt cleaned! Went around entire island by the end of trip and capt was great with kids. Highly recommend.
  • Adult angler leans over the boat while handling a fish at the surface in open coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Nurse Shark
    David B.
    David B.
    Great day snorkeling and fishing. Captain Eric was great. Knowledgeable, entertaining and just a downright nice young man.
  • Two anglers handle a freshly caught snapper aboard a fishing boat over clear coastal water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Mangrove Snapper
    Josh E.
    Josh E.
    Captain Eric was awesome. The kids had a great time. We would definitely go out with him again!
  • Two individuals wading in shallow water near a tropical shoreline, surrounded by lush greenery.
    Sam T.
    Sam T.
    The add said that lunch was included , We were charged 44.00 for two sandwiches and two salads, captain was great and stayed out extra time since the fish were not bitting, Our girls enjoyed the snorkeling as well. All in all not bad, Need to be more clear on what you supply, we also paid for our own drinks , boat had water on it.
  • Close-up of a colorful permit-like fish being held over open water beside an outboard boat motor.
    Fish 1
    African Pompano Jack
    Chandler B.
    Chandler B.
    Capt Eric was great to customize our trip to my girls needs which was fishing, dolphin watching, and snorkeling...

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
33 ft
Year built
2010
Boat manufacturer
Intrepid
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
45 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
A real, private head — not a bucket or a cramped box you have to crawl into. Colorado Blue has a genuine enclosed bathroom with 6'2" of standing headroom, a sink, a light, and a door that closes for full privacy. There's also a freshwater shower to rinse
GPS
Fishfinder
Snorkeling equipment
Live bait well
Multimedia system
Outriggers
Ice box
Radio
Sonar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
The live bait we use depends on the time of year. Often it's pinfish, easily gathered from a trap we've already set, or pilchards we catch by throwing a cast net where the pelicans are diving. Either way, bait is included in your trip.
Catch cleaning & filleting
We're happy to clean and fillet your catch so you head home with dinner ready for the grill. Generally we take care of it back at Hurricane Hole Marina, where we depart from. Depending on the trip — if we need to drop you somewhere else — we're glad to cl
Drinks
Water included. Beer not included.
Fishing license
We are fishing license that are attached to the boat for up to six anglers and it will cover everywhere we fish.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup included in price
Transfer from hotels or jetties in Stock Island to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child friendly
Kids are welcome, and there's no better way to spark a lifelong love of fishing and the ocean than a day on the water. That said, the Dry Tortugas is a full-day offshore trip — a roughly two-hour run each way across open water that can get bumpy — so for
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 Visa
 Mastercard
 American Express

What’s biting in Stock Island right now

CobiaCobia
HogfishHogfish
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
Snapper (Mutton)Snapper (Mutton)
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Private Dry Tortugas Fishing Charters
Private Dry Tortugas Fishing Charters
State licensed
4.9
(47)
33 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+3
24 hour trip • 6 persons
US $2,900