Docked at the legendary Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada,DirtyBoat Charters is widely recognized as the industry leader for “split charters” in the Florida Keys. Led byCaptain Kit Carson, this operation specializes in high-end offshore sportfishing that is accessible to everyone—from solo anglers looking to share the cost to families wanting a private, air-conditioned experience on the open sea.
Quick Stats
- Location: 77522 Overseas Hwy (Robbie’s Marina, Slip 7), Islamorada, FL 33036
- Primary Vessel:DirtyBoat 2.0– A 42-foot Liberty Express (Tournament rigged & air-conditioned)
- Secondary Vessel:Lil’ Dirty– A 22-foot Twin Vee (For specialized backcountry/nearshore trips)
- Contact: (305) 209-5594 |dirtyboat.com
- Vibe: Serious fishing, premium comfort, and a “clean” boat despite the name.
The Specialization: Split Charters
DirtyBoat has mastered theSplit Charter (shared charter) model. While most private boats are all-or-nothing, Captain Kit organizes groups of 4 people to share the expense of a luxury sportfishing yacht.
- The Magic Number: Although licensed for six, DirtyBoat limits split charters to4 anglers. This ensures everyone gets plenty of “rod time” and a fair share of the fresh fillets at the end of the day.
- Live Updates: Their website features a real-time calendar where you can see exactly which days have “1 left” or “2 left” to fill a boat.
Charter Options & Pricing
DirtyBoat offers a wide range of trips targeting everything from reef-dwelling snapper to deep-water swordfish.
Trip Type | Duration | Primary Targets | Approx. Price (Private)
Half-Day | 4 Hours | Snapper, Grouper, Mackerel | $1,200
3/4 Day | 6 Hours | ”Dinner & A Show” (Reef + Light Offshore) | $1,800
Full Day | 8 Hours | Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Sailfish, Wahoo | $2,200
Swordfish | 10 Hours | Daytime Deep-Drop Swordfishing | $2,700
Split Charter | 6–8 Hours | Varies by Season | ~$450 per person
What Sets Them Apart
- Creature Comforts: TheDirtyBoat 2.0 is equipped with a clean head (bathroom), a full galley, and a powerful air-conditioning system in the salon—a life-saver during the humid Florida summers.
- Vacuum Sealing: They are one of the only charters in the area that offersprofessional vacuum sealing (using a VacMaster VP95) for your catch at no additional cost. This keeps your fish fresh for the flight or drive home.
- Loyalty Program: Once you fish with DirtyBoat, you become part of the family and receive10% off all future bookings.
- Education: Captain Kit is known for his “love to teach” approach. Whether it’s your first time holding a rod or you’re a seasoned pro, the crew actively coaches you on techniques.
Local Knowledge & Tips
- The “Dirty” Irony: Don’t let the name fool you. The “Dirty” refers to the “dirty” amount of fish they catch; the boat itself is notoriously clean and well-maintained.
- Summer Mahi Madness: From May to September, book aFull Day trip. Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin) are often 10+ miles offshore in the Gulf Stream, and you’ll need the full 8 hours to find the schools and get into the action.
- Booking Tip: If you want a specific date for a split charter and don’t see it listed, call the captain directly. He can often start a new “split” and find other anglers to join you via his “Split Charter Alert” list.
