Lobster Season in Tursk and Caicos

If you’re planning a trip to Turks and Caicos, then get ready – our prized lobster is a delightful seasonal treat that not only tastes great but is also an exhilarating experience when you catch it yourself!

The turquoise waters surrounding our islands are home to an abundance of this delicious shellfish. As the sun-soaked days beckon in August, so does the start of lobster season. Whether you’re exploring the waters to catch your own or indulging in a meal at one of the island’s many incredible restaurants, there’s no more perfect setting to relish fresh lobster tail than in this tropical haven. Join us as we explore all the essential information about our beloved crustacean!

The Caribbean Spiny Lobster

The Caribbean spiny lobster is a true gem. Unlike its Maine counterpart in the United States, this tropical delicacy lacks claws but makes up for it with its sweet, succulent meat from the tail. They have long antennae that help navigate their environment as they are primarily nocturnal creatures, coming out at night to forage for food among rocks and crevices. While we call them lobster, they are technically a crawfish and typically found in warm waters around coral reefs and rock ledges, making Turks and Caicos an ideal habitat.

With their unique flavour, Caribbean spiny lobsters offer a delightful culinary experience—perfect for seafood lovers visiting Providenciales. Whether you enjoy your tails grilled with butter and lemon or in a fine sauce, they’re sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Your Guide to Turks and Caicos Lobster Season

Lobster season in Turks and Caicos is a highly anticipated event every year. The season typically runs from August 1 through March 31, sometimes varying slightly each year. This offers ample opportunities to indulge in this exquisite treat. During these months, both locals and visitors can enjoy it freshly caught—renowned for its sweet and tender meat.

If you’re looking to experience lobster diving firsthand, we offer this as one of our guided fishing excursions. This thrilling adventure allows you to explore the reefs while hunting for your own delicious dinner. Diving down on a single breath to hunt in shallow water coral heads and peering under rock ledges has long been an element of life in our islands. Imagine returning to the surface after pulling up a fresh catch and enjoying it later at your villa or one of the island’s top restaurants.

The use of breathing apparatus, including scuba diving, to dive for lobster is not permitted in Turks and Caicos. The thrill of hunting your own lobster adds a unique layer to any vacation experience.

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Fishing for Lobster

Fishing for lobster in Turks and Caicos is an exhilarating adventure to add to your vacation experience during the open season. The turquoise waters surrounding Providenciales are a prime location for lobster diving – and we are only permitted to catch them by freediving. With a mask on and flippers ready, you can glide through the water in search of your prize. Just imagine the thrill when you spot one hiding among rocks or under corals.

It’s essential to follow local regulations during lobster season to ensure sustainability. Enjoying this bounty while respecting marine life keeps the waters vibrant for generations to come. If you plan to fish on your own please be sure to observe the fishing regulations like size limits and the dates of the spiny lobster season. Going out with a professional charter like us ensures you are following the rules:

Regulations for Lobster Fishing

 

  • A valid fishing license is required
  • Observe the bag limit on your fishing license
  • Do not harvest outside of the specified season
  • The use of breathing apparatus is strictly prohibited, freediving only
  • Steer clear of protected areas, it is against the law to take marine life (except lionfish) from national parks and nature reserves
  • Size restrictions are a minimum of 3.25in from the horns to the end of the tail or 5oz when the tail has been separated
  • Do not process your catch while out at sea, keep the head on
  • Moulting, egg-bearing or tar-spotted lobsters should not be harvested
  • The use of lobster hooks and Hawaiian slings is reserved to commercial fishing license holders

Our Favourite Restaurants for Lobster in Turks and Caicos

When it comes to enjoying lobster in Turks and Caicos, the options are as vibrant as the islands themselves. From casual beach bars to upscale dining experiences, there’s no shortage of delectable dishes featuring this sought-after seafood. From grilled tails drizzled with garlic butter, ‘cracked’ morsels with peas and rice to rich bisques, each bite promises a taste of island life at its finest.

Our standout is Embers at The Hub in Grace Bay on Providenciales. This new, fun, causal fine dining restaurant opened in December 2023 and offers up one of our favourite lobster dishes poached in butter with potatoes, endives and grilled corn. They also serve up an appetizer of dumplings with crispy chili and charred shishito that is to die for! Our other picks for finer dining include Le Bouchon du Village and Caicos Café offer up beautiful lobster dishes to enjoy.

The lobster roll and grilled tails at Omar’s Beach Hut in Five Cays are not be missed. Mangrove Bay, which overlooks the wetlands off Industrial Drive is also a top choice with several dishes on the menu well worth sampling. Froggie’s not only makes the best conch salad on island, but also features great local flavours during season. We love cracked lobster with peas and rice at any of the island style, local restaurants. Be sure not to miss out on trying dishes at smaller local establishments during your visit; many serve local style lobster dishes bursting with flavour at affordable prices!

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