If you want to bring an air of sophistication and celebration to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen, a surf and turf dinner might be the perfect solution.
With the right ingredients and a bit of planning, you can pull off an effortless meal that looks (and tastes!) over the top—and we’ve got just the recipes to show you how.
Spiny lobster is considered one of the most decadent and indulgent seafood treats out there. With its sweet, succulent meat and unique texture, it’s easy to see why spiny lobster commands premium prices. But if you’ve ever shopped for spiny lobster yourself, you know that prices can vary wildly depending on where and when you buy it.
So how much does spiny lobster really cost? In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the average price of spiny lobster based on multiple factors. We’ll look at how elements like size, quality, seasonality, and location impact the final price tag. Read on for everything you need to know about spiny lobster costs!
An Overview of Spiny Lobster
Before diving into pricing, it helps to understand exactly what spiny lobster is There are a few varieties, but two main types are harvested commercially
-
Caribbean spiny lobster – Scientifically known as Panulirus argus these are found throughout the Caribbean Sea Gulf of Mexico, and Florida Keys. They have firm, sweet meat.
-
Florida spiny lobster – Panulirus guttatus lobsters inhabit waters around the Florida coast. They are similar to their Caribbean cousins.
The tail meat is the prized portion of spiny lobster and often sold on its own as lobster tails. Whole lobsters are sold live or pre-cooked.
Average Cost of Whole Spiny Lobster
On average, expect to pay:
- Restaurants: $15 – $30 per pound
- Retailers: $20 – $40 per pound
But prices for whole cooked spiny lobster can range much higher depending on various factors:
Location
Lobster prices are highest inland, away from lobster fishing areas. Prices are lower in coastal communities near the ocean.
Size
Larger lobsters over 1.5 pounds cost more per pound than smaller lobsters under a pound. Jumbo lobsters can cost $50+ per pound.
Quality
High-quality lobsters with hard shells and solid meat yield command a premium price over soft-shelled lobsters.
Source
Imported out-of-season lobster costs more than in-season local lobster. Florida spiny lobster costs less in Florida.
Where Purchased
Prices are higher at upscale restaurants than casual spots or direct from retailers.
Time of Year
Prices spike when lobsters are out of season and are lowest during peak harvest times.
Average Cost of Lobster Tails
Since the lobster tail is the highlight, it’s often sold separately:
-
5-6 ounce tails: $12 – $15 each
-
8-10 ounce tails: $15 – $25 each
-
Jumbo 12+ ounce tails: $25 – $35 each
Restaurant lobster tail entrees cost 2-3 times more than buying raw tails from a store.
What Impacts Spiny Lobster Pricing?
Several factors determine the fluctuating market price of spiny lobster:
-
Supply – Prices increase when catches are reduced and supply is low.
-
Demand – High demand around holidays and events combined with low supply equals higher prices.
-
Regulations – Strict lobster size and catch limits control availability.
-
Imports vs Local – Out of season, most spiny lobster is imported at a higher cost than in-season local lobster.
Estimated Prices at Retailers
Here are current price ranges at popular lobster retailers:
-
Keys Fisheries (Florida Keys): Lobster tails around $40 per pound
-
Key Largo Fisheries (Florida Keys): Lobster tails $20-30 each (6-10 oz)
-
Maine Lobster Now (Online): Lobster tails average $15-25 each (5-8 oz)
-
Larry’s Seafood (Online Florida): Lobster tails average $13-18 each (5-7 oz)
As you can see, prices can vary significantly based on retailer, location, and ordering season.
Regional Pricing Differences
Lobster prices also differ based on where in the world they are harvested:
United States
American spiny lobster commands the highest prices, especially in landlocked areas far from coasts. Expect to pay premium prices for lobsters in places like Las Vegas or Kansas.
Caribbean
In lobster-producing countries like the Bahamas, Cuba, and Mexico, prices are generally 10-30% lower than the United States. More availability reduces costs.
Central/South America
Spiny lobster from Brazil, Honduras, and Nicaragua is abundant, so prices are lower. Expect lobster tail prices around $5 per pound.
Ordering Spiny Lobster Online
Purchasing spiny lobster online has become more popular in recent years. It allows you to buy directly from coastal fisheries at reasonable prices. Expect to pay:
- Whole lobsters: $20 – $40 per pound
- Lobster tails: $10 – $20 per pound
Reputable vendors like Key Largo Fisheries overnight ship fresh lobsters packed in insulation with freezer packs to ensure quality.
Things to Consider When Buying Spiny Lobster
-
Look for lobsters with an intact, rigid shell and no leg damage. Soft shells indicate older lobsters.
-
Check for certifications like “sustainable” and “wild-caught” when buying online or at retailers. This helps ensure healthy populations.
-
Consider buying lobster tails to save money. You get the prized tail meat without paying for unwanted lobster parts.
-
Don’t store lobsters more than 24 hours before cooking or freezing. Keep live lobsters cool in air-breathing bags.
The Takeaway on Spiny Lobster Prices
While delicious, spiny lobster is one of the pricier seafood options due to high demand. Expect to spend $15 – $50 per pound depending on where and when you buy it. The good news is that buying directly from coastal fisheries online provides reasonable prices compared to inland restaurants and retailers. With some savvy shopping, you can indulge in decadent spiny lobster without breaking the bank!
Item added to your cart
Welcome to Key Largo Fisheries, your premier destination for fresh spiny lobster. Our selection of spiny lobsters is sourced directly from the pristine waters of the Florida Keys, ensuring you receive only the freshest and highest quality seafood.
How to Plan a Surf and Turf Menu
To put together a surf and turf menu of your own, start with a bit of planning to make sure your dinner comes together perfectly.
One of the best parts about surf and turf is that you can often cook both the meat and seafood in the same pan, which means less mess. Whether you use a grill, broiler, or stovetop, you can first sear the meat, then quickly cook the seafood while your steak rests.
First, choose your surf and your turf entrees. The most classic surf and turf menus feature red meat, often steak. However, if you’re not a fan or don’t eat red meat, you can certainly substitute steak for some chicken or pork.
| If you want to stand out even more, put your own spin on turf entree with a unique protein like lamb or duck. There really are no rules, so now’s your time to experiment in the kitchen! |
|---|
Likewise, for the surf side of things, you have plenty of options. The most classic and extravagant surf and turf plates feature a bold red lobster, either whole or just the tail. Sometimes the tail is stuffed for added visual and flavor appeal. Other surf options include succulent shrimp, seared scallops, crab cakes, or your favorite fish fillet.
Finally, round out your surf and turf menu with one or two side dishes. These don’t have to be complicated or overdone. The meat and seafood are the stars of the show, so the sides are the supporting actors there to help the proteins shine. See below for the best side dish ideas to pair with your surf and turf.
Spiny-lobster prices latest, global prices today – 2022/2023
FAQ
Are spiny lobsters expensive?
Live CA Spiny Lobster ESTIMATE $37 per Lobster estimated weight 1.2-1.5 (28$ per pound delivery) Learn more about local delivery and pickup options.
How much is a 1 lb lobster?
How Much Does Lobster Really Cost? Live lobster prices vary depending on the time of year, market conditions, and supplier. In March 2023, the average price for live Maine lobster was around $13–$15 per pound, with lobster tails falling between $29.99 and $32.99.
How much is spiny lobster per pound in Florida?
Each lobster weighs approximately 1lb – 1.25lbs – $12.95 per pound.
How old is a 10 lb spiny lobster?
Considering that it takes a legal-size lobster measuring 3.25” in carapace length and weighing around 1 pound 7 to 11 years to reach sexual maturity, a 10-pound lobster could be 50 or more years old.
How much does a spiny lobster cost?
Expect to pay more for spiny lobster if you live in a place like Kansas versus Florida. Size – Larger lobsters over 1.5 pounds cost more per pound than smaller lobsters under a pound. Jumbo lobsters can cost up to $50+ per pound. Source – Prices are higher if purchasing imported lobster out of season versus local in-season lobster.
How much does a spiny lobster trap cost?
According to data from PacFIN, spiny lobster trappers in 2020 landed 329.5 metric tons of the critters for an average ex-vessel price of $19.09 per pound for revenues of $13.87 million. So far in 2021 the fleet put in 88.9 metric tons at average ex-vessel prices of $27.34 per pound for revenues of $5.36 million. Those are the averages.
How much do spiny lobster tails cost?
They have a firmer texture and more pronounced flavor than cold water lobster. The tail meat is prized and often sold separately as lobster tails. The average price for whole cooked spiny lobster ordered from a restaurant or seafood retailer typically ranges from $15 to $30 per pound. However, there are many factors that affect the final cost:
How much does a pound of lobster cost?
Location – Prices are generally highest in landlocked areas far from the coasts. Expect to pay more for spiny lobster if you live in a place like Kansas versus Florida. Size – Larger lobsters over 1.5 pounds cost more per pound than smaller lobsters under a pound. Jumbo lobsters can cost up to $50+ per pound.
How long does it take to get a spiny lobster?
Delivery times typically range from 1-4 business days, depending on your location. We use expedited shipping to ensure your spiny lobsters arrive fresh and ready to enjoy. Shop fresh Florida spiny lobster online at Key Largo Fisheries. Enjoy the best quality and flavor delivered to your door!
Where can I find fresh spiny lobster?
Welcome to Key Largo Fisheries, your premier destination for fresh spiny lobster. Our selection of spiny lobsters is sourced directly from the pristine waters of the Florida Keys, ensuring you receive only the freshest and highest quality seafood. Why Choose Our Spiny Lobster?