If you’re a seafood lover, then stone crab season is something to mark on your calendar each year. Running from October 15th 2025 through May 1st 2026, this period offers a unique opportunity to indulge in one of the most coveted delicacies in Southwest Florida: fresh Florida stone crabs. During this time, local fishermen head out to the Gulf of Mexico, carefully harvesting these crabs for their prized claws.
Collier County is Home to the Stone Crab Capital of the World!
Located just a short drive from Naples, Everglades City is known as the stone crab capital of the world. This small fishing town in Collier County is where much of the stone crab harvest takes place, making it an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience the freshest claws. In fact, Everglades City is recognized as the birthplace of the stone crab industry, and it’s where the bulk of stone crab claws served across Florida and the United States come from. If you want the freshest stone crab, then you most definitely have to head to Everglades City, a one hour drive from Naples that is worth it!
Here are the best places to purchase stone crab from fisherman, in markets, as well as the best restaurants that serve stone crab during the season. While I primarily focus on Naples, this guide includes Everglades City and Goodland as well since almost any local will tell you that it is worth the drive to get the freshest claws!
Where to Purchase Fresh Stone Crab Claws to Eat at Home
Grimm’s Stone Crab (Everglades City)
No list would be complete without mentioning Grimm’s Stone Crab in Everglades City, known as the birthplace of the stone crab industry. This small fishing town offers some of the best ways to experience stone crabs, as they’re freshly harvested. Make the trip for an authentic stone crab experience and enjoy the new claw harvest!
Kirk’s Seafood (Goodland)
Just a short drive from Naples, Kirk’s Seafood in Goodland is a must-stop for local seafood enthusiasts. Known for their fresh stone crab claws, they also offer a wide selection of other seafood, such as blue crab and gulf shrimp, making it easy to put together a seafood feast.
Triad Seafood Market & Cafe (Everglades City)
If you’re willing to take a scenic drive to Everglades City, make sure to stop by Triad Seafood Market and Café- home of the “All You Can Eat Stone Crab Claws”. Known for its relaxed, waterfront setting, this spot serves some of the freshest stone crabs right from the stone crab capital of the world. Whether you’re dining in or taking home fresh Florida stone crab claws, Triad offers an authentic experience, complete with views of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a great place to try stone crabs in their freshest form, often served on a bed of ice with house-made mustard sauce.
Captain & Krewe
Located in downtown Naples off 5th Avenue, Captain & Krewe is a seafood market that’s known for offering the freshest seafood, including colossal claws of fresh Florida stone crab. Their local fishermen ensure the claws are as fresh as possible. Be sure to grab some mustard sauce and cocktail sauce to pair with your purchase. Captain & Krewe also has restaurant and seafood bar hours if you prefer to dine in house.
Combs Fish Company (same building at Kelly’s Fish House)
Combs Fish Company is a seafood retail market located at Kelly’s Fish House. Locals love this spot and usually keep it a secret! This is a hidden gem if you’re searching for stone crab claws in Naples.
Wynn’s Market
Wynn’s Market has been a local favorite for gourmet groceries for decades. During stone crab season, they stock fresh claws harvested locally. It’s the perfect spot, conveniently located midtown Naples on 41, to pick up your claws and some of their famous accompaniments to create a special occasion at home.
Swan River Seafood
This combination seafood market and restaurant offers fresh stone crab in Naples. Known for culinary excellence, Swan River Seafood has been a go-to for locals looking to take home fresh seafood like stone craband crab cakes.
Big Jimmy’s
Jimmy Perry is a commercial fisherman servicing all of the south. You can find him catching more than just stone crab, so following his Facebook page is worth it. He posts local meet up spots to sell his stone crab in season.
Seed to Table
Locals love to go to Seed to Table for fresh, local food, and stone crab is no exception. You can be certain that you’ll get a great deal on stone crab from Seed to Table.
Publix, Costco, and other chain grocery stores
As one of the largest seafood markets in the United States, Publix provides convenience and availability for those wanting to buy stone crabs during the season. Though it’s a more commercial option, their market prices on fresh Florida stone crab are competitive, making it a great spot to pick up fresh stone crab claws and stone crab crackers. Same with Costco! You can often find a great deal on stone crab claw there in season. While this isn’t the freshest way to purchase your crab claws, this is very convenient and still tastes pretty delicious.
Best Restaurants to Eat Stone Crab Claws in Naples, FL
Truluck’s Seafood, Steak, and Crab House
Famous for the finest seafood and crab, Truluck’s is known for impeccable service and delicious seafood dishes. Stone crab claws are brought in daily and served with a tangy mustard sauce. It’s the perfect spot for a special occasion with live entertainment and a great atmosphere. It is worth it to go to Truluck’s for stone crab at least once!
Pinchers
Pinchers in Tin City is actually one of my favorite places to take out of town guests. It’s especially fun to take them during Stone Crab season. They always have a fair price, and the drinks are always two for one! While it might feel like a tourist trap, I can honestly say that the food is great and so are the prices. I’m not surprised since the Phelan Family Brands of restaurants is local and always delivers quality food.
The Claw Bar
One of the most unique offerings in Naples, The Claw Bar serves up a stone crab Bloody Mary that’s become a local favorite! This savory cocktail comes garnished with a fresh Florida stone crab claw, making it one of the best ways to enjoy your claws in style. Pair it with some delicious seafood for a truly unforgettable experience.
The Dock at Crayton Cove
Overlooking Naples Bay, The Dock offers a laid-back experience with outdoor seating and views of the water. They serve fresh stone crabs as part of their seafood selection, perfect for a casual yet delicious seafood feast. Enjoy the ambiance with some live music during the evenings.
Sea Salt Naples
For those seeking culinary excellence in a fine dining setting in historic 3rd Street, Sea Salt offers fresh Florida stone crabs paired with other decadent dishes. This is one of those places in Naples where you’ll love everything on the menu.
The Bay House
Located directly on the Cocohatchee River in North Naples, The Bay House is another local restaurant where seafood lovers can enjoy stone crabs in season. The beautiful setting on the Cocohatchee wildlife preserve provides a true Old Florida experience.
Kelly’s Fish House
A Naples staple for years, Kelly’s Fish House offers a traditional, old Florida seafood experience. Located right on the Gordan River, you can enjoy stone crab claws while watching boats drift by you. The relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for families and seafood lovers alike.
Swan River Seafood
In addition to being a seafood market, Swan River Seafood also serves as a full restaurant with stone crabs as their seasonal highlight. Enjoy a mustard sauce with your claws and enjoy the casual atmosphere of this favorite Naples tradition.
Mr. Big Fish
Mr. Big Fish has a bit of a cult following here in Naples. And for a good reason- they consistently serve quality seafood. They are top rated on Trip Advisor, have a great happy hour menu, and a really fun atmosphere. While it is not located on the water, it is still a great spot to eat your stone crab claws in season.
Syren
A newcomer to the Naples scene, Syren has already charmed the locals. Our newest waterfront restaurant is the perfect place to meet friends for brunch, lunch, dinner, or happy hour and enjoy some stone crab claws.
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What is the Market Price for Stone Crab in Naples, FL 2024
As of publication date, you can get stone crab from $30-75 a pound.
Grimm’s Stone Crab has the following prices:
- Large $40 a pound (4-5 claws per pound)
- Jumbo $55 a pound (2-3 claws per pound)
- Colossal $60 a pound (1-2 claws per pound)
I personally have found that in order to get the best deals on stone crab, you need to go straight to the source. I get the best deals buying directly from the fisherman as opposed to buying from a market. The most expensive stone crabs will be the ones you buy in a restaurant.
Naples Stone Crab Festival
October 24th through 26th in Tin City
One of the most exciting events during stone crab season is the annual Stone Crab Festival, which celebrates the start of the season and showcases all things stone crab. In 2025, the festival will take place from October 24th through 26th at Tin City, one of Naples’ most iconic waterfront areas. This three-day event is a perfect way to experience the best of Naples’ local seafood and enjoy a fun-filled weekend with live music, delicious seafood, and activities for the whole family. The festival not only highlights fresh Florida stone crabs but also features food vendors, boat tours, and a variety of entertainment options. It’s a must-visit event for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the Naples tradition and celebrate the start of stone crab season in style.
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Stone Crab Claws are a Sustainable Form of Local Seafood
What makes stone crabs so special, aside from their deliciously sweet meat, is the sustainable way they are harvested. Only the claws are taken, which allows the crabs to be returned to the water, where they resume their role as filter feeders. Over time, the crabs regenerate their claws, making this a resource that can be enjoyed without depleting the population. This practice ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy these tasty crustaceans while supporting the local fishing industry.
When is Stone Crab Season 2025?
In 2025, Stone Crab Season is from October 15th to May 1st.
As soon as stone crab season begins on October 15th, seafood markets and local restaurants around Naples, Florida’s Paradise Coast, begin offering these delicacies. Whether you’re planning to cook them at home or enjoy them in a restaurant, Collier County has some of the best stone crab spots in the area, providing a true taste of the Gulf of Mexico.
Whether you’re looking for the freshest seafood to prepare at home or the ultimate dining experience in local restaurants, Naples has plenty of options to enjoy Florida’s stone crab season. Don’t forget to check out the Annual Stone Crab Festival starting on October 15th, which celebrates this unique industry that’s so integral to the fishing industry in Naples and Everglades City.