Full disclosure: I help Holy Crab Delivery with their website. All opinions are my own.
I was born and raised in Miami, where stone crab season is basically a holiday. Now that I live in Charlotte, I order stone crabs online for delivery. And I’ve learned exactly how to do it right.
This guide covers everything: how many stone crab claws to order per person, what the claw sizes mean, when to order, and how stone crab delivery works.
The quick answer
- How much to order: 1.5 pounds of stone crab claws per person for dinner.
- Best size for most people: Large. Great for sharing or as a main course.
- When to order: Stone crab season runs October 15 to May 1.
- Where to order: Holy Crab Delivery. Fresh, never frozen, shipped overnight anywhere in the U.S.
When is stone crab season?
Florida stone crab season opens October 15 and closes May 1. The 2026–27 season runs October 15, 2026 through May 1, 2027. Fresh stone crab claws are only sold during this window, so if you’re planning a stone crab dinner, plan it between fall and spring.
Here’s a fun fact: stone crabs are harvested for one claw only. The crab goes back into the water and grows a new claw. Holy Crab’s fishermen only remove one claw per harvest, so the crab can still feed and protect itself.
How many stone crab claws per person?
The rule is 1.5 pounds of stone crab per person for dinner. So dinner for 2 is 3 pounds, dinner for 4 is 6 pounds, and so on.
The number of claws in those pounds depends on the size you pick. Bigger claws weigh more, so you get fewer of them. Here’s how many stone crab claws to order for your group:
| People | Pounds | Medium | Large | Jumbo | Colossal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 lbs | 18–22 claws | 12–14 claws | 6–10 claws | 4–6 claws |
| 4 | 6 lbs | 36–44 claws | 24–28 claws | 12–20 claws | 8–12 claws |
| 6 | 9 lbs | 54–66 claws | 36–42 claws | 18–30 claws | 12–18 claws |
| 8 | 12 lbs | 72–88 claws | 48–56 claws | 24–40 claws | 16–24 claws |
My tip: If stone crab is the main event, stick to 1.5 pounds each. If it’s one part of a bigger spread, like a party with lots of other food, you can order less.
Stone crab claw sizes explained
Stone crab claws come in four sizes. Here’s what each one weighs and what it’s best for:
| Size | Weight per claw | Claws per person | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | 2–3 oz | 9–11 | Light appetizers and small plates |
| Large | 3–5 oz | 6–7 | Sharing or a main course |
| Jumbo | 5–7 oz | 3–5 | Hearty portions for seafood lovers |
| Colossal | 7–9 oz | 2–3 | Special occasions |
Which stone crab claw size should you get?
- Medium: The most budget-friendly. Great for appetizers, kids, or a big party where people graze.
- Large: The classic pick for a stone crab dinner. A good balance of price and size.
- Jumbo: Meaty and impressive. Fewer claws to crack, more meat in every one.
- Colossal: The biggest and rarest. Save these for birthdays, anniversaries and big celebrations.
How much do stone crabs cost?
Stone crab is a splurge. Bigger claws cost more per pound. At the time of writing, a dinner for 2 at Holy Crab Delivery starts around:
- Medium: about $105
- Large: about $150
- Jumbo: about $210
- Colossal: about $255
Prices change during the season, so check the site for today’s price.
How stone crab delivery works
Stone crab claws are cooked right after they’re caught, then chilled. So when you order stone crabs online, they arrive cooked and ready to eat. Here’s how it works with Holy Crab:
- Caught and cooked daily right off the boat in the Florida Keys.
- Packed cold in an insulated container with frozen gel packs.
- Shipped overnight. Order before 2 PM ET and it ships the same day by FedEx Overnight. It arrives the next business day, anywhere in the U.S.
- Ready to crack. Nationwide orders come with a mallet and their signature mustard sauce.
In Miami? You can get local delivery or pick up at their Coral Gables shop. Local Miami delivery orders arrive already cracked.
How long do stone crab claws last?
Put them in the fridge as soon as they arrive. They’re best eaten within 4 to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
How to crack and serve stone crab claws
- Serve them cold, straight from the fridge.
- Lay a claw on a cutting board and cover it with a towel so shell doesn’t fly.
- Give each section a firm tap with the mallet or the back of a big spoon.
- Peel away the shell and pull out the meat.
- Dip in mustard sauce. That’s the Miami way.
Holy Crab includes a 3.5 oz cup of their mustard sauce for every pound you order. You can add more at checkout, and trust me, you’ll want more.
Joe’s Stone Crab vs. stone crab delivery
If you’re ever in Miami Beach, go to Joe’s Stone Crab. It’s been a Miami institution since 1913, and it’s a very fun night out. Get dressed up, expect a wait, and finish with the key lime pie. It’s an experience everyone should have once.
But for eating stone crab at home, the best is truly Holy Crab Delivery. Here’s why:
- Fresh, never frozen. Wild-caught in the Florida Keys and cooked the same day.
- Voted Best Stone Crabs by the Miami New Times.
- Ships anywhere in the U.S. overnight, with Miami pickup and local delivery too.
- Everything you need in the box: mustard sauce, a mallet, and add-ons like key lime pie.
- Family-owned, with packaging made from recycled materials.
Joe’s is the party. Holy Crab is how you bring the party home.
Shop Holy Crab Stone Crab Claws
Stone crab delivery FAQs
Can you order stone crabs online?
Yes. During stone crab season, you can order fresh stone crab claws online and have them shipped overnight. Holy Crab Delivery ships anywhere in the U.S.
Do stone crabs come cooked?
Yes. Stone crab claws are cooked right after they’re caught, then chilled. They arrive ready to crack and eat cold.
How many pounds of stone crab do I need for 4 people?
Order 6 pounds for 4 people. That’s about 24 to 28 large claws.
Can you send stone crabs as a gift?
Yes. Stone crabs make a great gift, especially with key lime pie. Holy Crab will add a handwritten note with your message.
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