Islamorada
Islamorada is known all over the world as “The Sportfishing Capital of the World “, and with good reason. Consisting of six small islands located just south of Key Largo, Islamorada is very close to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. This makes it the perfect place to attract big game fish like the acrobatic, high-jumping Marlin, speedy and strong Sailfish, and feisty Dolphin (mahi-mahi), as well as the more hard-hitting Wahoo and Kingfish. The flats-the calm shallow waters of the Everglades National Park and backcountry of the Upper Keys- is the perfect place to catch game fish like Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit and Snook. Spend your morning on the deep waters of the Gulf Stream fighting a Marlin or Sailfish, then head to the flats and catch a Tarpon or Bonefish that same afternoon. Where else besides Islamorada can you do this in one day? This combination of world-class deep sea fishing and fantastic backcountry flats fishing makes Islamorada fishing a true paradise.
But Islamorada is not just for fisherman. The islands, like all of the islands of the Florida Keys, boast beautiful pristine beaches and crystal clear water. The clarity of the water makes Islamorada a world-class location for snorkeling and diving. The many reefs and wrecks are teeming with sea life. Reefs like the Alligator Reef and Victory reef are favorites of both snorkelers and beginner and advanced divers while more experienced divers can go much deeper to explore wrecks like The Eagle, a 287 ft cargo ship in 110 foot depth.
Water sports are also popular activities on Islamorada. Jet skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing are great ways to get on the water and have fun in Islamorada. The Theater of the Sea, an interactive marine mammal park where you can swim with dolphins, sea lions and rays, is another great way to explore the marine life of Islamorada.
When not on the water there is still much to do in Islamorada. The Diving Museum is filled with history of how we tried and finally succeeded to venture under the sea as well as some of the treasures and artifacts that have been found. There are many eco-tours and guided tours that can take you on one-hour trips through the mangroves or on longer excursions into the Everglades National Park. Robbies Marina is a fun trip where you can feed the huge Tarpon off the dock. Of course you can always find a nice spot on one of our beautiful beaches and enjoy a lazy day in the warm Florida sun, or head to one of our spas for a relaxing day of pampering. Islamorada Founders Park is a huge public park with Olympic sized pool, a marina, boat rentals, a nice sandy public beach and even a skate-park and dog park-a perfect excursion for the entire family.
Islamorada is also known to have some of the best restaurants in the Florida Keys. Dine on fresh caught fish and seafood while watching the sunset over the sparkling water. Many of the restaurants here will prepare your own catch of the day for you if you desire. If you are craving something other than seafood there are many ethnic restaurant choices to cater to any taste.
Islamorada boasts many comfortable hotels and luxurious resorts, most of them located right on the water with beautiful sandy beaches. For those that want a little more rustic settings there are campgrounds for RV and camping, and for the really adventurous you can even rent a houseboat. Islamorada is also a great place to get married. With the crystal clear waters and beautiful sunsets the beaches here in Islamorada make the perfect backdrop for your perfect day. Islamorada is the ultimate fisherman’s dream vacation but with so many other activities it is also a perfect family vacation as well.