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Islamorada
Isla Morada Tierra Encantada means "Islamorada, the Enchanted Land". Indeed, the community of Islamorada is the destination for a great many of the visitors to the Florida Keys. This eighteen mile-long stretch of islands that make up the "Village of Islands" derives its character from a relaxed pace of life, a leisurely lifestyle, and some of the best fishing on earth. Islamorada also has the largest concentration of fishing boats in the Florida Keys. Sportfishing is the tourist base of Islamorada, and around this yearly flock of avid anglers have sprung up services to accommodate them. There's a small group of restaurants concentrated in Islamorada, as well as lodging to suit all types and budgets. What people love to do here is get out on the water and fish all day. However, you can find plenty to do if you don't want to fish. Try renting kayaks, taking a sunset sail, going snorkeling, or even windsurfing. The one non-fishing attraction would be Theater of the Sea. Also, anglers and non-anglers alike love to stop at World Wide Sportsman, the most beautiful and tastefully decorated outdoor sportsmans' angler shop you'll ever find. Other than that, Islamorada earns its nickname as Sport Fishing Capital of the World by catering to every whim of what we call the sports fisherman. There are also snorkeling tours and eco tours out of the marinas as well, so non-anglers won't go crazy! In addition, be sure to check out Robbie's, where you can feed the tarpon. This is definitely not to be missed, especially if you have children.
Your Boat awaits
Islamorada is a series of keys, made up of Plantation, Matecumbe and Windley Keys. This is from Mile Marker 73 to 88. Here you'll find big marinas, lots of charter boats to choose from, both private charter boats and "party boats", both flats boats and offshore fishing boats. Guides will take you up into Everglades National Park for fishing, or out to the reef and beyond, on the ocean side, if you prefer. The main marinas are :
Whale HarborWhale Harbor is found at mile Marker 84.
Robbie's Marina is at MM 77.5
Holiday IsleHoliday Isle is at Mile Marker 84.5
Bud 'n' Mary'sBud 'n' Mary's is at Mile Marker 80.
Watermark Marina of Islamoradais at Mile Marker 80.5
There are tournaments galore in Islamorada...fishing tournaments, of course. If you're here in February, check out the Ladies Sailfish Tournament. Two months later we get two: Bonefish Fly Tournament and Ladies Invitational Tarpon Tournament. When August rolls around there's the Islamorada Backcountry Fishing Tournament. Look for many of the tournaments to be on national television. Tournaments are sponsored by bars and hotels, which usually offer cash prizes and trophies for the big winners and patches plaques for the little winners. By the way, you don't have to catch the biggest fish to get a prize. There are prizes for the weirdest fish, the most fish, and others types of stand-out accomplishments of local and visiting anglers.
By Car: Either traveling on busier Route 1 with “crocodile
crossing” signs or Card Sound Road, a longer but more beautiful
and scenic route to the Florida Keys, Islamorada is located only 17 miles
south of Key Largo.
By Air: With several domestic and international airports
to choose from, Islamorada can be easily reached by travelers around the
globe.
Airport Name
Airport Code
Distance from
Islamorada
Airport Type
Florida Keys Marathon
Airport
Monroe County Florida
9400 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, FL 33050
MTH
29 miles west
Domestic
Miami International Airport
4200 N.W. 21 Street
Miami, FL
MIA
63 miles northeast
International
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood
International Airport
320 Terminal Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLL
98 miles northeast
International
Holiday Isle, Islamorada
Enjoy Islamorada’s Yearly Climate
Of the entire state of Florida, the Keys receive the lowest amount of
average yearly rainfall. When it does rain, it comes in brief periods,
often returning the skies to a beautiful, clear day for continued outdoor
activities. As for brutal, humid, summer heat, you won’t find it
in Islamorada. And hurricanes like to skirt around the Keys, leaving its
beauty untarnished. With the ocean breeze to keep cool, visitors love
the reliable, balmy climate of the Florida Keys.
