This Florida Keys village, spread across six islands, is known for its sport fishing, coral reefs, and clear waters ideal for snorkeling. Beach cafes line the oceanfront.
Islamorada stretches across six islands in the Florida Keys, with clear waters and a focus on sportfishing. Located between Miami and Key West, it includes Plantation Key, Windley Key, and Indian Key. Hand-feed tarpon at Robbie’s Marina, examine coral fossils at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, or interact with dolphins at Theater of the Sea. The History of Diving Museum covers underwater exploration across centuries, and the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center explains the area’s connection to shipwrecks and early settlers. Shallow beaches, mangrove forests, and reefs provide options for both activity and relaxation.
Fishing and Water Activities
Islamorada earns its “Sportfishing Capital of the World” title through easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Book a charter boat to catch sailfish or marlin in deep waters, or try fly fishing in shallow bays for bonefish. Half-day trips work well for families and beginners. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore mangrove channels on your own. Snorkel or dive near the San Pedro shipwreck, a Spanish vessel sunk in 1733, where parrotfish and angelfish swim among coral formations.
Parks with Geological and Historical Sites
At Long Key State Park, walk a 1.2-mile trail through mangroves and swim in a sheltered lagoon. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park reveals exposed coral fossils in an old quarry—look for brain coral and star coral patterns. Visit Indian Key Historic State Park by boat to see stone foundations from an 1830s settlement destroyed during the Seminole Wars. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park requires a boat trip to explore its tropical forest and a 1920s cottage. Rangers at both island parks give talks about local ecosystems and past industries like sponge harvesting.
Robbie’s Marina and Animal Interactions
Robbie’s Marina lets you feed 4- to 8-foot tarpon from its docks; buy fish scraps at the entrance. Book a snorkeling trip here to Alligator Reef Light, an 1873 lighthouse where sergeant majors and barracuda swim. Kayak rentals allow self-guided trips through nearby Lignumvitae Key’s mangroves. Check the open-air market for shell jewelry and wood carvings made by Keys artists. Weekends get busy—plan to arrive by 9 a.m. to secure parking.
Theater of the Sea Programs
Theater of the Sea, operating since 1946, lets you swim with dolphins in a natural lagoon. Watch sea lions balance balls on their noses during training demonstrations. The facility’s turtle rehabilitation center treats injured loggerheads and green sea turtles, which you can observe in recovery pools. Staff give 20-minute talks about protecting local reefs from pollution. Buy tickets online for a 10% discount, which includes access to walking paths with native plants like gumbo-limbo trees.
Diving History Exhibits
The History of Diving Museum displays iron diving suits from the 1850s and WWII-era rebreathers. One exhibit details how divers recovered cargo from the 1733 Spanish treasure fleet wrecked near Islamorada. Operate a miniature submarine model or try lifting a replica bronze diving helmet. Special events include monthly lectures on topics like the USS Spiegel Grove artificial reef project. Allow 90 minutes to read through the timeline of underwater exploration technology.
Art and Live Performances
On the third Thursday of each month, Morada Way Arts & Cultural District stays open late for artist studio visits and live steel drum music. Rain Barrel Village sells ceramic mermaid sculptures and paintings of local fish species. Catch a comedy show or high school musical at Coral Shores Performing Arts Center. From December to March, Founders Park’s outdoor amphitheater holds Friday night concerts with food trucks serving conch fritters and key lime pie.
Beaches for Swimming and Sunsets
Anne’s Beach has a 300-foot boardwalk and knee-deep water ideal for toddlers. Islamorada Library Beach, next to a 1936 limestone library building, faces west for unobstructed sunset views. Founders Park Beach includes a swimming area roped off from boat traffic. For seclusion, walk 10 minutes down the trail at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park to reach a small shell-strewn beach. Bring water shoes—many beaches have rocky sections near the shoreline.
Historical Displays and Memorials
A 18-foot concrete obelisk at Mile Marker 81.6 honors victims of the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, with plaques listing the names of the deceased. The Florida Keys History and Discovery Center has a scale model of Flagler’s Overseas Railroad and pottery fragments from Tequesta tribal sites. On Indian Key, follow trail markers to a well dug by early 19th-century wreckers. Free brochures at the park’s dock explain how salvagers competed to claim cargo from stranded ships.
Environmental Protection Efforts
Islamorada’s government limits dock construction to protect seagrass beds where manatees feed. Residents can join quarterly meetings to discuss projects like adding bike lanes along US-1 or restoring native dune plants. Nonprofits like the Coral Restoration Foundation train volunteers to outplant staghorn coral on degraded reefs. The village recycles 40% of its waste—look for blue bins near public parks and boat ramps.
Visiting Tips and Logistics
Islamorada runs along 20 miles of US-1 between Mile Markers 72 and 90. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F with high humidity; winter averages 75°F. Many attractions cluster between Mile Markers 80 and 85, including Founders Park and the History of Diving Museum. Free parking spots at Anne’s Beach fill by 11 a.m. on weekends—consider biking if staying nearby. Restrooms with running water are available at Robbie’s Marina, Founders Park, and Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.
