Islamorada in the Florida Keys is a short drive down the island chain from Miami and mainland Florida. Located just southwest of Key Largo, Islamorada is the self-proclaimed (and largely undisputed) “Sportfishing Capital of the World”.
Islamorada is actually a “village” of four islands, which include Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper and Lower Matecumbe keys, and Long Key. The four islands offer numerous tranquil spots to relax under the sun by day, and then live it up late night at a beachfront party. To see a fabulous Florida Keys sunset, a bayside restaurant such as the Lorelei is the place to be, and if you’re looking for Florida Keys nightlife, Islamorada is overflowing with entertainment. From sports bars to comedy clubs, you’re sure to find an awesome time!
And of course, there’s the diving…
The waters off Islamorada offer choice Florida Keys reef and wreck diving. Many reefs are only 10 to 15 feet deep and make for great snorkeling and/or shallow dives. Scuba divers and snorkelers can enjoy the intentionally scuttled 287-foot Eagle, along with Davis, Conch, Alligator and Pickles reefs, Crocker Wall, and the aquarium and fish bowl — two shallow patch reefs with abundant coral and tropical fish. Most dive shops offer day and night dives, equipment rentals and lessons.
The Islamorada area also features eco-tours, watersports rentals, tennis facilities, bicycle trails, historic hikes, beautiful vistas of both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay, opportunities to swim with dolphins and stingrays and a more unusual recreational activity: feeding tarpon off the docks at Robbie’s Marina.