There’s a truly compelling reason to plan your Florida Keys vacation in Islamorada – it’s the undisputed Sport Fishing Capital of the World. One day of saltwater breezes, warm water, and trophy catches will have any angler thirsting for more. Islamorada hosts more sport fishing tournaments than any of the other Florida Keys islands, and possibly more than any other single place in the United States. The fish are almost always in season here, and the weather is almost always ideal in this tropical paradise, providing perfect conditions for fishing, diving, sailing, and sunbathing.

Head off into the clear, abundant waters of the Atlantic Ocean and fish for Marlin, Sailfish, Dolphin, Wahoo, Tuna, Kingfish, and several varieties of massive sharks. Charter boats and their experienced captains can take you to the hot spots, or you can rent a powerboat and scan the seas yourself. Backcountry fishermen rise with the sun and troll the mangrove bays for record-breaking tarpon, and elusive permit, bonefish, and snook. Anglers who prefer to drift above barnacled wrecks head home with filets of delicious snapper and grouper, perfect for a barbecued dinner on the beach.

Photo of Worldwide Sportsman

Naturally, Islamorada is also known for its beautiful stretch of reefs, all part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. From spur-and-groove formations of hard coral to fields of sponges and sea fans, these reefs represent the most vibrant and varied marine ecosystem in the United States. Just north of Islamorada lies Key Largo and the world-famous reefs that litter the Atlantic just off shore, among them the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Reefs just off the coast of Islamorada include Davis Reef, Pickles Reef, and the wrecks at Alligator Reef and Little Conch Reef. Dozens of full-service dive shops can train you, outfit you, and take you out for the aquatic experience of your lifetime.

Popular spots in Islamorada include Robbie’s Marina on Lower Matecumbe Key, where you can feed the tarpon, book fishing trips and island tours, and relax on the deck of the Hungry Tarpon restaurant while the chefs prepare you day’s catch (or someone else’s). The Theatre of the Sea provides up-close and in-the-water interaction with bottlenose dolphin, sea lions and stingrays. The park runs a 4-hour Adventure and Snorkel Cruise to Indian Key Historic State Park, Lignumvitae Key, and a nearby shallow coral reef. Theatre of the Sea is located on Windley Key; call 305-664-2431.

Photo of Holiday Isle Beach

Islamorada has become a favorite of eco-tourists, who are drawn by the mangrove estuaries and preserved hardwood hammocks of the area’s state parks. A trip along the boardwalk at Long Key State Recreation Area reveals indigenous flora and fauna, especially the tropical shorebirds who feed and nest in the area. There’s a lagoon, a hiking trail, camping sites, and an observation tower. The winding waterways of the park invite naturalists to explore from canoes and kayaks. The park entrance is located at MM 67.5; call 305-664-4815 for more information.

Aspiring archaeologists enjoy Windley Key Quarry Fossil Reef State Geologic Site, which houses a collection of fossilized coral in the nature center (Windley Key is at MM 85). The 275 acres of ancient hardwood hammocks criss-crossed with nature trails Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site attracts botanists and explorers. Those without a boat will have to catch the state ferry at the MM 78.5 boat launch; call 305-664-4815 for information on ranger tours, ferry schedules, and closure due to inclement weather. Lignumvitae Key is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

The chain of islands known collectively as Islamorada stretch from the lower tip of Tavernier south to Lower Matecumbe Key. Plantation Key, Windley Key, the Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys, the Indian Keys, Fiesta Key, and Long Key are included lesser islands. The city of Islamorada is approximately 76 miles from Miami and about 80 miles from Key West.