From The Yak

(from TryCharterFishing.com)

Now Entering- ISLAMORADA

Mile Markers: 89 to 71…give or take.

Welcome to Islamorada. You’ve seen all there is to see “above and below” the water in Key Largo, made the quick drive through the town of Tavernier, and have now entered the “Village of Islands” known as Islamorada. As you travel through Islamorada be prepared to have your camera out- you’ll want to capture the breathtaking views as you traverse the many channel and canal bridges that connect the islands. Now is also a good time to put your polarized sunglasses on. They will cut down the sun’s glare and make the vibrant shades of blues and greens come to life over the shallow water flats. Make note of the charter boats at Whale Harbor Marina (MM 83.5 O), and at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina (MM 80-O). These guys know how to catch fish, and TryCharterFishing.com will be glad to hook you up with one of them.

As you journey into Islamorada you will encounter a series of parks for your outdoor enjoyment. The first is Founder’s Park, located at MM 87-B, where there truly is something for everyone. Founder’s Park offers a beautiful and sandy swimming beach, an Olympic size pool, diving boards, boat docks, water sports rentals, baseball fields, basketball and volleyball courts, bicycle trails, a skate park, and more!

The next stop is Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park (MM 85.3-B). Take a leisurely stroll through the fossil reef quarry and learn about the ancient coral Henry Flagler used to help build the Overseas Railroad. At MM 78.5-B it’s time to leave dry land behind and head out to Indian Key Historic State Park. Rent a kayak from Robbie’s Marina (and DON’T forget to feed the tarpon while you are there) and paddle out to the secluded oceanside island. Stroll around the once home of Jacob Houseman, a noted wrecker, and learn about the island’s rich history. This is the perfect place to swim and snorkel in the clear surrounding waters, or to just relax and enjoy the peaceful solitude.

The final park in the Islamorada chain is Anne’s Beach, located at MM 73-O. Take a walk along the meandering boardwalk; have lunch in one of the water-front pavilions; swim or wade fish in the warm saltwater; or join the local extreme sports fanatics and try your hand at windsurfing.

Now that you’re here, you need to learn how to pronounce Islamorada… if you haven’t already. It’s not difficult to say, nor hard learn- yet you’d be surprised how many people mispronounce it. EYE- LA-MORE-AAH-DA. Now say it fast, eyelamoreaahda- Islamorada.  Nothing says “tourist” like mispronouncing the town you are visiting- nothing except uttering the phrase “we’re heading to the Keys” (referring to Key West), when you’re already in the Keys. Remember, as soon as you reach Key Largo you are in the Florida Keys. People often misspeak and refer only to Key West as being “in the Keys.”

The term Islamorada means “purple isle,” a name given to the area by 16^th century Spanish explorers. It is not known precisely why they referred to the land as “the purple isle”, but if we had to guess, we’d say the name has something to do with the awe-inspiring Florida Keys sunsets and the magical colors they produce when the sun is dissolved into the watery horizon. It’s possible the naming could also have been “grog induced,” but we’re going to go with our first guess, as it has more poetic value.

To get technical, Islamorada is actually a collection of islands consisting of Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key. Islamorada is often referred to as the “Fishing Capital of the World” for the tremendous catches of both inshore and offshore species that are caught here. Islamorada is home to the largest collection of charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, and hosts a number of renown fishing tournaments throughout the year. In the past, famous anglers such as former President George Bush Sr., author Zane Grey, and baseball legend Lou Gehrig made Islamorada their choice fishing destination…and there’s a reason why.

The waters around Islamorada have turned out more IGFA world-record fish than anywhere on the planet! Fill out our charter request form and we’ll connect you with one of Islamorada’s best fishing guides. You are, after all in the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World”- don’t pass up the chance to discover first-hand why Islamorada earned that moniker.

Below are the attractions, restaurants and accommodations that “us locals” recommend to OUR FRIENDS. These are our unbiased and honest opinions…you’d have to pay us a heck of a lot of money to list a place we don’t like!

Our Favorite Things to Do in Islamorada:

• Get out on the water with one the best fishing guides in the world!
• Bowl at the Fish Bowl (MM 83.2-B) – the Keys only regulation size bowling lanes.
• Check out the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum (MM83-B) – see ancient artifacts and learn about the history of Florida Keys diving.
• Visit the World Wide Sportsman store (MM 81.2-B), and see the cousins of the fish you’re going to soon catch, as they swim around in the store’s massive saltwater aquarium.
• Enjoy the many parks and outdoor resources Islamorada provides.
• Hand-feed the giant tarpon at Robbie’s (MM 78.5-B).
• Try for an elusive Islamorada bonefish on fly.
• Watch the sunset from the Channel 2 (MM 72.8) or Channel 5 (MM 71) Bridges.
• Sip a cocktail by the water at one of the many great Islamorada bars and restaurants.
• Paddle the canoe trail and camp by the water at Long Key State Park (MM 67.5-O, Layton).

Where we Eat, Drink, and Enjoy:

• Boardwalk Pizza (Tavernier- MM 88-B)
• Island Grill (MM 85-O)
• Hog Heaven (MM 85-O)
• Bentley’s (82.7-O)
• The Whistle Stop (82.5-B)
• Lorelei (MM 81.9-B, for the sunset and live music- get there early during season, they don’t take reservations!)
• Kaiyo (MM 81.7-O)
• Lazy Days (MM 79.8-O)

Where we “Sleep Off” the Margaritas and Key Lime Pie:

• Casa Thorn B&B (MM 87.5-B)
• Ragged Edge Resort (MM 86.5-O)
• Coconut Cove (MM 84.8-O)
• Kon-Tiki Resort (MM 81.2-B)
• Islander Resort (MM 82.1-O)

Other Islamorada Mile Markers to note:

• MM 87.0-B Upper Keys Sherriff Station
• MM 86.7-B Rain Barrel Art Gallery
• MM 84.2-O Theater of the Sea
• MM 83.2-B Islamorada Chamber of Commerce
• MM 82.6-O Islamorada Post Office
• MM 81.9-B Islamorada Government Offices
• MM 81.5-O Islamorada Library
• MM 70-B Fiesta Key Campground