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EcoGuide Florida Key - Islamorada
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Islamorada
by Richard H. Stewart
AUTHOR/PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As you go further south into the Keys string you depart the “Diving Capital of the World” and enter the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World” as Islamorada is known.

Islamorada (mile markers 90 to 72) was incorporated in 1997 as “Islamorada, Village of Islands” — though the first post office was established in 1908. It is comprised of four separate islands with residents, two islands that are part of the Florida State Park system — Indian Key and Lignum Vitae Key — and one
private island, Tea Table Key.

The diving in this area is also fantastic, as is kayaking and other aquatic activities such as Kite Boarding and Paddle Boarding. However when you enter Islamorada you are without any doubt in fishing country.
Evidence of just that can be seen in the various marinas — headquarters for over 100 charter fishing operators. There is no shortage of fishing opportunities with 16 marinas in Islamorada alone. What type of fishing is best?

It depends on the desired catch: party boats trawl along the coast; deep sea sportfishing charters that go miles out; patch reef fishing or on the Florida Bay side backcountry fishing — home to a variety fish including, Bonefish, Trout, Redfish, Snook, Jack Crevalle, Permit and Mangrove Snapper.

Whether you are a seasoned or amateur fisherman there is no shortage of choices — and whether you are a “catch and release” or a “catch and eat” fisherman the Islamorada fishing scene will fulfill all of your catch expectations.

If fishing is not your idea of getting close to nature, then a day of kayaking the back country might be of interest. On the bayside of Islamorada there is a network of islands, one 2.5 miles in diameter is only a mile from the main island. This makes for a pleasant experience for the beginner taking a guided tour.

For the seasoned kayaker, you’ll want to do a little “island hopping” to fulfill your day.
Scuba diving and snorkeling is excellent in this area due to its location south of the reef system of Key Largo. Here dive operators can venture north to the park, an area less frequented by the Key Largo operators or head out for a shorter ride to the reefs just five minutes from the dock. High profile coral heads and broad ledges with virbrant marine life provide a wonderful dive experience. An underwater shipwreck park, named after the sunken Spanish ship “San Pedro,” is located in 18 feet of water approximately 1.25 miles south of Indian Key.

Islamorada, in addition to being home for two state parks, is also the place to find one of the best beaches in the area — Anne’s Beach. Great for lounging in the water or having a picnic, Anne’s Beach’s shallow, sandy bottom is also the most popular location for kite boarding and the ever so fast activity of stand up paddling.


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