Islamorada, made up of six different keys, is a watersports paradise. Renowned worldwide for its fishing, including sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing, reeling one in is not the only way to experience adventures on the water.
Islamorada offers families so many ways to experience the water that no matter what your comfort level, you’ll find a watersport that’s right for you. Here are some of the best Islamorada watersports to try.
Diving & Snorkeling
Islamorada has a number of amazing sites for diving and snorkeling. Explore The Eagle, a 287-foot ship (intentionally) sunk in 110 feet of water as a dive attraction, teeming with sponges, coral, and a variety of fish. Or head to Alligator Reef, marked by a 136-foot-tall lighthouse, where the USS Alligator ran aground and sank while trying to ward off pirates. What remains of the wreck has become a coral reef in just 25 feet of water.
There’s also Davis Reef, a spot loved by divers for its resident green morays. Conch Wall is a sloping wall of barrel sponges and soft corals like gorgonians. Crocker Wall is a 450-foot-long wall of coral in 50 feet of water. Underwater photo enthusiasts love Pickles Reef for a dynamic reef experience. When you’re ready to get out of the water, visit the History of Diving Museum to learn all about the sport, plus the unique ecology of the Florida Keys.
Swimming
With miles of shoreline flanked with turquoise waters, Islamorada offers plenty of places to splash about. If you’re looking for something sans-waves, check out the Olympic-sized pool at Founder’s Park.
Jetski Rentals & Tours
Zip out on the waves in a jetski for some high-speed water adventure. If you’re new to the sport, you can also book a jet ski tour from one of the many outlets on the island. A number of accommodations also offer rentals or can help you book one for your family. Scuppers offers jet skis as well as parasailing, and even aqua cycles for rent. Robbie’s charters fishing excursions as well as jetski rentals.
Parasailing & Kiteboarding
If you’ve always wanted to try an adventurous water sport like parasailing or kiteboarding, Islamorada is the place to do it. Sundance Water Sports offers parasailing trips as well as sunset charter cruises, snorkeling, and Snuba (a hybrid between snorkeling and scuba) excursions. You can get kiteboarding lessons from Otherside Boardsports as well as rent paddleboards or join an eco-tour.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
There’s no shortage of places to explore in a kayak or paddleboard, one of the most peaceful ways to get close to the water and habitat. Kayak the Florida Keys offers rentals and guided tours through Indian Key State Park and Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park.
Boating
Boat tours abound in this area. Whether that means chartering a snorkeling trip or getting a tour on a pirate ship, you’ll find something to…well, float your boat! Family Fun Boat Tours offers smaller group trips, or be on the lookout for the red sails of the El Zorro Pirate Ship.
Find your next family adventure at fla-keys.com/islamorada.
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