1. Caribee Boat Sales
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 664-3431
Address: MM 81.5 Bayside
Description: Offshore anglers shop at Caribee for Grady Whites, Pursuits, and Contenders 20 to 36 feet in length. For fishing the backcountry, the facility carries 16- to 21-foot Hewes, Pathfinder, and Maverick boats as well as Boston Whalers. Yamaha and Mercury engines are sold here. Indoor and outdoor storage is available, and certified mechanics are on duty 7 days a week. Bottom painting and boat hauling are provided; Caribee carries 89-octane fuel and sells live bait, frozen bait, and ice. Mobile service is available.
2. Smugglers Cove Resort And Marina
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 664-5564
Address: MM 85.5 Bayside
Description: Nice package the folks at Smugglers Cove Resort and Marina have developed in the Upper Keys. Their building at the marina has stationary docks that berth up to 70-foot boats in the slips and is located in a lovely nautical setting. Fuel docks are available along with a great ship’s store that carries live bait and tackle. You can rent boats here or hang out with one of the captains and go on a charter for backcountry or offshore fishing.
3. Backcountry Cowboy Outfitters
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 517-4177
Address: MM 82.2 Bayside
Description: Living large in the Florida Keys but not wrestling herds of cattle, Backcountry Cowboy Outfitters kayaks a different range and gathers customers to paddle and explore the beautiful waters here. Noted for their guided kayak tours, camping, and kayak equipment, these folks fill your every request and they are open 7 days a week. Ask about their sunset and sunrise trips as well as their full-moon excursions.
4. Robbie’S Boat Rentals & Charters
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (877) 664-8498
Address: MM 77.5 Bayside
Description: One of the Florida Keys’ more interesting boat rental facilities, Robbie’s is behind the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant. Visitors come to Robbie’s just to feed the many tarpon that lurk close to shore (see the Kidstuff chapter). Boat rentals, too, are popular, since Robbie’s is only half a mile from historic Indian Key (see the Attractions chapter). Robbie’s rents boats from 14 to 27 feet in length.
5. Houseboat Vacations Of The Florida Keys
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 664-4009
Address: MM 85.9 Bayside
Description: Houseboat Vacations of the Florida Keys offers liveaboard vessels that range from two 42-foot-long catamarans that sleep 6 or 8 adults to a 44-foot-long houseboat that accommodates 8. You must have some boating experience to rent one of these floating homes. Boaters must venture no farther than 8 miles offshore along 25 miles of surrounding coastline in Florida Bay. You may not take the houseboats into the ocean. Each houseboat offers a full galley and air-conditioning and features a gas grill on deck. There is a 3-day minimum; weekly rentals are available. Call for current pricing.
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: MM 87 Bayside
7. Islamorada Marina
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 664-8884
Address: MM 80.5 Bayside
Description: Facing Florida Bay, the location of Islamorada Marina provides clear passage into the flats and bay of the Florida Keys, Everglades National Park, and the Atlantic Ocean. If you are water-oriented to fishing, kayaking, or just pure enjoyment, this marina is for you.
8. Cheeca Lodge & Spa Presidential Sailfish Tournament
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 664-4651 or (800) 327-28
Address: MM 82 Oceanside
Description: Perhaps the most prestigious of all tournaments in the Florida Keys is this tournament, held in mid-January. The former president, George H. W. Bush himself, typically competes in this event. Preceded by a kickoff meeting, 2 days of intense fishing are followed by an awards banquet at Cheeca Lodge. Fifty boats participate, 2 anglers per boat. Other than those included in the most-catches category, bonefish must weigh at least 8 pounds to qualify. All must be released. Trophies are awarded to winners, and proceeds benefit a variety of Keys environmental groups.
9. Bud N’ Mary’S Marina
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 664-2461
Address: MM 79.8 Oceanside
10. Florida Keys Outfitters
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 664-5423
Address: MM 81.2 Oceanside
11. Whale Harbor Marina
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 664-4511
Address: MM 81.9 Oceanside
12. World Wide Sportsman Inc.
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 517-2269
Address: MM 81.5 Bayside
13. Islamorada Chamber Of Commerce
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 664-4503 or (800) 322-53
Address: MM 82.5 Bayside
14. Captain Michael
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 664-9814 or (877) 664-84
Address: MM 77.5 Bayside
Description: Rates for children younger than age 5, who will only be “assisting” Mom and Dad, are reduced. The 65-foot Captain Michael, with spacious decks and an air-conditioned cabin, is available for private charters, sunset cruises, and wedding receptions. Both day and night party-boat excursions are available.
15. Miss Islamorada
City: Islamorada, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 664-2461 or (800) 742-79
Address: MM 79.8 Oceanside
Description: Miss Islamorada is a 65-foot, air-conditioned party/fishing boat that entertains up to 45 people. All tackle, bait, and licenses are provided along with an experienced crew and clean restrooms. Onboard catering is available for fishing, sunset cruises, corporate meetings, memorial services, and weddings. There is a deli on-site before you leave, should you need last-minute provisions, as none are available on board without prior arrangement. The daily excursion is from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.