Gorgeous water, water, everywhere in the Middle Keys and so many ways to enjoy it! Whether you love coasting along the surface of the ocean or bay, or diving down deep, the heart of the Florida Keys will naturally capture your aqua heart and soul. No matter your age, and no matter your recreation of choice, being around the ocean makes you feel energized and refreshed.
Locals and tourists alike find endless reasons to adore the natural environment of the Keys with its clear shallows, perfect winds, and deeper waters for daringly performing or challenging sports like wake boarding or long sailing ventures. This is the place to kick off those stiff shoes and trade them in for sandals… or even better…your bare feet.
The water is calling…and your downtime is precious for those with Florida Keys vacation homes, so here’s all the recreation awaiting you when that awesome downtime comes your way:
SNORKELING/SCUBA DIVING
Marathon’s coral reefs are renowned to snorkelers and divers around the world. The beauty of some of Marathon’s reefs is their shallow depths, which mean you can swim among the teeming aquatic life—tropical fish, stingrays, turtles and dolphins on the surface or dive deep. Now doesn’t that sound like the Keys’ way of life? Here are some of the professional outfits where you can choose to snorkel or dive:
• Solé Watersports; Hawks Cay Marina, 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key; 305.209.9959. Unwind and explore the other side of the Middle Keys! Daily snorkel trips to Coffins Patch aboard Helios, our new 45’ power catamaran. The shallow patch reefs of the Coffins Patch Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA), located four nautical miles off Duck Key, offer some of the best snorkeling in the area. Gear included. Private Charter snorkel and sandbar tours available as well. It’s all good at Solé Watersports! You can also experience a kayak or paddleboard adventure through the scenic canals of Duck Key, the white sand flats beyond the marina or explore the natural beauty of the neighboring Tom’ Harbor Islands with Venetian bridges.
• A Deep Blue Dive Center; 400 Sadowski Causeway; Key Colony Beach, Tel: 305-743-2421; this reputable outfit has been thriving since 2004 as both a PADI and NAUI dive center for small and large parties, with professional dive instructors, Dive Masters and Captains to give assistance to those at all levels and skills. Whether you want to try your hand at spearfishing or lobster hunting, they will share their deep love both on top of the water and below! Trips offered to Sombrero Lighthouse, Coffins Patch, Thunderbolt and dozens more.
• Captain Hook’s; 11833 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-743-2444; this family-owned business has been “Serving the Keys for over sixty years!” Whether you long to dive or snorkel, the professionals at Captain Hooks will make your adventure a breeze as you visit sanctuary preservation areas (Sombrero Lighthouse, Coffins Patch or Looe Key), wrecks (Thunderbolt, Aldolphus Busch), or dives at sunset and night. For those of you in need of a little assistance, this is the place to find reliable dive instruction.
• Tilden’s Scuba Center; 4650 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-743-7255; daily reef trips (30 different locations); night dives; wreck dives (188 ft. long wreck in 120 ft. depth); spearfishing/lobstering; most reefs are shallow and trips run about four hours; lessons; and snuba for those 8 and older who are not dive certified but still want a little adventure. Look for the giant angel fish in Tilden’s parking lot!
KAYAKING
When we spend time in our Florida Keys vacation houses, paddling is one of the more serene ways to explore all the area has to offer. Being without a motor allows you to experience the marine ecosystems and wildlife and reconnect with nature. Take in the sights and bring your camera along to capture the splendor of the tropical fish swimming just beneath your kayak, the wading birds along the shoreline, and the dolphins that inhabit in the waters of the Keys. You may be lucky enough to come across a hidden beach to while away your vacation hours.
• AquaVentures; 1 Knights Key Blvd, Marathon; 305-731-3135; the #1 kayaking outfit that also cares about the Key’s ecosystem. Offering private tours with 4-8 guests, complimentary refreshments; trips for all skill levels, including beginners, all lead by expert guides in safe, comfortable and stable equipment. No wonder AquaVentures was written up so favorably in The New York Times. Try the Mangrove Lazy River Tour or the Florida Keys Sampler Tour to make your vacation unforgettable.
• Keys Kayak; 10499 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-743-8880; offers top of the line kayaks that are easy to maneuver through the mangroves among other amazing tours. Keys Kayak can accommodate children as young as five years old. Their goal is “to ensure each individual a safe and relaxing adventure.” Their guides are professional and caring. Some trips: sunset paddles, overnight island campout; SUP tours.
• Better Than Most Water Sports; Banana Bay Resort; 4590 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-432-1214; known for their “expert crew and Keysie lifestyle.” Trained water sport professionals will deliver incredible vacation adventure whether it’s an hour-long SUP or half-day in a comfortable kayak where you can soak up the sun and see the amazing wildlife—birds, schools of fish, dolphins and iguanas!
SAILING AND PARASAILING
Yet another motorless way to explore the Keys while fine-tuning your athletic skills. What better way than being powered by the wind while you soak in a little sunshine beneath the mangroves, or watch the manatees as the sun sinks beyond the horizon?
• Florida Keys Sailing; 3502 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon; 305-619-0140; private classes and sailing vacations with just you and your family or friends. From learning to sail to advanced classes, all taught with qualified sailors. A Captain can also take you on an enchanting day trip. All boats are air conditioned. Sunset sailing; daysailing trips; sailing classes; bareboat charters. “Learn to Sail…it will change your life forever.”
• Sirius; 11th Street Ocean, Marathon; 305-395-1846; 24 passenger, 36 ft. sailing catamaran; Sunset Cruise on the “safe and relaxing” Sirius; Captain Dale has been taking happy passengers on his charters since 2000 on his Coast Guard-inspected catamaran.
KITEBOARDING, WAKE BOARDING, AND STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
These recreational sports have found an ideal home in the Keys. Folks who are fond of skimming along the ocean’s surface know the waters surrounding the Keys provide an incredibly smooth ride. The island chain is nestled into gorgeous flats and sandbars covered by shallow crystalline water that is well…just the right temperature. Add the sweet blowing tropical wind and you have the right mix to make any boarder extremely happy. Whether you’re a pro or you’re just ready to learn, these are places to hit:
• Better Than Most Water Sports; Banana Bay Resort; 4590 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-432-1214; known for their “expert crew and Keysie lifestyle.” Paddle boards are available for hourly rental. An expert crew will teach you all the basics to ensure you have the perfect adventure.
• Dolphin Bay Watersports; 1996 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-902-8655; the bayside water is ideal for SUP which is easy to learn and loads of fun. Of course you can also sit and lay down on your board while exploring the water. Safety is their concern as well as fun; pfd and whistle accompany each rental.
• Florida Keys Kite Boarding & Stand Up Paddle-Boarding; 11201 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-942-9635; SUP rentals, delivery, repair, tours, sunset and sunrise tours, instructional tours, eco tours, lessons, down winders, and sales, new and used. Or you can try their exhilarating SUP Yoga and regular Yoga. This is also the place to take kiteboarding lessons, rider trips, spectator trips, down winders, boat rides to riding areas, gear rentals, gear sales new and used, and local advise. “If it’s blowin, we’re goin!”
BOAT AND JET SKI & WAVERUNNER RENTALS
Some of us yearn for a little wild and amped-up fun on the water. If this describes your idea of recreational bliss, with a bit of thrill thrown in, the Gulf is the place to let yourself go! The selection of jet skis and wave runners will ensure your time on the water is amazing:
• Captain Pip’s Marina and Hideaway; CA1410 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-743-4403; perfectly situated with access to both the bay and the ocean, Captain Pips provides quality boats, as well as kayaks and bikes. Fish, snorkel and take in the Keys on their 18-24 ft. boats. There are so many to choose from!
• Coco’s Boat Rentals; 50 Coco Plum Drive, Marathon; 305-432-7021; top- quality and safe rentals with GPS, 4-stroke motors, and livewells so you can explore the Keys in comfort and style. Feel the freedom of tooling around on a boat, spending the day exploring, swimming, fishing, or snorkeling, and you just may end up deciding a boat of your own is just over the horizon.
• Dolphin Bay Watersports; 1996 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-902-8655; take a tour with an experienced guide for ultimate safety and peace of mind. Or rent your own jet ski if you’re more seasoned riding the waves. Either way you’ll have an action-packed adventure on top-notch equipment in the most gorgeous place imaginable!
PARASAILING, EDUCATION AND FUN
Because we all crave a few unique experiences when we’re on vacation! Learning about marine life, or soaring above the pristine waters that surround the Keys, will be the special moments that you and your family will find most memorable.
• Dolphin Connection; 61 Hawks Cay Blvd, Duck Key; 305-289-0136; the Dolphin Connection program’s saltwater lagoon allows visitors to interact with the dolphins while learning about their environment. Free public viewing of the dolphins; educational programs, or dolphin encounters.
• Z Flight Watersports; 1021 11th St, Marathon; 305-240-4482; tucked into a cove, their guided eco tours will give your family an inspiring education about Florida’s coastline. Professionally-run with safe and top-quality equipment, you’ll be in capable hands with Z Flight while your parasailing dream materializes in the Keys.
SUNSET CRUISES
Obviously the perfect way to end a perfect Keys’ day. Whether you’re craving a little romance, or just relaxing with a chilled cocktail or glass of wine, the glorious and vibrant palette of the horizon creates the mood. Make a few new friends while the sun goes down, and see why life on the Keys just gets better and better.
• Captain Hook’s; 11833 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-743-2444; cruise in Capt. Hooks comfy catamaran and discover the magic of the coastline as the sun is setting. What a way to share a cocktail and celebrate a romantic evening.
• Sirius; 11th Street Ocean, Marathon; 305-395-1846; 24 passenger, 36 ft. sailing catamaran; Sunset Cruise on the “safe and relaxing” Sirius; Captain Dale has been taking happy passengers on his charters since 2000. His Coast catamaran is Coast- Guard-inspected. This is your chance to cruise on under the 7 Mile Bridge.
• SeaSquared Charters; 1996 Overseas Highway Bayside, Marathon, MM 48; 305-942-9214; Captain Chris will take up to six passengers and set sail an hour before the sun sinks for a relaxing cruise with beverages and meal you bring along. It just doesn’t get much more intimate than that!
• Solé Watersports; Hawks Cay Marina, 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key; 305.209.9959. Daily Sunset Cruises aboard Helios, our 45’ power catamaran. Experience a radiant Keys sunset Solé style! Music, good times and beverages included: champagne, beer, wine, soft drinks, etc.
Spending time in our Florida vacation homes means celebrating the natural beauty of the Keys and the amazing turquoise water that surrounds us. A true island paradise at the southern end of the USA.
If you’d like help in finding your slice of paradise to call home, call me directly at 305-680-3272. It’s my pleasure to help!
