Islamorada

History

Cuchiyaga Indians first inhabited Islamorada making it the oldest inhabited place in Florida Keys. In 16th Spanish explorers named the island “islas moradas” which means purple islands.

When Henrly Flagler built the railroad connecting mainland to the Keys, the train would only stop to named towns. To establish a train station, William J. Krome named the village “Islamorada”. Finally, in 1908, the new train station was opened for business.

The success of building a railroad to Key West was followed by opening of a new road in 1928. Since then, fishing enthusiasts and visitors flock to Islamorada.

Islamorada, Village of islands was incorporated on November 4, 1997. Today, Plantation Key, Windley, Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys comprise the new Islamorada, Village of Islands.

Getting There

Visitors can reach Islamorada by car, bus and by ferry.

By car:

Take Florida Turnpike south to Exit 4 – Homestead and Key West. Then take US 1 south to Florida Keys. Simply follow the signs and you will reach Islamorada.

By bus:

Greyhound Keys shuttle departs from Miami International airport to Islamorada and other Florida Keys areas three times a day.

By ferry:

Ferry services embarks everyday from Ft. Myers to Key West.

Weather

This 18 mile-long stretch of island enjoys a tropical climate. The same with the rest of Florida Keys, everyday weather in Islamorada is almost perfect. July is the warmest month with temperature around 90 degrees. On average, January is the coolest month with temperature as low as 63 degrees.

What to Wear

The islands laid-back environment is reflected in their everyday lifestyle. Thus, don’t mind packing fancy clothes.

For outdoor fun and activities, just wear shorts, light t-shirt and a pair of comfortable shoes. For dining or night club activities, wear a pretty sundress and casual sandal. Sometimes the islands temperature is colder at night, so it is advised to wear light jacket and long pants.

Other things to wear and bring are: bathing suit, waterproof sunblock and first aid kit.

Fishing

Sports fishing has been a part of Islamorada’s heritage, a way of celebrating the life of Islamorada’s waters. Hailed as the “sportfishing capital in the world”, sports fishing enthusiasts head to Islamorada to catch the best game fish species in one place.

The warm waters surrounding the islands and its diverse marine life provide anglers variety of fish species all throughout the year. However, there are certain months of the year when large number of particular fish can be caught in the area.

Different types of fishing are popular in Islamorada to accord with the changing fishing season. Some of these include Flats & Backcountry fishing, light tackle fishing, offshore fishing and reef fishing. With so many fishing locations and fish species available, you are assured of going home with a good catch.

These are the typical fish species you will likely catch in Islamorada:

• Sailfish
• Yellowtail
• Mutton Snapper
• Grouper
• Kingfish
• Redfish
• Snook
• Sea Trout
• Tarpon
• Bonefish
• Permit

For that ultimate Islamorada fishing experience it is recommended to hire a fishing charter or guide. The captains of these fishing charters are equipped with local knowledge and years of fishing background to help you locate the best areas to fish.

BEST MONTHS TO FISH

The below list will help you plan when to fish for a specific fish or what’s biting while you are in Islamorada area.

January to March – the best months for Sailfish, Cobia and Kingfish fishing

June to July – prime season for Redfish fishing

March to April – the best months for Amberjack and Grouper fishing

April to June – prime season for Tuna fishing

May to July – the best time to catch Dolphin

April to June, August and October – prime season to catch Bonefish

May to July – great season for Permit fishing

March to June – Tarpon season in Islamorada

January, September & October – prime months to catch Snook

March to May – the best months for Yellowtail fishing

February to June – prime season for Shark fishing

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR WHEN FISHING

• Long sleeve shirt
• Long pants
• Wide brimmed hat or cap
• Boat shoes
• Polarized sunglasses
• Food and Drinks
• Light jacket (for colder months)
• Water proof sunscreen

Attractions and Activities

Islamorada is known for refreshing activities, limitless fun and romantic getaways. Whether you are with your family or friends, you can find activities and attractions to make your vacation more exciting.

Popular Sights and Attractions:

• Theater of the Sea
• History of Diving Museum
• Long Key State Park
• Founders Park
• Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
• Robbie’s Marina
• Dolphin Cove Research & Education Center
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Must-try outdoor activities and recreation:

• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling
• Kayaking
• Tennis
• Fishing
• Shopping

Where to Stay

Luxury hotels and suites, homey bed & breakfast, villas, resorts and inns are your choices on where to stay in Islamorada. Whether you are used to luxurious lifestyle, want to experience fancy island living for a day or two or on a tight budget, you are sure to find an abode that caters to your vacation needs and budget.

Caribbean Resort
Address: PO Box1298 · Islamorada, FL 33036
For more information visit their website:
http://www.thecaribbeanresort.com/

Casa Morada
Address: 136 Madeira Road · Islamorada, FL 33036
For more information visit their website:

Home

Coconut Cove Resort and Marina
Address: 84801 Overseas Hwy. · Islamorada, FL 33036
For more information visit their website:
http://www.coconutcove.net/

Coconut Palm Inn
Address: 198 Harborview Dr. · Tavernier, FL 33070
For more information visit their website:
http://www.coconutpalminn.com/

Bay Harbour
Address: 101 Gulf View Drive · Islamorada, FL 33036
For more information visit their website:
http://www.bayharbourislamorada.com/

KEY LANTERN MOTEL AND BLUE FIN INN
Address: 82150 Overseas Highway, MM 82.1 – Islamorada, Florida 33036
For more information visit their website:
http://www.keylantern.com/

Casa Thorn Bed & Breakfast
Address: 114 Palm Lane · Islamorada, FL 33036
For more information visit their website:

Blog

Holiday Isle Beach Resort and Marina
Address: 84001 Overseas Hwy,Islamorada,FL,33036
For more information visit their website:
http://www.holidayisle.com/

Topsider Resort
Address: 75500 Overseas Hwy, Drawer 508 – Islamorada, FL 33036
For more information visit their website:

Home

Days Inn Key Islamorada
Address: 82749 Overseas Hwy MM 82.5 – Islamorada, Florida 33036
For more information visit their website:
http://www.daysinnflakeys.com/

Where to Eat

After a long day of water activities and fun, it’s time to satisfy your palate! Listed below are Islamorada restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. Have a taste of Islamorada ranging from local favorites to innovative cuisines.

Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar
Address: 81924 Overseas Highway · Islamorada, FL 33036
For more information visit their website:

The Lorelei Restaurant And Cabana Bar – The Pulse Of Islamorada

Marker 88
Address: 87900 Overseas Highway · Islamorada, FL 33036
For more information visit their website:

Home

Morada Bay Beach Cafe
Address: 81600 Overseas Hwy – Islamorada,FL33036
For more information visit their website:

Home

Lazy Days Oceanfront Bar
Address: 79867 Overseas Hwy – Islamorada,FL 33036
For more information visit their website:
http://www.lazydaysrestaurant.com/

Pierre`s Restaurant
Address: 81600 Overseas Hwy – Islamorada, FL33036
For more information visit their website:
http://www.pierres-restaurant.com/

Kaiyo
Address: 81701 Old Hwy – Islamorada, FL33036
For more information visit their website:

Home

Island Grill
Address: 85501 Overseas Hwy – Islamorada, FL33036
For more information visit their website:

Island Grill: Islamorada & Key Largo Restaurant Featuring Steaks & Seafood

Bentley’s Restaurant
Address: 82779 Overseas Hwy – Islamorada, FL33036
For more information visit their website:
http://www.keysdining.com/bentleys/index.htm

Atlantic’s Edge – Cheeca Resort
Address: MM 82 (O) · Islamorada, FL 33036
For more information visit their website:
http://www.cheeca.com/

Green Turtle Inn
Address: 81219 Overseas Highway · Islamorada, Fl 33036
For more information visit their website:
http://www.greenturtlekeys.com/

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *