Islamorada Vacation Information

A beach vacation to Islamorada is quite the catch…especially considering that this Florida Key vacation destination is recognized as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.”

Believed to have the planet’s largest fishing fleet per square mile, visitors come from around the world to partake in fishing tournaments, book the world-famous charter boats and drop a line in the water to see what they can reel in. Don’t want to catch the fish? Perhaps you’ll enjoy feeding them around the docks. Then, visitors can “catch” other sea life like dolphins and sea lions performing shows later at the Theatre of the Sea Marine Mammal Park. Discovered by Spanish explorers more than 3,000 years ago, Islamorada was named as such because of the purple hue seen across the islands’ horizon at sunset. Islamorada translated into Spanish means “purple isles.”

Tranquil by nature and tropical in climate, this Florida Key vacation destination is actually spread out over six Key islands and is surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Florida Bay on the other. On the north border of the bay lies the stunning Everglades National Park, where kayaking and boat rides will reveal coastal birds, wildlife and a natural beauty that will captivate and inspire the adventurous.

Everyday life and vacation activities are certainly centered on the water in Islamorada, which is sometimes referred to as “Village of the Islands.” Most of life here is in, on or around water — from diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, boating, wind-surfing – and, of course, fishing. The diving is exceptionally spectacular, especially around the reefs, where you’ll always catch colorful tropical fish and eclectic marine life.

When not in the water, you can still enjoy it by sunbathing or sipping tropical drinks while watching the sunset over the water. The spectacular sunsets are, after all, how this location earned its name. Even working on your tan is more enjoyable at Islamorada, because its tropical climate and unique location surrounded by water means that there is always tropical breezes to keep things cool — even in the summer. Because of its tropical climate, the water is enjoyable year-round and swimming alongside the marine life is not all that uncommon at all.

But Islamorada is not to only be enjoyed by sea…there is much beauty by land as well. Families can stroll through the Morada Way Art and Cultural District and admire the fine art at the quaint shops and galleries; or pack a picnic and enjoy the sounds of music on the lawn at the ICE Amphitheater.

So whether you are here for the fantastic fishing, to bathe in golden sunshine or to glimpse the gorgeous sites of the shimmering waters or brilliantly colored orchids, everyone can agree on one thing: Islamorada is a fine catch.