Islamorada, Village of Islands and Sports Fishing capital of the world . Opposite to Key Largo, when you enter to Islamorada you feel like you are in a different world, if Key Largo was a parade of dive shops and restaurants, Islamorada feels more charming and inviting, with its own laws of not allowing big chain stores on the island, residents keep this village of islands away from the big crowds.
Islamorada, Spanish for “purple isle”, name was given to the area by Spanish explorers who noticed a purple hue to the coastline. It is well known for its very own Tiki Bar Holiday Isle Resort and sandbar where in weekends hundreds of boats congregate in the so called “beach” to relax and enjoy the crystal clear waters of The Florida Keys.
Fishing is the principal activity of this tiny tropical island and you will find numerous tournaments held on this island waters. Numerous charters and guides will take you either to the Atlantic side for a deep sea fishing trip or you can hire a guide for a tour of the backcountry .
In the past years this beautiful island experienced an active renovation on its hotels and restaurants, the most notorious ones are The Green Turtle Inn and the luxury resort Cheeca Lodge and for the first time in the history of the Islamorada a Publix supermarket.
Sunset in Islamorada,Florida Keys. [Photo © Florida Keys Network]
Diving and snorkeling takes big part on the island lifestyle with Alligator Reef close to shore with plenty of tropical marine life for travelers to enjoy.
The Island has numerous attractions to offer, you can feed the Tarpon at Robbie’s Marina, enjoy a day with your kids at the Theater of the sea or dance the night away in Holiday Isle world famous Tiki bar .
You’ll find excellent food in the numerous restaurants and don’t be surprised to see a sunset wedding taking place while you are ordering your favorite lobster dinner at the Lorelei restaurant on the bayside.