15 Top Things to Do in Islamorada, Florida: Sandbars, Snorkeling, and Local Eats

Activities and Experiences in Islamorada

1. Charter a Boat

One of the best ways to experience Islamorada is by chartering a boat. It’s an opportunity to explore sandbars, snorkel at Alligator Reef Lighthouse, try fishing, or simply soak up the stunning beauty of the Keys. A private charter offers the flexibility to design your ideal day on the water, making it worth the splurge. If you’re on a budget, some operators also offer shared tours.

We booked a private charter with Reef Quest Tours, and it was fantastic. Jill and Captain Trevor made sure we had a great time. Even though it rained on our original booking day, they kindly invited us back the next day for a redo. Their boat was spotless and brand new, making the entire experience even better.

2. Experience the Sandbars

Exploring the sandbars is one of the most popular things to do in Islamorada. These shallow, sandy patches in the middle of the water can only be reached by boat, making them a must-visit during a charter.

Day 1 of our boat charter started out sunny, but just as we made it to the sandbar, the skies opened up. While the timing wasn’t ideal, it added to the adventure of the experience.

Visiting the sandbars was my top reason for booking a boat, but I’ll keep it real—they didn’t quite live up to the hype. Unlike the photos you may have seen online, the most popular sandbar we visited was underwater. Over time, the landscape has changed, and now the water is about halfway up your shin.

That said, it’s still a unique experience to walk on sand in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by crystal-clear water. Locals and tourists love gathering here, and I’ve heard that on summer weekends, you can find hundreds of boats anchored, creating a lively scene.

It was quieter when we visited in October due to off-and-on rain, but that worked in our favor. We enjoyed a peaceful time with a drink and snack, soaking in the beauty of the water and doing some people-watching.

3. Alligator Reef Lighthouse

When we visited Alligator Reef Lighthouse, the storm hadn’t quite reached the area, but the waters were still rough, adding to the adventure of the experience.

Although it’s no longer a functioning lighthouse, Alligator Reef remains one of Islamorada’s most iconic historic sites. Modern technology rendered it obsolete years ago, but its presence is a reminder of the region’s maritime history.

Today, Alligator Reef is a top spot for snorkeling and diving. Part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, it’s home to vibrant coral reefs and an array of marine life. On a clear day, the water surrounding the lighthouse glows with brilliant Caribbean blue hues that are truly mesmerizing.

4. Go Fishing

Fishing isn’t our thing, but if it’s yours, Islamorada is the place to be. Known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, this village offers plenty of opportunities to reel in something memorable. Booking a fishing excursion is a great way to find the best spots, and these tours usually include all the equipment you’ll need.

One unique local tradition is bringing your catch to a nearby restaurant to have it prepared for you. Lazy Days Restaurant in Islamorada is a popular spot known for cooking your catch to perfection—a true Keys experience!

A visit to the History of Diving Museum is a must for diving enthusiasts or anyone curious about underwater exploration. This hidden gem is a fascinating place to spend 2-3 hours, learning about the evolution of diving and how humans mastered breathing underwater.

The museum showcases an impressive collection of diving equipment, illustrating how technology has advanced over the years. From the earliest diving suits to modern scuba gear, it’s a journey through time that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the sport.

Fun fact: My husband got scuba certified just days after we left Islamorada during our trip to La Romana, Dominican Republic. So, while we didn’t dive on this trip, this museum was a fitting prelude to his certification.

6. Book a Kayak Tour through the Mangroves

If you love being on the water, a kayak tour through the mangroves is a fantastic way to explore Islamorada. Paddling through serene mangrove tunnels is not only a fun adventure but also one of the most memorable activities for couples visiting the area.

We had planned to take a Clear Kayak Tour, which offers a unique way to see the marine life below you. Unfortunately, bad rain kept us from making it this time, but it’s still high on our list for the next trip!

As you navigate these natural waterways, you might spot manatees, fish, and other marine life that thrive in the mangroves. If you’ve done this before, I’d love to hear about your adventures—it sounds like an fun way to connect with the beauty of the Keys.

Behind the Bass Pro World Wide Sportsman, you’ll find a marina that’s perfect for spotting marine life—and it’s completely free. Take a cautious stroll around the docks, peer over the edge, and you might see large fish, nurse sharks, stingrays, and even manatees.

We were lucky enough to spot all of these during our short visit. Seeing a manatee may require some patience, but you’ll definitely catch glimpses of fish as soon as you look into the water. Based on our experience, you never know what fascinating creatures might appear around the docks.

Robbie’s is more than just a popular restaurant in Islamorada—it’s a hub of activity and a must-visit for feeding the famous tarpon. You can toss fish from their docks to these massive, leaping creatures and maybe even spot other marine life nearby.

This family-friendly activity is a hit with kids and adults alike. It costs $2.50 per person to access the docks and $4 for a bucket of fish. Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful experience.

Robbie’s also offers plenty of other activities, like fishing excursions, kayak and boat rentals, jet skiing, snuba, parasailing, and more. It’s a great place to spend part of your day, whether you’re looking for adventure or just some fun on the water.

Lazy Days offers a fantastic beachside dining experience, making it perfect for drinks or dinner at sunset. If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Islamorada, sipping cocktails while watching the sky light up is hard to beat.

All outdoor seating at Lazy Days provides great views, but arriving early gives you the chance to snag a prime spot on the beach or the front of their upstairs outdoor porch. From there, you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the beach and horizon.

We enjoyed the sunset from our hotel right next door before heading over to Lazy Days, arriving just as the sky began to fade. It was a spectacular way to end the evening.

How much do you know about the history of the Florida Keys? A visit to the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center is a great way to deepen your understanding of this fascinating region. The center features exhibits and informational films covering topics like the construction of the Overseas Railroad, the devastating 1935 hurricane, native tribes, pirates, and the unique sea life of the Keys.

This is an excellent stop for first-time visitors to the area or a perfect activity for a rainy day. With so much to explore, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the rich history and culture of the Keys.

Meet Betty the Giant Lobster, a larger-than-life sculpture that’s both fascinating and a little quirky. You won’t miss her while driving down the Overseas Highway—she’s a true Islamorada icon and a fun photo op.

Betty sits outside the entrance to Rain Barrel Village, making her the perfect start to your visit to this popular artisan market.

Rain Barrel Village is a fun, funky, and colorful stop filled with eclectic local shops. Vibrant art, unique setups, and lively colors make it more than just a place to shop—it’s an experience in itself.

This is the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs and find a one-of-a-kind item to bring home for friends or family. From handcrafted woodwork and stunning paintings to live glassblowing demonstrations, there’s something to catch everyone’s eye. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves supporting local artists and exploring creative spaces.

Anne’s Beach is one of the few natural sandy beaches in the Keys, making it a unique spot to visit. Locals mention that many beaches in the Keys are manmade, but this small stretch of shoreline offers a more authentic experience. Depending on the time of year, you might encounter some seaweed or muddy areas, but it’s still worth a stop.

The shallow waters make it a great spot for kids to play or for a quick dip. You can also stroll along the scenic boardwalk, take in the stunning views, and appreciate the natural beauty that makes this spot special.

Anne’s Beach features two small parking lots, bathrooms, picnic tables, and free access. For more information about Islamorada’s parks, beaches, and preserves, check here.

If you’re in the mood for great drinks and a laid-back vibe, make a stop at Islamorada Brewery. Try a flight of their local beers or go for one of their creative cocktails like the Lavender Lemonade Vodka—it’s a favorite.

Inside, you’ll get a peek behind the counter at the distillery, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating with tables to kick back and enjoy your visit.

On long weekends, Spanky’s Kitchen food truck is parked at the brewery from Friday to Monday, so you won’t have to drink on an empty stomach.

Theater of the Sea is a popular marine park in Islamorada that features aquatic shows with dolphins, sea lions, and even parrots. This is a great option if you’re looking for family-friendly activities in Islamorada.

Normally, I don’t encourage attractions like this. However, locals shared that Theater of the Sea is different. It’s a family-owned establishment that takes exceptional care of their rescue animals, providing a loving and safe environment.

The park rescues and rehabilitates animals to release them back into the wild. In cases where release isn’t possible due to health conditions, the animals receive long-term care at the facility.

If you’re considering booking an animal interaction, it’s worth noting that Theater of the Sea has strict policies in place to ensure the animals’ safety and well-being.

Other Attractions Not to Miss Near Islamorada

If you have extra time to explore beyond Islamorada, here are a few nearby attractions worth visiting:

• The Turtle Hospital (Marathon, FL) – Learn about the rehabilitation and conservation efforts for sea turtles at this incredible facility.
• Florida Keys Wild Bird Center (Tavernier, FL) – A great stop to see rescued birds and support local wildlife conservation.
• Snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo, FL) – Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life at this iconic underwater park.

Restaurants in Islamorada or Nearby

We didn’t find the dining in the Florida Keys to be exceptional overall—maybe we just had bad recommendations. That said, a few places stood out, and we’re excited to share them.

With its eye-catching neon sign, Ziggie & Mad Dog’s is a 4-star steakhouse that surprised us with its excellent food. Reservations are recommended during busy seasons, but we were lucky to snag a table.

The menu offers something for everyone, from seafood to steaks. We started with lobster bisque and shrimp cocktail, followed by a bone-in ribeye for the main course. For dessert, their key lime pie was the best we had in the Keys.

While it’s on the pricier side, the generous portions and quality make it worth it—perfect for a special occasion or date night.

Known for its fun, kitschy vibe and a menu packed with options, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen is a must-visit for key lime pie lovers. After hearing Mike Chen rave about it, we had to try it—and it didn’t disappoint.

We ordered the famous chili, clams, lobster bites, and a fried shrimp basket. The clams were my favorite, and the chili was tasty, though maybe not world-class. The key lime pie? Hubby’s favorite of the trip. Tangy, creamy, and perfectly balanced, it’s easily in my top 5—though I still preferred Ziggie’s.

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Looking for bluestone crab claws? Head to The Mar Bar, a local raw bar in Tavernier. It’s a laid-back spot for drinks and small bites, offering raw oysters, ceviche, and seasonal bluestone crab claws. Thanks to Captain Trevor from Reef Quest Tours, this became one of my favorite stops.

The bluestone crab claws were fresh, served cold with a side of mustard sauce. They were so flavorful, I didn’t even feel the need for butter. The shrimp ceviche, with bits of mango and tortilla chips, was equally fabulous.

I enjoyed these appetizers with a local beer before heading elsewhere for dinner. Honestly, I would’ve been happy staying for more, but hubby needed non-seafood options!

Where to Stay in Islamorada

Islamorada offers a range of boutique hotels and resorts, from basic accommodations to those with complete amenities like swimming pools, kayaking, and paddleboarding. After nearly two years without travel, we decided to treat ourselves to a stay at Amara Cay Resort.

Amara Cay Resort Review

Located at the southern end of Islamorada, Amara Cay Resort is a beachfront hotel with a chic, laid-back vibe. The upgraded lobby is modern yet welcoming, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The rooms are clean, spacious, and updated with modern amenities.

We originally booked a standard room but decided to upgrade to an oceanfront suite upon check-in. While the standard room was lovely, its view of the parking lot didn’t quite match the vibe we wanted for this trip. Waking up to the oceanfront view was worth the extra cost—at least for this stay. When booking, consider whether a view is important to you and if it’s worth the splurge.

With its cozy atmosphere and thoughtful touches, we felt instantly at home at Amara Cay. The only downside? The room lighting could use improvement.

As a guest of Amara Cay, you’ll have access to several fantastic amenities:

• Shared amenities: Guests can use the facilities at the resort’s sister properties nearby.
• Shuttle service: A convenient option for exploring nearby activities.
• Recreational activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are included for all guests.
• Pool and beach: A beautiful swimming pool and a small beach area (though not the most expansive).
• Extras: Tiki bar, firepits, outdoor games, and a small indoor arcade.
• Practical perks: Free parking, beach towels, and an on-site laundry room.

Overall, Amara Cay Resort made for a relaxing and memorable stay, and we wouldn’t hesitate to return—though we might skip the upgrade next time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Islamorada