Boating In Marathon Key
Photo Credit: ishnfunrentals.com
Marathon Key is noted for its classic Keys culture and dramatic ecosystems that inspire marine-centric attractions like The Turtle Hospital and The Dolphin Research Center. Situated between Key West and Key Largo, Marathon is also home to the Seven Mile Bridge on the Overseas Highway, and a boating hub with multiple marinas, boat ramps. and homes with private docks. The waters surrounding Marathon and the Florida Keys host world-class fishing, underwater exploration, waterfront dining, and unparalleled sunsets. When you're ready to get out on the water for the best Florida has to offer, this is the destination of choice. From fishing charters to sightseeing tours - or rent your own vessel and enjoy doing a little bit of nothing at all, on island time!
Boating in the Florida Keys is unique, and navigating the shallow waters of the barrier islands can be a challenge. If you are not intimately familiar with the area, a charter may be the best option for first-time exploration. If you do choose to man your own (or rented) vessel, do your research before taking to the water. This free online course provides information for responsible boating and stewardship within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and highlights relevant rules and regulations to protect boaters, their vessels, and the precious natural resources of the Florida Keys. The waters surrounding the Florida Keys are protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, from south of Miami westward to the Dry Tortugas.
The Florida Reef along the Florida Keys is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. This provides epic opportunities for snuba and scuba diving, kayaking, and more. A series of more than 400 mooring buoys help to protect this resource, marking the locations of artificial reefs, sanctuary preservation areas, and shipwreck trail sites while providing an option that boaters can tie off to, while avoiding damage to the coral reef. Click here for a map of buoys within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Tips for Fishermen & Boaters
When boating, wear polarized sunglasses for a better perspective on water depth and shallow areas you may have to navigate along your path. Sand bars appear white, while green hues indicate an area free of shallow reefs or seagrass, and deep water areas are blue in color. As the local saying goes: "Brown, brown, run aground. Yellow, yellow will ground a fellow. White you’ll be there all night. Green, green, go between. Blue, blue, come on through!"
- Check the weather and keep track of the tides. If in doubt, don't go out!
- Make sure you have enough life jackets for all on board, including children.
- Maintain a safe distance from other boaters, fishermen, and divers.
- When fishing, observe size and catch limits. Florida law requires a fishing license.
- Anchor at mooring buoys or in sandy areas away from coral and seagrass beds.
- It is illegal to dump trash or pollute the waters.
- The U.S. Coast Guard monitors VHF Channel 16 for marine emergencies.
- Learn more about Florida Boating Regulations.
Directory Of Local Boating Services In The Marathon Florida Area
Public Boat Ramps And Marinas
- 33rd Street and US 1 between Mile Markers 48/49 on the bayside
- Crawl Key Ramp on Overseas Hwy between Mile Markers 53/54
- North Marathon Shores Ramp at Aviation Blvd. & Harbor Dr.
- Little Duck Key Wayside Park on Overseas Hwy at MM 40 on the gulfside
- Skipjack Marina - 19 Sombrero Blvd, Marathon, FL 33050
- Grassy Key Marina - 59073 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
- Hawks Cay Marina - 61 Hawks Cay Blvd, Duck Key, FL 33050
Boat Rentals And Fishing Charters
Fish`n Fun Rentals
1149 Greenbriar Road, Marathon, FL • (305) 743-2275 • http://www.fishnfunrentals.com
Located in Duck Key Marina, offering delivery in the Middle Keys. Customized charters and boat rentals from 17' up to 31' offshore boats. Half-day rentals to weekly and longer. Discounted Kayak rentals also available with boat rentals, along with equipment like fishing rods and tackle boxes as well as snorkel gear.
All Aboard Boat Rentals
129 Avenue A, Marathon, FL 33050 • (305) 849-5567 • https://www.allaboardboatrentals.com
The largest fleet in the Keys, with 5 locations, featuring a wide variety of boats, kayaks, fishing and snorkeling gear. Guided tours also available.
Key Colony Beach Boat Rentals
7196 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 • (305) 240-0548 • https://keycolonybeachboatrentals.com
Servicing Marathon, Key Colony Beach, and the Middle Keys. Dozens of vessels, from 21'-30' - delivery available!
Key Colony Boat Rentals
60 Coco Plum Dr, Marathon, FL 33050 • (305) 602-4500 • https://keycolonyboatrentals.com
Climb aboard for a fun day of fishing, diving, snorkeling...or just plain relaxing in Key Colony Beach. Specializing in weekly boat rentals. Delivery of your rental boat to your vacation home is available!. A variety of boat sizes and rates to suit all needs and budgets.
Vacation Boat Rentals
4681 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 • (866) 420-1515 • http://vacationboatrentals.com
Located in Marathon with a rental fleet featuring many different varieties of fishing and recreational boats. Run by Captain Bob, who has been fishing the Florida Keys since 1971, and is always happy to share some expert local knowledge!
Marathon Boat Rentals Inc
12240 Overseas Hwy, B, Marathon, FL 33050 • (305) 743-8877 • http://marathonboatrental.com
The only fleet of “Unsinkable” Boston Whaler rental boats in the Florida Keys. Specializing in weekly boat rentals in Marathon and Key Colony Beach. A range of options to suit any budget and need, from fishing to diving, and just plain relaxing.
Sweet E’Nuf Charters
11601 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 • (305) 610-4778 • https://www.sweetenufcharters.com
With 25+ years fishing experience in the Florida Keys, Captain Dave Schugar is a licensed Master Captain offering custom charter trips aboard a 33′ center console charter boat. Fish the reef, wrecks, and offshore for snapper, grouper, swordfish, sailfish, wahoo, and more.
Sightseeing Tours And Sunset Cruises
Manic Sportfishing Charters
1410 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 • (305) 903-5764 • https://manicsportfishing.com
Sightseeing and snorkel trips, reef and offshore fishing, wreck excursions, pontoon cruises, and more.
Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center
11833 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 • (305) 743-2444 • https://captainhooks.com
Diving and snorkeling, instruction, boat rentals, paddlesports, fishing charters, and specialty cruises.
Seasquared Charters
1996 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 • (305) 743-5305 • https://seasquaredcharters.com
Private, guided "Float 'N Fun" trips, bar hops, sightseeing tours, sunset cruises, snorkeling trips, fishing charters. and kayak and SUP rentals.
Marathon Mermaid Charters
1688 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 • (305) 842-1492 • https://www.marathonmermaid.com
Sandbar experiences, sunset cruises, and private charters.
A Deep Blue Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Center
400 Sadowski Causeway, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 • (305) 743-2421 • https://www.adeepbluedive.com
Snorkel and scuba instruction for all ages, as well as snorkel and scuba trips, wreck-diving trips, private charters, and equipment rental.
Starfish Marathon Snorkeling Tours
1248 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 • (305) 481-0407 • https://www.starfishsnorkeling.com
Snorkeling day trips and charters to Sombrero Reef.
Cruisin' Tikis Marathon
1021 11th Street, Marathon, FL 33050• 855-KEYTIKI • https://www.cruisintikismarathon.com
Why go bar hopping... when you can hop on a bar? Cruises include: sunset, sandbar, bar stop, and eco.
Bringing your personal watercraft or renting a vessel during your stay is the best way to experience the alluring waters of the Florida Keys. Dozens of our vacation rentals have the added luxury of a boat dock directly behind or near your beach retreat! Stay just a few steps from your private boat dock and get a jump on the day's coastal excursions!
