We visited the Florida Keys, the most interesting place in the USA for lovers of white sand beaches, beautiful sunsets over the sea, snorkeling on coral reefs, and unforgettable impressions of boat trips and fishing.
We set off on a trip from
Miami
to the Florida Keys along the scenic Overseas Highway, which passes through the islands of Key Largo, Islamorada, the city of Marathon, Bahia Honda Park, Big Pine, and dozens of other coral islands, to
Key West
, the southernmost city in the United States.
In the article, I will tell you which Key is better,
Marathon
or
Islamorada,
and why.
Which Key is Better Marathon or Islamorada?” width=”512″ height=”512″ /> Which Key is Better Marathon or Islamorada?
Marathon vs.
Islamorada Comparison
Marathon and Islamorada are parts of the
Florida Keys
, which start on the southeast coast of the Florida peninsula, about 16 miles south of Miami, and extend from Key Largo to Key West, the westernmost inhabited coral island.
Interesting to know: In the name of the
Florida Keys
, the word keys is a literal translation from the English “keys”, which, in turn, comes from the Spanish word “cayo” or “callo”, which means “small island.
Just imagine that today, the
Florida Keys have a total area of 137.
3 square miles
, and there are more than 1,700 islands in the archipelago.
However, very few of them are inhabited, and most of them are very small.
Only 43 islands are connected by bridges.
There are so many undiscovered paradises.
The nature of Islamorada, Marathon, and different parts of the Florida Keys is unique .
Here you can see
mangrove forests
, marine plants, and coral reefs.
Also,
alligators
, sea turtles, and endangered manatees live on the Keys, and more than 600 species of fish live among the coral reefs.
Islamorada
Islamorada is part of a chain of islands that stretch for 149 miles along the southern edge of the Florida peninsula.
The islands are coral reefs and former limestone shoals, all connected by roads and bridges.
Islamorada itself is a settlement on six islands.
This, without exaggeration, is a “mecca” for fans of sea
sport fishing.
Not far from the coastline, you can collect a rich catch of sailboats, tuna, dorado, and even tarpon and albula.
You can go fishing in comfort; for this, you should rent one of the first-class boats and use the services of an experienced guide.
Diving enthusiasts can enjoy the beauty of the nearby coral reef.
Islamorada is Spanish for “Purple Island”.
It is believed that at the time of the arrival of the first colonists, the water near the shore was full of purple sea snails.
More than just sport fishing, Islamorada is the epicenter of Florida’s most colorful boat trips.
Divers and snorkelers from all over the world flock to Islamorada to explore the dynamic reef line.
Islamorada is a luxury island destination that has consistently been named one of the most beautiful areas in Florida.
It is a small community of 6,000 residents living on a pristine piece of land nestled between saltwater deserts, pristine barrier reefs, and
the Everglades National Park.
Marathon
Marathon, Florida, is a small resort town near
Miami Beach
, which is located on an elongated chain of closely spaced 13 coral islands (the main ones are Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key, and Grassy Key) with a length of about 10 miles, located in the central part of the Florida keys along the Pacific coast on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other.
Among the tourists who have been here, it is known for its wonderful
white sand beaches
, crystal-clear water, beautiful barrier reefs, and colorful inhabitants.
Here you can spend more time relaxing in nature and, at the same time, visit the best beaches of the Florida Keys: Sombrero Beach with
sea turtles
and Bahia Honda, known for excellent conditions for snorkeling on a coral reef.
It is customary here to enjoy a leisurely and measured life in the old Keys style, catch fresh fish, crabs, and lobsters, and also participate in culinary festivals with all kinds of seafood dishes.
Recreation in Marathon is primarily a variety of family activities related to water.
There are no noisy bars, clubs, or youth entertainment, but there are many fishing boats and speedboats (there are more places at the docks than in Delray Beach—about 2.
5 thousand), trips on which are quite expensive.
Which Key is Better Marathon or Islamorada?
Which is Better, Marathon or Islamorada?
Excellent beaches, fishing, diving, and kayaking are available on both islands.
Which island is right for you ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Usually people come to Islamorada for the calm atmosphere, while at Marathon you can find more nightlife options.
As for both destinations, in addition to a relaxing beach holiday, the main activities here are boat trips and sea fishing, as well as snorkeling and seafood restaurants.
All this is quite expensive, so it’s better to go on vacation to the Florida Keys with an impressive budget.
How Far is Islamorada from Marathon?
Islamorada and Marathon are not far from each other.
It takes only 34 miles to drive from Marathon to Islamorada.
And the driving time from Marathon to Islamorada is about 43 minutes.
Which Key is Better Marathon or Islamorada?
Things To Do in Islamorada and Marathon
Here is a far from complete list of things to do there:
Drive along the highway and stop at viewpoints in the most interesting places.
Visit the parks with the best beaches in Florida.
Try snorkeling and diving on coral reefs.
Drink a cocktail on the beach and sit on the veranda of the restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Arrange a romantic yacht cruise at sunset.
Feed the tarpons, large fish that swim at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada.
Swim with stingrays at the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters.
Order fresh seafood for lunch or dinner (mahi-mahi fish, tuna, lobsters, mussels, crabs, and more are available).
Walk along the coast to
Key West
and shop for souvenirs on Duval Street.
Eat a
key lime pie
at any restaurant in the Florida Keys.
Now stop thinking.
Just book your ticket and explore the
Florida Keys and the beaches
along the Gulf of Mexico on Florida’s southwest coast.
It will turn out that this state is full of surprises, and we even found our favorite beach in the USA!
And yes, there is no need to thank me for a magical kick.