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How to rent a boat in Islamorada
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Find the perfect boatEnter your desired location and date to explore our fleet of boat, Islamorada, FL, United States.
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Select a captainChoose to drive yourself or select a USCG licensed captain.
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Book with easeConnect with your boat owner and complete your booking online.
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Set sailEnjoy your day on the water with friends and family!
Rent a boat in Islamorada, FLThe “village of islands” in the Florida Keys known as Islamorada is also known as the “sportfishing capital of the world,” so it won’t surprise anyone to hear that anglers come from all around the globe to take a fishing charter or rent a boat in Islamorada. But fishing is just one of the many aquatic activities visitors and vacationers enjoy. Diving is another big attraction, thanks to a wealth of wildlife, nearby coral reefs, and awesome visibility. In fact, at some times of year (like during lobster mini season) you might encounter more people wearing dive masks than shirts. With its crystal-clear waters, natural surroundings, and epic sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, this 17-mile stretch of island paradise is a gem among the gems in the Keys.One of the unique things about boating in Islamorada that gives it a leg up over many other destinations is that it’s rare to be entirely shut down by the wind. On the Atlantic side there’s always shelter from a breeze out of the west, and on the Gulf side Florida Bay and Lignumvitae Basin are sheltered from east winds. So, no matter which way the wind blows you can almost always find relatively calm waters. Both sides offer excellent fishing and snorkeling, as well as plenty of other opportunities which are quite different in nature yet hold tremendous appeal in their own ways. And since Islamorada is made up of six different keys, there are plenty of access points no matter which waterway you want to check out. In fact, there are over a dozen marinas and boat ramps here. Plus, going along with this watery wonderland Islamorada has top-tier resorts, hotels, and restaurants along with plenty of additional attractions. If there’s one place on Earth where boaters will never be bored, Islamorada might be it.What to KnowWith so many different boating opportunities and water-oriented recreational activities at hand, you’ll find a huge range of options when it comes to renting a boat. That said, remember that there will be a significant difference in the boats intended for running into the open Atlantic versus those commonly used on the west side of the islands. The most common types of boats you’ll see here include:Safety RequirementsFor more information on safety requirements visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission boating regulations webpage.Where to dock your boat or meet your rental:Weather ConditionsRemember people, this is paradise — even in the middle of winter you’ll generally enjoy balmy afternoons in the mid-70s, and during the heat of summer a cool ocean breeze usually prevents the mercury from rising too uncomfortably high.Average High Temperature: 89 degrees at the height of summer.Average Low Temperature: 62 degrees in the depth of winter.Average Water Temperatures in and around Islamorada:
Center Console Fishing Boats are the most numerous sort of boat you’ll see. But these boats aren’t just for fishing. Center consoles are also great for snorkeling or diving adventures, exploring the backcountry, or family cruising.
Bowrider Boats make a great platform for kicking around with the family at the sandbar and can be used for snorkeling or light fishing and diving as well.
Pontoon Boats may be a surprising find in this area considering that they’re most popular on inland lakes and bays, but for use in the basin or bay they work well and deliver maximum comfort for boaters who are in search of relaxation out on the water.
Boater Education: Anyone born after January 1988 must pass a safety education course and carry a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to operate a boat with 10 horsepower or more in Florida waters. Nonresident visitors to the state of Florida are exempt from this requirement if they carry proof of completion of a NASBLA-approved boater safety course or the equivalency examination from another state.
Additional Regulations: All USCG safety gear requirements must be met and all children under six must wear an approved life jacket on boats under 26’ when underway. Additionally, boaters should be aware that it’s illegal to anchor on or otherwise damage coral reefs. Instead, secure your boat with one of the free public mooring buoys which are white with a blue stripe. See the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Buoy Map for their exact locations.
Bud N’ Mary’s Fishing Marina
Coral Bay Marina
East Ridge Road Boat Ramp
Indian Key Boat Ramp
Islamarina
Mangrove Marina
Matecumbe Marina
Plantation Yacht Harbor
Postcard Inn Marina
Safe Harbor Islamorada
Snake Creek Marina
Tavernier Creek Marina
Treasure Harbor Marina
Whale Harbor Marina
77 degrees in the spring (March, April, May)
84 degrees in the summer (June, July, August)
81 degrees in the fall (September, October, November)
75 degrees in the winter (December, January, February)
Things to do in Islamorada by boat
Go FishingWhether you head east for some deep sea fishing or had west to cast on the flats, the fishing here is world class. Check out our Fishing in Islamorada Guide to get a feel for the different opportunities close at hand.Pro Tip: If you’re not an expert angler, consider using live bait as opposed to artificial lures. The fish can’t resist it, and when you go into the bait shop you can talk to the locals behind the counter and get valuable local fishing intel.Location: Google Maps LinkClosest marina or docks: Coral Bay Marina has easy access to the basin and bay. Whale Harbor Marina is right on the Atlantic. And Bud N’ Mary’s has close proximity to both.Lat/Long: 24.54’48 x 80.38’03
Try Some Snorkeling or Scuba DivingThanks to the beautiful water and coral reefs rich with life, snorkeling, and scuba diving are prime activities in these waters. While going the scuba route allows you to go deeper and remain down longer, snorkelers will have plenty to check out in the shallower areas. Plus, if you go during lobster season, you can try your hand at capturing one of the tastiest dinners around.Pro Tip: If you’re a first-time snorkeler practice putting on your fins, snorkel, and mask while you’re on dry land. They take a little getting used to, and it’s easier if the initial experience is in a familiar environment.Location: Google Maps LinkClosest marina or docks: Any.Lat/Long: 24.51’42 x 80.36’37
Check Out the SandbarsWhen adventuring takes a back seat to relaxing, many boaters enjoy going to a sand bar. There, you can kick back and soak up the sun.Pro Tip: On sunny summer weekends, be prepared for crowds and a party atmosphere at the well-known spots, because sandbaring is quite popular.Location: Google Maps LinkClosest marina or docks: Any, depending on which sandbar(s) you want to visit.Lat/Long: 24.56’01 x 80.35’53
Where to go Boating in Islamorada
The EagleAnglers may want to drop some lines at The Eagle, a 287’ long freighter wreck sitting in 110’ of water just five miles off the beach. Advanced open-water divers sometimes visit this site to explore the sunken ship, too.Seasonality: Year-round.Getting There: Look for Alligator Reef Light, then continue three miles northeast. The wreck is marked with mooring buoys. Learn more about the wreck and see it mapped at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary site.Lat/Long: 24.52’18 x 80.34’21Pro Tip: Drop live baitfish or cut bait to bottom and you may hook up with grouper, barracuda, or sharks. But keep an eye out for mahi-mahi at the surface because sometimes they’re spotted in the area, too.Google Maps Link
Whale Harbor ChannelThe sandbar on the northern side of Whale Harbor Channel, leading out into the Atlantic Ocean is one of the most popular places in the Keys to anchor at a sandbar. The bottom is white, clean, hard sand, and the water is gorgeous for swimming. This spot is so popular it was among our picks for the 9 Best Sandbars in Florida. Note, however, that this is also usually the most crowded sandbar around.Rafting Up: Most boaters will anchor rather than rafting together due to the likelihood of waves and changing currents. Standard practice is to use both bow and stern anchors to hold the boat in place with the stern of the boat in deep water and the bow up at the bar.Wake Zone: Inside the channel is a slow speed zone, but once you’re out in the open Atlantic you can run.Lat/Long: 24.56’01 x 80.35’53Pro Tip: Be sure to anchor up while keeping the boat itself off the edge of the bar in sufficiently deep water, especially on a dropping tide. Pull in too shallow when the water is high, and you may end up high and dry when the tide goes out.Google Maps Link
Indian KeyIndian Key is an 11-acre deserted island that’s been turned into a state park. Snorkeling and swimming (at least 100’ from the island) is popular here, and there’s a self-guided walking tour of the historic ruins on the island itself.Seasonality: All seasons.Getting There: The island is just a half-mile from land but is accessible by water, only. You can anchor your boat and wade in or come over from the island via kayak.Lat/Long: 25.52’40 x 80.40’35Pro Tip: Get a prepaid single-use day pass ahead of time online at the Florida State Parks website, so you don’t have to carry cash to pay the park entry fee.Google Maps Link
Dock-and-Dine at Islamorada Waterfront Restaurants
Marker 88Habanos on the CreekSquare Grouper IslamoradaFor More Information on Islamorada, FL Boating:
Address: 88000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM Sun – Thurs, 11 AM to 10 PM Fri – Sat
Reservations: Yes
Type of Food: American, seafood, sushi and raw bar
Dockage Available: Yes
Address: 90800 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070
Hours: 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Reservations: No
Type of Food: Cuban, seafood, sandwiches
Dockage Available: Yes
Address: 80460 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036
Hours: Wed through Sun, 11 AM to 2:30 PM lunch; 5 PM to 10 PM dinner
Reservations: No
Type of Food: Florida seafood, American
Dockage Available: Transient slips at Safe Harbor Islamorada
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