Water Water Everywhere

Swimming with the dolphins Theater of the Sea Marine Park Snorkeling on coral reef

The waters off the Keys contain the most extensive living coral reef in the U.S. This is a diver's paradise and Islamorada is the center for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Keys. Instruction and rentals are available throughout the island. At San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Park, you can view the remains of one of the ships from the Spanish treasure fleet that sank here in 1733. For endless underwater thrills, visit the nearby Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the U.S. with clear water, beautiful coral reefs and an endless variety of marine life. Water is the life and soul of Islamorada and there are water sports for every member of the family to enjoy. There are warm, waist-deep, aqua waters perfect for swimming or lounging on a float. There are kayaks, canoes, sailboats and powerboats for rent. You can try your hand at waterskiing, jet skiing or windsurfing. Or get a bird's-eye view by parasail. For a truly unique water experience, you can swim with trained dolphins or hand-feed giant silver tarpon. Nearby Everglades National Park offers an exciting variety of water activities, from narrated boat tours to canoeing through shallow sawgrass and shady, mangrove-lined creeks.

Snowy egret and flamingos, part of the rich local bird life

Long Key State Park

Waterskiing and kayaking on Florida Bay

MEANWHILE BACK ON LAND...
Islamorada is very mindful of conservation and recreation. There are parks on each of the islands. Founders Park, bordering The Shore on Plantation Key, is a 40-acre playground on the bay, giving you a rare expanse of open space with a Hammock Preserve. Olympic swimmers train here. In addition to water sports, the park offers ball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts and a marina with slips for boats up to 60 feet.

Great golf is nearby

Theater of the Sea Marine Park is a perfect destination for those times when family or friends come to visit. There are dolphin and sea lion shows daily. The Park's lagoons contain tropical and game fish, sea turtles, stingrays, crocodiles, alligators and sharks. As a special treat, children and adults alike can actually swim with the dolphins, sea lions and rays.

At nearby Long Key State Park, you can take a Ranger-guided walk along nature trails and go camping.

Indian Key Historic State Park is a 10-acre island rich in history. In prehistoric times, it was occupied by Native Americans. During the 1830's, it supported a thriving wrecking community which was later attacked by Seminoles. James Audubon came here to sketch birds for his landmark work, The Birds of America. The colorful history of Indian Key is explained on a Ranger-guided tour.

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is as close as you can get to Florida's untouched, primeval past. Here you can glimpse a virgin tropical forest which contains such exotic trees as the rock-hard lignumvitae, strangler fig, pigeon plum and gumbo-limbo. The lively local bird population includes the ibis and heron. Guided walks are available.

Civil war cannon, Lignumvitae State Park

The Village of Islamorada has kept its character intact. Art galleries and craft shops display the work of local artists and artisans. Auction and benefit sporting tournaments are a popular part of the social scene. And the restaurants are among the best in the Keys.

Islamorada is a unique and special place - a place where sky, water, and dreams come together. For those who wish to enjoy this coastal wonderland in comfort and luxury, The Shore is a wish come true.