Marathon Florida Is Central To
All Top Florida Keys Activities

Marathon and the Middle Florida Keys are next in your Florida travels as you head southwest down this beautiful chain of islands.

The Middle Keys start at Fiesta Key where Fiesta Key RV Resort is and they end at Knight Key.

This is where the New Seven Mile Bridge parallels the Old Seven Mile Bridge and connects to the Lower Keys. 

This is also where you'll find Pigeon Key, and the Henry Flagler Museum.

You'll find that many of the small Keys are also only accessible by boat. Deer Key, Palm Islands, Fanny Key and Hog Key are just some of these tiny islands.

Marathon Florida Map
www.wikipedia.org, Credit US Census Bureau

Situated in the heart of the tropical Florida Keys, this central position, along with a huge range of spectacular outdoor activities, makes Marathon Key Florida particularly desirable to anyone planning a vacation in the Florida Keys.

One of the most distinguishing factors of the Middle Keys is that the three longest bridges are here. These bridges set the mood or tenor for the area. Journeying across them will also be one of the more treasured memories you'll bring home with you, after your Florida Keys vacation.

It's hard to describe the feelings experienced when traveling the bridges. Going over the New Seven Mile Bridge the word "jaw dropping" immediately comes to mind. 

You're completely surrounded by the most amazing hues of crystal clear water. Shades of aquamarine, emerald, turquoise and blue are everywhere. 

You can almost taste Florida history as your eyes are drawn to the broken sections of Flagler's old, original bridge running parallel beside you. There's a sense that the bridge you're traveling, will go on forever - and you wish it would.

In fact Florida Keys history was made when the famous and much anticipated Seven Mile Bridge Run 2012 was canceled due to horrendous Florida weather.

The 31st running of the race was permanently suspended, and participants were sent home without a chance to fulfill their dreams, and ambitions.

Marathon FL and Key Colony Beach are the two main centers in the Middle Key. This area stretches across islands with names like Long Key, Grassy Key, Crawl Key, Little Crawl Key, Fat Deer Key, Vaca Key, Boot Key and Knight Key. Marathon on Marathon Key primarily ranges from MM 63 to MM 47 at the south end of the Middle Keys.

If you're wanting to check the current Marathon FL weather conditions, find out the short term forecast, or monitor hazarous weather or marine conditions, this link will provide you with up to date Middle Florida Keys weather conditions.

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Florida Keys Discounts And Cheap Deals

No doubt you're planning on enjoying a variety of Florida Keys activities while you're on your Florida vacation. The following tips will save you money on the things you'll be seeing and doing while you're here.

I'm a firm believer in only spending what I need to. If I can get a discount or save some money by booking in advance I do. This gives me more money to spend on extra things, or sometimes, even upgrade.

Cheap O Air, a company I'm affiliated with, is a business you'll want to check into. They specialize in discounts on airfare, car rentals, lodging and Florida Keys all inclusive vacation packages.

By bundling with CheapOAir you'll be able to enjoy more travel discounts so do check out what they can do for you in terms of saving you money on your Florida Keys vacation travel plans.

Since they are worldwide, you're not limited to just a Florida Keys vacation either. Wherever you decide to go on a vacation, Cheap O Air can coordinate discounts for you.

However, as their name implies, Cheap O Air specializes in CHEAP airline deals! Don't miss out on the different savings and discounts they're currently offering!

If you're planning on spending time in Marathon Key you've got several choices. You're either going to fly into the Key West Airport, and drive north, or you're going to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Miami Airport and drive south.

No matter where you land though, you're going to need a Florida car rental and so securing one in advance with Cheap O Air will save you time and money.




To be upfront with you, as an affiliate of Cheap O Air, I stand to receive a small compensation for referring you to them. This service does not cost you more as this is what being an "affiliate" means.

A major perk about staying in Marathon FL is that you get to have your cake and eat it too. By this I mean you're in the middle of paradise where you can enjoy everything this wonderful Middle Keys area has to offer.

You're also an easy drive north to popular Islamorada and Key Largo, or south to the beautiful Lower Keys and Key West.

Knowing that you have the flexibility of enjoying all the fun Florida Keys things to do in the different areas, means you'll need to take advantage of the different hot Florida Keys discounts and cheap deals available.

Trusted Tours, another affiliate, is good to know about because they specialize in discounts for major tours, charters, museums and other attractions you'll spend money on while exploring Key West.

Just some of the fun things you can save money on with this company include:
. Dolphin watch and snorkel trips
. Ferry ride to the Dry Tortugas
. Water sports such as parasailing, fishing and diving charters
. Discounts to best Key West museums, Hemingway Home, Truman White House
. Sunset cruises
. Popular trolley and train tours

Not only will you save money, you'll have more time to do what you want, and more money to play with.

So if you plan on going to Key West FL for even just one day, it's worth checking out how you can save money on the many Key West attractions you'll be visiting anyway.

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Marathon Activities,
Attractions And Beaches

Vacations in Florida Keys have so much to offer. Now that you've had a chance to explore the Key Largo area, it's time to discover Marathon FL.

Surrounded by water, boating is an obvious Florida Keys activity that draws people to the region.  Whether you're a casual boater, just passing through, or liveaboard like so many do at Boot Key Harbor, you'll find that the Marathon Key area to be not only beautiful, but a boater's paradise. 

Packed with lots of activities year round, you will find that there is never a shortage of things to do, in Marathon or at nearby Keys.

If you happen to be in the area towards month end, you'll want to take in the local artisan Arts and Crafts fair hosted at Banana Bay Resort & Marina, 4590 Overseas Hwy, MM 49.5.

The event runs from 12 pm - 5 pm the last Sunday of every month, at their bayside sandbar, The Pointe and parking is free.

The monthly event promotes the wares of local artisans, plus there is an abundance of food, drink and live music for you to enjoy. 

Another event you'll want to take in, if you happen to be in the area mid-March is the annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival. This popular seafood extravaganza is usually held the second weekend of March and in 2023 is scheduled for March 11 - 12.

This delicious Florida Keys event focuses on the fruits of the sea, the delightful delicacies the area is famous for. Mahi mahi, Florida lobster, shrimp, various types of smoked fish, conch, oysters, and of course stone crab claws are featured throughout the 2 day food fest.

Not only is there a great selection of seafood and other tasty treats, you can wash everything down with cheap beverages while listening to live music throughout each day.

Plus, when you add on other local favorites such as key lime pie and other tasty treats - you end up with a food extravaganza you won't want to miss.

The Marathon festival also includes arts and crafts from over 200 vendors, plus music from local entertainers.  Saturday the fun runs from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Sunday the festivities continue from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 pm.  There is also a minimal admission for anyone over 12.

Please note that this event only allows entrance to service dogs, pets are not permitted.

This Florida Keys event is located at Marathon Community Park, 200 36th Street, at MM 49 and look for the Park on the east side of US Highway 1.  For more information about the seafood festival call 800-262-7284.

If you're a nature enthusiast, Crane Point Museum is a definite must. Situated on 63 acres, the facility has a fairly good interpretative museum. 

It's the 1.5 mile nature trail however, that really is worth the stop. Don't worry though. If you're not in the mood to walk, they have a trolley that will take you along the route. 

In fact Crane Point Museum is just one of the many different eco tours you can experience while on your vacation in the Keys. 

They really pack quite a lot into your visit at Crane Point Museum too. On the nature trail you'll learn about the different trees that make up a Florida Keys hardwood hammock. There's also a pretty good exhibit on local critters, along with a beautiful butterfly garden. 

You'll have a chance to visit the Adderley House, the oldest home in the Keys outside of Key West. Also spend some time at the Wild Bird Center. This is an operational rehab center for an assortment of local, injured birds.

After the Wild Bird Center, you can stop off at the Crane House - the home of the family the area is named for. Last, and certainly not least will the be amazing view of Florida Bay that awaits you at the end of the trail, when you reach the Point.

If you want to experience more Florida Keys nature, take time to visit this interesting facility. It's located at MM 50.5 Bayside, 5550 Overseas Highway, 305-743-9100.

Another place you'll want to check out while in the Marathon FL area is the Dolphin Research Center. This is located at MM 59, 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, 305-289-0002, www.dolphins.org.

Here you have a chance to interact with dolphins on a variety of levels. What could be better than swim with dolphins Florida Keys, or work as their trainer for a day?

Swim With Dolphins at Florida Keys Dolphin Research Center
Photo by justthatgoodguyjim on Flickr

You'll want to budget for this, as the cost of some activities can be high. The prices vary, depending on how much time you spend with the dolphin and what level of interaction you choose.

However, when was the last time you were able to get up close and personal with a dolphin? If the answer is never - which is most likely the case - you're sure to find this a worthwhile way to spend your day and some vacation money.

Another reason Marathon Key is so popular is because of the fantastic Marathon beach located at Mile Marker 50.  If you're looking for a chance to unwind, play in the warm water and soft sand, beautiful Sombrero Beach is just 2 miles off the Overseas Highway. 

This is also a loggerhead sea turtle nesting area so be careful not to disturb any nests. 

In the summer, the beaches aren't as pristine as they are during other months. This is when seaweed washes up on shore and can be a bit of a litter problem. However, it's fun for the kids to examine the seaweed as an assortment of interesting, small sea life lives within it's twining mass.

The Turtle Hospital, located at 2396 Overseas Hwy, Mile Marker 48.5 is a worthwhile visit. This 501(c3) Foundation is dedicated to saving injured and ill sea turtles, while also educating the public.






Appointments are recommended and there is a fee to visit the Turtle Hospital. For additional information you can call them 305-743-2552.

Voluntourism programs are also available for anyone who's proactive and interested in making a difference while on their Florida Keys vacation.

The ability to learn something new while lend a helping hand to any number of conservation groups, is a popular twist more vacationers are adding to their holiday travel plans.

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Diving Marathon Florida

I suppose you're wondering what to do next. Are you up for more scuba diving Florida Keys? What about more Florida Keys snorkeling? 

The waters off Marathon Florida are crystal clear. They're filled with coral reefs, and team with a variety of marine life. Since the waters are quite shallow, Florida Keys snorkeling is a true favorite.

You can see almost as much marine life snorkeling as you can when Florida Keys diving the deeper reefs and wrecks. This is rather uncommon outside of the Florida Keys, but here, with the pristine, warm water, it's an everyday occurrence. 

There are three great Florida Keys reefs in the area - Sombrero Reef, Coffin's Patch and Delta Shoal. Coffin's Patch is especially nice for Florida Keys snorkeling as the coral filled shallow water is only about 20 feet deep. 

The coral reefs are a haven for a variety of fish. Expect to see large grouper, and snapper, but it's the ever present and beautiful variety of Caribbean tropical fish that are most spectacular.

Two conveniently located shipwreck diving sites off Marathon are The Thunderbolt and the Adelaide Baker.

The Thunderbolt sits at 115 feet while the Adelaide Baker, which is the remnants of an old steamship is much shallower at 25 feet. It's these shallower depths that provide the snorkeling enthusiast with such diverse opportunity.

You also have a good selection of Florida Keys charter scuba diving companies in the area who can take you out to either the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico.

Just remember, you'll need to either bring your own scuba diving or snorkeling gear, or rent from the charter you go out with.

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Fishing In Marathon FL

Florida Keys fishing in the Marathon Key area is spectacular, and just like fishing is king, so are the tarpon. Or as they're called - the silver king. 

If you're a novice fisherman, Florida Keys tarpon fishing is your best bet for catching a true game fish. In fact, explosive is the term most often used when describing tarpon fishing in the bridge channels.

Some of the best tarpon fishing is also found in the immediate area, in the channels of Bahia Honda Bridge and Seven Mile Bridge. Unlike other parts of Florida State, where the best tarpon fishing is in April - June, Marathon tarpon fishing is pretty much a given, all year round.

Another contributing factor to the great fishing in the area is the Marathon West Hump. This underwater platform creates a veritable feeding zone for small and big fish. As an angler this means you're able to fish for some of the best fighting fish. Greater amberjack, sailfish and marlin, blackfin tuna, and shark are all hot possibilities.

Yet another plus for the angler in you, is that the Gulf is somewhat deeper and open here. Combine this with the tremendous number of natural and artificial reefs in the area, and you have the perfect recipe for sport fishing for snapper, mackerel and other Florida fish.

The fishing charters Florida Keys has in this area are also plentiful. Almost as plentiful and varied as the fish. Nothing can match the skill and knowledge that comes from being on a Florida Keys fishing charter with a captain who knows his stuff.

You're out on the open water with one intention - catch a fish - preferably a really big Florida Keys fish. If you're with someone who knows where to go, and what to do, you're going to have a terrific time.

Deep sea fishing is fun, but it's also not cheap. If you're coming for Florida Keys fishing, budget ahead for the number of outings you'd like to take.

Outing prices also vary depending on whether you're reef fishing or offshore/combo fishing. You can also expect to be responsible for providing your own food and beverage, and of course sun screen. Lots of sun screen.

With fishing charters Florida Keys is like most other places. You can choose between half day, three-quarter or full day outings. Actually in most cases the difference in cost between half day and full day isn't usually double.

By taking a day charter you'll have more time to fish - less time spent on travel. The kicker on half day trips is that you lose valuable fishing time just getting there and back, unless your Captain has a very fast boat.

One nice thing about being at Marathon Key is that you're in the middle of the islands. Florida Keys travel plans are easy, whether you want to go north to Key Largo or south to Key West FL.

However, fishing Marathon is stellar, and is one part of your Florida Keys vacation you won't want to miss out on.

Below you'll find a preview of just some of the most popular Marathon Fl fishing charters you can choose from coordinated through FishingBooker, an affiliate of mine.

These fishing charter previews give you quick at a glance information showing what they do and where they go.

However, the following link takes you to the main Florida Keys fishing charters page, and it's here that you can drill down to:

. what you want to spend
. what part of the Florida Keys you want to fish
. where you want to fish (flats, backcountry, reef, deep sea)
. what you want to fish for (snook, snapper, shark, wahoo, barracuda)
. boat and crew details
. options and amenities
. fishing tackle and more!

Then once you've determine what you're looking for in a fishing charter, your results will be returned and you can then click on the Check Rates button to go to the different fishing charter's landing pages for current pricing.

By being able to zero in on exactly what you want, booking fishing trips through FishingBooker will allow you to make the most of your Florida Keys fishing experience.

I'm very proud to be able to work with this company to help you get the best rates and the best fishing charter possible. That being said, I do want you to be aware of this fact. As an affiliate of FishingBooker, if you click a link to a charter, book it and go on it, I stand to earn a small commission. The charter does not cost you any more, whether you book direct or through me, this is just a service we are able to provide and is what being called an 'affiliate' means.

Below you'll find a detailed sampling of just a few Marathon fishing charters BUT you will want to visit the main Florida Keys FishingBooker page link directly below to get all the information you want for your fishing trip.

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CLICK HERE FOR ALL
Marathon Fl Area Fishing Charters

Papa Pip’s 36-ft. Bruel Express - Captain Johnny Maddox

36' Bruel refurbished in 2010, 2 300 hp DETRIOT 6-53 engines, 6 person capacity

Marathon Departure

Payment 15% deposit to guarantee reservation, balance day of trip via Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Checks, Bank Transfer, PayPal

Numerous species of most popular offshore fishing targeted, child friendly, free cancellation, pickup agreed upon reservation

Fishing Trip Destinations

Offshore Fishing     Inshore Fishing

Fishing Techniques

Light Tackle    Heavy Tackle    Bottom Fishing Trolling    Jigging    Fly Fishing    Kite Fishing

Fishing Trip Description

Papa Pip’s 36-ft. Bruel Express is capable of taking you out on fishings trips inshore or far offshore for the biggest brutes the ocean has. If you're are serious about serious fishing and would like to have that trophy fish on the end of your line, a fishing trip with Captain Johnny is what you want. The combination of knowledge, skill, fishing equipement and crew is what it takes to put together one of the best fishing trips you'll remember for a lifetime.

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Marathon Hotels And Restaurants

When it comes to Florida Keys lodging, you have a number of great options to consider in the Marathon Florida area.

First, if you're a camper or an RV'er there are some terrific State Parks and Florida Keys RV resorts to stay at. These parks boast a variety of amenities but it's their surroundings, specifically the water, that makes these Florida Keys campgrounds excel.

As far as resorts in Florida Keys go, the area has more than enough to choose from. There are Florida Keys cheap hotels, Florida Keys villa rentals, Florida Keys condo rentals. Pretty much anything you would want to rent is available.

Hotels in Marathon Florida also tend to be less expensive than in Key Largo or Key West. This means you have the ability to extend your vacation dollars, and be close to all of the Florida Keys attractions and activities found throughout the islands.

First you'll want to see about saving money on your Florida Keys lodging.  The following link will take you to the main Middle Keys lodging page for the different types of accommodations available in the area.

I've broken the Marathon lodging down by type, and then you can click on the name of any establishment that interests you to get more information. When that page opens you can then play with the handy price checking widget so you can experiment with different dates and compare rates and read TripAdvisor reviews.

There's also no shortage of Marathon restaurants which means you won't have trouble finding something you'd like. Many of the restaurants have a focus on local fare. Seafood, primarily deep fried, is a major favorite on the menus.

There's one place in particular that's just plain fun. It also has real variety in the type and preparation of the food. Remember though, this is Florida, and Florida or Island Casual is in. Especially here at The Island Fish Company Tiki Bar & Restaurant where you can kick back, and enjoy the fantastic water view.

I don't know - but for my husband and I - nothing compares to sitting outside, right at water's edge, sipping a favorite cocktail, and enjoying a tasty meal.

The menu at The Island Fish Company has just about everything on it. Choose from a raw bar, to all sorts of deep fried fish. They also have different types of seafood and other specialties prepared with a Mexican flair, plus a large selection of full-meal salads, pasta, steak and more.

This is a great place to relax in a casual atmosphere, and enjoy a terrific water view. They can be reached by land, sea or even air, as they have their own private heliport. Located at that MM 54, 12648 Overseas Highway, 877-586-8646, they're easy to find.





This Florida Keys calendar of events will give you helpful information on the numerous monthly activities that occur from Key Largo to Key West.

When in Marathon, no matter which direction you turn, you'll find that there's plenty of fun Florida Keys things to do and see. Marathon is central and that makes it the perfect place to stay.

With an over abundance of water and outdoor activities wrapped up into one laid back package, it can be hard to drag yourself away. That being said, you're under 60 miles from Key West FL. More adventurous vacations in Florida Keys await just down the road.