'''Islamorada''' is in the Florida Keys.

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Scuba/Snorkel!

Islamorada, long recognized as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," is now an icon among sport divers for a similar reason: a massive population of tropical marine life. High profile coral heads and broad ledges shelter huge congregates of French grunt and goatfish, while regal queen angelfish casually graze amid the reef recesses. Friendly green moray eels swim freely along the spur-and-groove channels, and reclusive nurse sharks lurk beneath the overhangs. Islamorada offers a wide variety of shallow coral reefs, mini walls, shipwrecks, and even an underwater habitat for scientific research, the Aquarius. To learn more about Islamorada or any other manner of local lore, stop by the Chamber of Commerce at mile marker 82.5 or dial 1-800-322-5397.

  • The Eagle - This 287-foot ship was intentionally sunk in 110 feet of water as a dive attraction and rests on her starboard side cloaked in a colorful patina of encrusting sponge and coral, populated by huge schools of grunt, tarpon, and jack.
  • Davis Reef - This reef is revered for its incredible concentration of grunts and schoolmaster snapper, as well as several amiable resident green morays, long accustomed to benign interaction with the dive masters.
  • Alligator Reef - Now marked by a 136-foot-tall lighthouse, on this spot in 1822 the USS Alligator grounded and sank while protecting a convoy from pirates. Now all that remains of the wreck are the twin piles of ballast stones, but the coral reef - in just 25 feet of water - is vibrant and alive.
  • Conch Wall - Offering an exciting change of pace from the normal spur-and-groove profiles of most keys' reefs, Conch Wall presents a precipitous sloping wall and captivating concentrations of barrel sponge and gorgonia punctuating the seafloor.
  • Crocker Wall - A 450+-foot-long wall in 50 feet of water. The wall has a thirty-foot decline and features grunts, yellowtail and grouper with spur-and-groove coral and block coral on the wall.
  • Pickles Reef - For macro photo enthusiasts, Pickles provides a wonderful opportunity to encounter the reef's minutia, from flamingo tongue cowries to banded coral shrimp, all amid a dynamic coral reef in only 15 to 25 feet of water.
  • A Pirates Choice Deep Sea Fishing Charters. 4500 Overseas highway. 05-360-4900. ww.apirateschoice.com. Never been deep sea fishing before? We'll help you succeed! Full and half day available. 305-360-4900

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  • '''Bob's Bunz'''. A charming bayside restaurant (also known as the Islamorada Bakery) that is popular with locals and tourists alike. A hidden gem, with friendly service, great food and a name you won't forget! Also, remember to check out their merchandise. You can even get a key lime cake shipped to your home!!
  • Drink

  • '''Oceanview Inn & Sports Bar''', 84500 Overseas Hwy, (305)664-8052. Nice local dive bar! The backyard patio has plenty of fun bar games, including ring toss, a swimming pool, pool, darts, and plenty of lounge chairs. Accessible by boat! Tourists may want to spend their time out back as the inside is populated by seedy locals most of the time.
  • '''Hog Heaven Sports Bar & Grill''', 85361 Overseas Hwy, (305)664-9669. Local dive bar/club caters to tourists and locals alike. Clientele is generally slightly more wild than the Oceanview crowd. Frequented by tourists from Miami. The back deck overlooking their private marina is a nice place to go for a drink.
  • Sleep

  • '''The Chesapeake Resort''', 83409 Overseas Highway, [http://www.chesapeake-resort.com]. An oceanfront location on Islamorada, in the Florida Keys. The resort has 65 rooms.
  • '''The Lookout Lodge''', 87770 Overseas Highway, Toll-free: 800-870-1772, [http://www.lookoutlodge.com]. Lookout Lodge Resort provides upper Florida Keys lodging. Suites are available to accommodate all guests.
  • '''Cheeca Lodge''', 81801 Overseas Highway Mile Marker 82, [http://www.cheeca-lodge.com]. Luxury oceanfront resort with 203 guestrooms and 48 suites with full kitchens on 27 lush acres featuring tropical gardens, a palm-lined beach, a nine-hole pitch & putt golf course, tennis courts, lagoon, and pools.
  • A Pirates Choice Charters. ile Marker 84.5. 05-360-4900. ww.apirateschoice.com. Florida Keys Sport Fishing at its BEST! Never been deep sea fishing before? We'll help you succeed! full or half days 305-360-4900

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