Rentals

Marathon

Big Time Boat Rentals
(305) 289-0199
New boat rentals with 1 week to 1 day rental prices. Located at:
11499 Over Seas Hwy
Marathon, Florida Keys 33050

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Boat docking

Marathon Docking

The public ramp is located at 33rd Street Gulf (Near the Stuffed Pig) off RT 1.  This ramp will handle most boats but can get congested at times.  Consideration to tide should be considered for deeper drafting crafts.

The Key Colony Beach Pay Ramp is located on the Sadowski Causeway, Key Colony Beach Ocean side immediately before Charter Boat Row.  A bit narrow but  can handle most craft without issue.  Attention to tide should be monitored here as well if your crafts draft is 4 plus.  The price is currently $10 in and $10 out 12/08

Large boats should start their search with Cannon marine

• Cannon Marine, about MM 48.8 Oceanside - just N (E) of Home Depot. Launches into the Harbor. Pvt (Fee)
• Marathon Marina, about MM 47 Oceanside - down 11th St. Launches into the Harbor. Pvt (Fee - and watch your wallets!)
• Sombrero Resort - Oceanside -Sombrero Blvd - behind the Publix Grocery at about MM 49, at the Kayak rental signs & tennis courts. Launches into Harbor. Pvt (fee)
• Dodge Lake, - Gulfside - about MM 50.9 behind (North) of the airport. Take Aviation Blvd at West end of airport around to Dodge Lake on NW side of airport. Look for signs. Public
• About MM 48.3 at traffic light. All the way to end by Yacht Club. Don't park in Yacht club's marked parking area. Public.
• Marie's Yacht Harbor. Pvt (fee)Coco Plum MM 54 Coco Plum Drive
• Little Duck Key, MM 40

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Boat Trailer Parking

Key Colony Beach

Contact The City Of Key Colony Beach at 305 289-1212. For $25 a day you can reserve trailer parking in a designated lot on 8th Street.

Marathon

Whalers Plaza is located at Freds Beds just North Of Key Colony Beach.  Great rates, boat ramps also!

(305) 289 5772

Swimsuits & Keys Apparel

Key Colony Beach

Keybana
(305) 289-1161
This is the place to try for Keys style clothing and suits for men & women!

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Sunglasses

Marathon

Island Ragz
(305) 743-2010
The best selection of sunglasses in town, plus swimsuits and more!

S.C.U.B.A

Marathon

Middle Keys Scuba
(305) 743-2902

If you're looking to book a dive trip or purchase equipment at any price point, they can help you out. Some can't miss dive excursions include the following:

• Adelaide Baker - Lying in only 25 feet of water, this is a good dive for beginner and intermediate divers.
• Sombrero Reef - Coral canyons and archways abound this system. You'll see a multitude of tropical fish along with Snapper, Grouper and Grunt. Possibilities also exist for Moray, Sea Turtles and Lobster. This large area is a very nice dive.
• Coffins Patch - Most of these coral patches lie in 20 feet or less, making it a nice intermediate to advanced snorkel locale or beginners scuba spot. You will also find some very nice Brain Coral specimens with the possibility of huge resident Barracuda sightings.
• The Thunderbolt - 188 foot ship which is the main destination of advanced Divers in our area. The Bolt sits perfectly upright in 100 feet of water and is the home of large Angelfish, Jacks, and occasional pelagics.
• The Gulf - You can drop your anchor in many areas of the shallow Gulf waters as an ideal location for children and beginner level snorkelers. With careful searching you'll discover shells, lobster, a variety of different species of fish and many other interesting finds!

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Snorkeling with the kids

Marathon

Take em' to the shallow gulf waters where they can explore sea life and shells in less than 6 feet for hours! The variety of life that you'll find on the Oceanside reefs will not be present but they'll find more life and remnants than you may expect. Shells, Lobster, and a variety of fish will keep them happy and provide great memories!

Hospital

Marathon

Fisherman's Hospital
(305) 743-5533
24 hour emergency medical service including treatment for decompression illness

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Fitness

Marathon

Key's Fitness Center
(305) 289-0788
Quality fitness center to keep up that conditioning when you're away. Quality equipment, no crowds at any time, and a very clean environment. They also carry a complete line of supplements.

Marathon

Big Time Discount Bait and Tackle
Phone: (305) 289-0199

Their live wells are always well stocked and they'll have everything you'll need. Here's the kicker; everyone gets the same advice, locals and vacationers alike. These guys are serious fisherman and will definitely tell you what you are doing wrong and how to correct it. I also recommend booking your charters through this shop as well.

I will tell you a short story to help you with your decision. I am a serious fisherman and prior to moving to the keys I had booked charters with many different guides. You will pay a minimum of $500 a day with any lousy guide for a full day private charter. I have paid this amount and more and caught no fish! That is not a single fish! These guys bring in fish, lots of fish, every time; they are not just good fisherman, but professionals. I have also asked for and received inadequate advice from many different shops that smirked at the fact that they wouldn't see me again and sent me on my way. You'll get better service than this at Big Time.

If you are not going to book a charter, then take this advice. When you go into the shop, ask your question. Don't ask 100 questions. Target the fish that you want to catch and ask them if it's possible, what to do and where to try. They will tell you straight up if it's a good idea or what would be a better idea. I am a solid testimonial for that statement and have watched countless people walk thru their doors and received the same respect. I can only say thank you to them for they put me on my first Sailfish on the first time out. Take my advice, support "Big Time Bait and Tackle," and you will thank me as well!~

FINE DINING

Key Colony Beach

The Key Colony Inn
Phone: (305) 743-0100
Great food and service with a huge selection of choices on their extensive menu. The Key Colony Inn is also a great option for families or larger groups, and they also cater on premise functions, such as wedding receptions and anniversary celebrations etc.

Cabana Breezes
Phone: (305) 743-4849
A great choice on Key Colony Beach whatever the occasion. They have one of the best views around, elegant outdoor dining and excellent entertainment later on in the evening. A nice place for couples and families!

Marathon

Frosty's
Phone: (305) 743-6442
Enjoy the best sunset in the middle keys on their outside deck. Trendy gourmet preparations characterize their menu!

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ROMANTIC DINING

Grassy Key

Hideaway Cafe
Phone: (305) 289-1554
If you want to impress him or her, don't go anywhere else! Without question, this is the best place around for intimacy and service. I highly recommend that you select prime rib or one of the many cuts of beef here, this is their specialty. 

In their words:

Award winning cuisine coupled with a breathtaking view is served up every day in the casual atmosphere of the Hideaway Café. The only thing we overlook is the ocean!!

Duck Key

Porto Cayo
Phone: (305) 743-7000
Excellent cuisine across the board. High end dining at its best, with a a nice selection of menu choices.

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CASUAL DINING

Key Colony Beach

Sparky's Landing

Phone: (305) 289-7445
Great wings, the best fish sandwich in the Keys and excellent happy hour prices. The food is good here, whatever you choose and the prices are more than reasonable. 

In their words

Sparky's Landing was founded in February of 2006. Our focus is good times, fresh fish & refreshing cocktails. Sparky's is located on the docks of the KCB Marina in Key Colony Beach.

Marathon

Burdines
Phone: (305) 743-9204
I recommend the chips and salsa or the sausage sub which you won't find anywhere else. Another favorite is the hand cut fries and you'll find this to be a great choice for lunch.

Castaway
Phone: (305) 743-6247
A Marathon tradition amongst locals and long time middle-keys vacationers. You'll find reasonable selections and a salad bar. They also serve honey buns with every meal, which are their version of fried dough, they are absolutely addictive!

The Island
Phone: (305) 743-4191
Fast and friendly bartenders, excellent happy hour prices, great drinks including frozen varieties and its the best place for a classic burger; all with a very nice view of the water on the gulf side.

Keys Fisheries
Phone: (305) 743-4353
Self serve dining on their outside deck, which surrounds the restaurant. The specialty there is the Lobster Reuben. They also provide vending machines filled with fish food which you can buy a handful for 25 cents. As you can imagine, this keeps large Tarpon and Snapper around their deck year round. The kids love this place.

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CHINESE FOOD

Marathon

The Panda House
Phone: (305) 743-3417
The best Chinese around these parts. They deliver and they also have an excellent luncheon buffet!

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PIZZA

Marathon

Marathon Pizza
Phone: (305)743-9993
Prompt delivery, fresh toppings and good pizza. Their style is on the thin side, but not exactly Neapolitana.

Upper Crust
Phone: (305)743-7100
Excellent, hearty, gourmet style pizza. You'll have to pick it up or dine in though!

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AUTHENTIC CUISINE

Marathon

Taino's
Phone: (305) 743-5247
If you want to try traditional Cuban cuisine, try this place. The food is very good, reasonably priced, and the servings will feed an army.

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BEST FOOD PERIOD

Layton

Little Italy
Phone: (305) 664-4472
If you believe that locals know where to go for good food, try this place. Very casual, but the service and food are absolutely first rate. The prices are better than reasonable, servings are large, the salad bar is well stocked, and the people are always friendly.

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WINE, SPIRITS & DELI

Marathon

Marathon Liquor & Deli
Phone: (305) 743-6350
If you want a better selection of wines and high end spirits that you won't find elsewhere, this is the place. This is also the best deli in town, with everything you need!

Sports Bars

Grassy Key

The Wreck
(305) 743-8282
Excellent prime rib at a great price along with great fried fish and chicken. There are TV sets positioned nicely around the bar and they'll accommodate any game of your choice. If you're into sampling Key Lime Pie, theirs is home made and my personal favorite!

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Live Bands

Marathon

Porky's
(305) 289-2065
Check out Donnie Irwin on Thursday's for the best Rock and Roll guitar jamming in the middle keys. He'll take requests, and tears up the guitar with the very best!!

The Hurricane
(305) 743-2220
The Hurricane is the best place in the middle keys for live acts. They bring in bands from all over the country specializing in Zydeco, Blues and Rock and Roll. If you are lucky, you'll catch some acts here which you will remember for a lifetime.

Key Colony Beach

Cabana Breeze's
(305) 743-4849
This is a great place to catch fun, traditional style soloists playing the keys favorites; Buffet, Van Morrison, Elvis...you get the point.

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Best Bar

Cabana Breeze's
(305) 743-4849
I have mentioned this place many times because it really is a great spot. To catch the real flavor of Key Colony Beach, hang out with Randy or Lance at the Breeze. This is the place that you're going to do a shot with the bartender and most likely the place where the bartender will buy you a drink. The atmosphere is nice, the view is great and the drinks are outstanding!!

Marathon

Calvary Baptist Church - 305 743-6838

676 76th Street Ocean

Marathon Community United Methodist Church - 305 743-5107

3010 Overseas Highway

Marathon 7th day Adventist Church - 305 743-4796

5151 Loggerhead lane

New Life Assembly of God - 305 743-7165

4711 Overseas Highway 

St. Columbia Episcopal Church - 305 743-6412

451 52nd Street Gulf

San Pablo Catholic Church  - 305 289-0636

550 122nd Street Ocean

Unity Of Marathon - 305 743-7729

100 Avenue D

New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church  - 305 743-3300

500 42nd Street Gulf

First Baptist Church  - 305 743-5134

200 62nd Street Ocean

Marathon Church of God - 305 743-6307

800 74th Street Ocean

Martin Luther Chapel - 305 289-0700

325 122nd Street 

Presbyterian USA Kirk of the Keys 305 743-4256

8877 Overseas Highway

Keys Jewish Community Center-  305 852-5235

US 1 Tavernier

Manicure and more..

Marathon

Nails by Ivis
(305) 289-1631
Manicures, pedicures, acrylics, facials, full body waxing and massage. Ivis offers the best personal touch in Marathon, for those who want to look their best!  Also a great place to find shades, sandals and bags!

Dolphins

Grassy Key

The Dolphin Research Center
(305) 289-0002
The true home of Flipper! Don't miss this place; they are dedicated to training, studying, and protecting the Dolphins! I recommend reserving a spot to swim with one of the Dolphins, it is well worth the money! Famous people from around the world visit this facility each year because they are the best. You will be amazed at what you will learn and the gift shop is quite nice as well.

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Beach

Marathon

Sombrero Beach
Turn left at Kmart on Sombrero Beach Road and you'll find the nicest beach in the Middle Keys. The Keys are not known for their beaches but Sombrero is a beautiful beach and it is right here in Marathon!

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7 Mile Bridge

Marathon

Pigeon Key
(305) 289-0025
A tiny five acre island just below the seven mile bridge was once the home to the workers who built Henry Flagler's Railroad which connected the Keys to northern commerce. Enjoy the relatively long walk along the seven mile bridge to get out to the Island and take the Trolley ride back. Some of you may remember The famed Seven Mile Bridge and Pigeon Key in the movie "True Lies" featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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Museum and Nature Center

Marathon

Museum and Nature Center of Crane Point Hammock
(305) 743-7124
The most important historical and archaeological site in the Keys. Evidence of Prehistoric Bahamian and Colombian tribes are found here. On site you will also find The Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys, an archive of ancient artifacts found in the area and The Children's Museum of the Florida Keys which is an indoor/outdoor facility with ecological exhibits for the kids!

Don't miss The Adderley home. Early immigrant George Adderley and his Family lived a simple life among tropical trees such as the lignumvitae whose hard wood was once used to make bowling balls. The family survived by making charcoal and gathering and selling sponges.

One trail will take you to the Marathon Wild Bird Center which is a hospital for many of the native birds of the Marathon Area!
Feeding the fish is also a hit with the kids with large resident Barracuda and Shark!
And I have to mention Casa Iguana, the home to many species of Iguanas ranging from 3 to 6 feet long.

Turtle Hospital Educational Tour
305-743-2552
Another can't miss experience is the Turtle Hospital Educational Tour which many of our guests have included as a highlight of their vacation. During the Tour you will learn of the many challenges facing the Turtles in todays ocean waters and what we are doing to support their existence now and into the future. Of course you'll also meet Bubble-butt and many of their other residents and have a good time as well.

Price of admission includes an approximate 45 minute educational guide of the hospital with a presentation and a 45 minute guide through the sea turtle rehabilitation area. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED PLEASE CALL 305-743-2552

ADMISSION
ADULT: $15.00
CHILDREN (4-12 years old): $7.50
NOW DAILY AT 10:00, 1:00 and 4:00!

Equipment Rentals

 Equipment Locker Sports & Bicycle - Marathon
(305) 289-1670
Quality mountain bike rentals and everything you need for sporting goods equipment with the exception of fishing!

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Sporting Acitivities

Key Colony Beach Golf & Tennis - Marathon
(305) 289-1533
Public 9-hole par 3 course. Clubs and pull carts available.

Aloha Parasail - Key Colony Beach
(305) 289-9412
Parasail to heights of 1500 feet! Reasonable rates.

R & R Sports Jet Ski Rentals - Marathon
(305) 743-9385
Best rates on quality jet skis in Marathon.

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Party Boats

Marathon

The Starlight
(305) 743-8346

The Marathon Lady
(305) 743-5580
You'll receive good service and equipment with both companies. You won't be catching Marlin etc., but they will make sure that everyone catches fish and the price is fair. You may want to try a night trip for faster action.

Jet Flights

Marathon

Jet Fighter Flights
(877) fighterjet
Enjoy the ride of your life on a retired military fighter jet!

Fly the Beast, Light Attack Helicopter Flights
Take a trip around the islands on this light attack helicopter by contacting Grant Air.

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Biplane Rides

Marathon

Grant Air
(305) 743-1995
Magnificent views of the water and the islands, this is a can't miss, I highly recommend it! For the truly daring, they'll take you on a very challenging ride by request.

Car Rental

Marathon

Budget Rent a Car
(800) 527-0700

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Shuttle From Ft. Lauderdale or Miami

Marathon

The Keys Shuttle
(305) 289-9997
For those of you who will be flying in to Fort Lauderdale or Miami, they will pick you up at the terminal and drop you off at your doorstep. They also run a very continuous schedule and are very accommodating.

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Airport

Marathon

The Marathon Airport
(305) 743-2155
The Marathon Airport does have a regular schedule of flights to and from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Some of you may find this more convenient.

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Taxi

Middle keys

Action Taxi
(305) 743-0077
The Taxi service for the middle keys.