Nestled in the heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon, Florida, spans thirteen islands connected by the Overseas Highway. Surrounded by vibrant reefs and tranquil waters, this mid‑Keys city is your perfect tropical getaway—whether you're into snorkeling, nature walks, turtles, or dolphins.

Our Marathon Adventure

We recently stayed at Indego Reef and motored through Sister Creek and Vaca Cut, soaking up views of endless sea and sky. Fishing was a bit tricky with the wind, but casting near piers and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico yielded tasty mangrove snapper that made the trip memorable.

We kicked off our trip to Marathon with a snorkeling mission. The Atlantic side was way too choppy, so we headed out to the Gulf in search of some of the nearshore shipwrecks we’d read about. The water was choppy but clear—but we couldn’t find a single wreck. Still, the adventure of scouting around made it a fun start to the week, even if we came up empty.

Later in the trip, we explored Sister Creek, a beautiful mangrove-lined waterway that winds through the heart of Marathon. It’s a peaceful ride with great views and a few hidden pockets of deeper water.

From there, we cruised through Vacay Cut, another local channel with a mix of shallow flats and winding turns—ideal for a slow boat day and soaking up the scenery.

We went all in on a DIY bait strategy. Bait was expensive everywhere, so we picked up a big fish trap, stuffed it with a full block of chum, and dropped it in with high hopes. The chum disappeared, but the trap came up empty. No pinfish, no luck—but we’ll give it another shot next time.

Why Marathon Works

• Breathtaking beaches: Sombrero and Coco Plum offer soft sand, picnic areas, ample shade, and turtle nesting zones. They're accessible yet serene—a Keys classic.

• Marine life magic: Snorkeling, turtle watching, and dolphin interactions are all within reach.

• Nature trails & parks: From mangrove paddles to hardwood hammock hikes, Curry Hammock and Crane Point offer immersive outdoor time.

• Easy access: Marathon sits midway between Key Largo and Key West—just an hour or so from either major destination.

Tips for Visiting Marathon

• Visit nesting beaches (Coco Plum, Sombrero) early in the season and follow posted restrictions.

• Book Dolphin Research Center demos in advance.

• Pack reef‑safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable water shoes.

• Check tides before planning paddles or snorkeling sessions.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Marathon, Florida, may sit quietly in the Middle Keys, but its blend of turtle‑nesting beaches, vibrant marine life, and lush nature trails delivers big‑island feels in a compact package. From casting for mangrove snapper off Vaca Cut to snorkeling the Gulf of America, every moment here invites adventure—and every sunset leaves you already planning your return.

Ready to make Marathon your next escape?

• Book Your Keys Getaway: Reserve your trip

• Contact Us for custom itineraries or questions: Let's chat

• Share Your Marathon Story: Submit photos & tales

• Explore More Field Notes: Discover other Keys adventures

Whether you're here for the loggerhead turtles at Coco Plum, the dolphins at Grassy Key, or a peaceful paddle through mangroves, Marathon delivers unforgettable micro‑adventures on the water—and beyond. Pack your sense of wonder and dive in!

Check out our adventure here: