Islamorada Florida lives up to it's nickname as the "Sportfishing Capital of the World!"

Islamorada Florida, the centerpiece of a group of islands called "The Villiage of Islands".

It got its name from Spanish Explorers who sailed by and saw the purple hue of its coastline (from the lavender shells of sea snails) and gave it its name.

Islamorada means "Purple Isles" in Spanish.

Islamorada includes Plantation, Windley and Upper and Lower Matecumbe keys and Long Key.

With a name like the "Sportfishing Capital of the World," you had better deliver and as a die hard fisherman, I can tell you Islamorada does!

Islamorada is heralded for its angling diversity and features the Keys' largest fleet of offshore charter boats and shallow-water "backcountry" boats.

The deep sea charters can target anything from grouper and snapper, to sailfish and marlin.

The in-shore or backcountry guides target smaller varieties of fish such as bonefish, tarpon, redfish and snook.

But don't be fooled, tarpon can reach up to 200 pounds or more, and redfish and snook put up a heck of a fight.

Most of the charter boats offer 1/2 day and full day trips. Some even offer night trips in search of shark.

CAUTION! If you have a weak stomach due to motion sickness, I would stick to the in-shore fishing! If you're not use to Deep Sea Fishing you can easily get sick.

Which ever you choose, your sure to have a great time, but just remember... a bad day of fishing is always better that a good day at work!

There's more to do in Islamorada Florida than fishing!

Most of the Keys offer great fishing and scuba diving, and Islamorada is no exception!

Scuba divers and snorkelers can enjoy the intentionally scuttled 287-foot Eagle, along with Davis, Conch, Alligator and Pickles reefs, Crocker Wall, and the aquarium and fish bowl, two shallow patch reefs with abundant coral and tropical fish.

There are several scuba diving services in the area including Conch Republic Divers, Florida Keys Dive Center, or Key Dives which was voted #1 dive service by Trip Advisor.

If you're needing a break from the fun in the sun, I recommend checking out the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum!

There are also several State Parks located within Islamorada!

If you're wanting to stretch your legs, you can take a guided tour of Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site, or Windley Key Fossil Reef State Geological Site.

Another state park, the Long Key State Recreation Area, offers camping, canoeing, nature trails, a small beach and picnic grounds.

Area beaches outside of the Long Key State Recreation Area include a family facility with picnic tables behind the Public Library and Anne's Beach, where stretches of sand are linked by a nature trail.

If you decide to visit any park in the Florida Keys, please make sure to bring insect repellent!

The Theater of the Sea Marine Mammal Park offers visitors a chance to swim with dolphins, sea lions, and rays. You can also feed tarpon off the docks at Robbie's Marina, mile marker (MM) 77.5 bayside.

There are numerous accommodation options in Islamorada Florida, including the Islander Resort, Hampton Inn and Suites, or the Days Inn.

There are also plenty of good restaurants like Hungry Tarpon, Mangrove Mike’s Café, Hog Heaven Sports Bar, and Outback steakhouse.