Rent a boat in Islamorada, FL

The “village of islands” in the Florida Keys known as Islamorada is also known as the “sportfishing capital of the world,” so it won’t surprise anyone to hear that anglers come from all around the globe to take a fishing charter or rent a boat in Islamorada. But fishing is just one of the many aquatic activities visitors and vacationers enjoy. Diving is another big attraction, thanks to a wealth of wildlife, nearby coral reefs, and awesome visibility. In fact, at some times of year (like during lobster mini season) you might encounter more people wearing dive masks than shirts. With its crystal-clear waters, natural surroundings, and epic sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, this 17-mile stretch of island paradise is a gem among the gems in the Keys.

One of the unique things about boating in Islamorada that gives it a leg up over many other destinations is that it’s rare to be entirely shut down by the wind. On the Atlantic side there’s always shelter from a breeze out of the west, and on the Gulf side Florida Bay and Lignumvitae Basin are sheltered from east winds. So, no matter which way the wind blows you can almost always find relatively calm waters. Both sides offer excellent fishing and snorkeling, as well as plenty of other opportunities which are quite different in nature yet hold tremendous appeal in their own ways. And since Islamorada is made up of six different keys, there are plenty of access points no matter which waterway you want to check out. In fact, there are over a dozen marinas and boat ramps here. Plus, going along with this watery wonderland Islamorada has top-tier resorts, hotels, and restaurants along with plenty of additional attractions. If there’s one place on Earth where boaters will never be bored, Islamorada might be it.

What to Know

With so many different boating opportunities and water-oriented recreational activities at hand, you’ll find a huge range of options when it comes to renting a boat. That said, remember that there will be a significant difference in the boats intended for running into the open Atlantic versus those commonly used on the west side of the islands. The most common types of boats you’ll see here include:
Center Console Fishing Boats are the most numerous sort of boat you’ll see. But these boats aren’t just for fishing. Center consoles are also great for snorkeling or diving adventures, exploring the backcountry, or family cruising.
Bowrider Boats make a great platform for kicking around with the family at the sandbar and can be used for snorkeling or light fishing and diving as well.
Pontoon Boats may be a surprising find in this area considering that they’re most popular on inland lakes and bays, but for use in the basin or bay they work well and deliver maximum comfort for boaters who are in search of relaxation out on the water.

Safety Requirements

Boater Education: Anyone born after January 1988 must pass a safety education course and carry a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to operate a boat with 10 horsepower or more in Florida waters. Nonresident visitors to the state of Florida are exempt from this requirement if they carry proof of completion of a NASBLA-approved boater safety course or the equivalency examination from another state.
Additional Regulations: All USCG safety gear requirements must be met and all children under six must wear an approved life jacket on boats under 26’ when underway. Additionally, boaters should be aware that it’s illegal to anchor on or otherwise damage coral reefs. Instead, secure your boat with one of the free public mooring buoys which are white with a blue stripe. See the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Buoy Map for their exact locations.
For more information on safety requirements visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission boating regulations webpage.

Where to dock your boat or meet your rental:

- Bud N’ Mary’s Fishing Marina
- Coral Bay Marina
- East Ridge Road Boat Ramp
- Indian Key Boat Ramp
- Islamarina
- Mangrove Marina
- Matecumbe Marina
- Plantation Yacht Harbor
- Postcard Inn Marina
- Safe Harbor Islamorada
- Snake Creek Marina
- Tavernier Creek Marina
- Treasure Harbor Marina
- Whale Harbor Marina

Weather Conditions

Remember people, this is paradise — even in the middle of winter you’ll generally enjoy balmy afternoons in the mid-70s, and during the heat of summer a cool ocean breeze usually prevents the mercury from rising too uncomfortably high.
- Average High Temperature: 89 degrees at the height of summer.
- Average Low Temperature: 62 degrees in the depth of winter.
- Average Water Temperatures in and around Islamorada:
-- 77 degrees in the spring (March, April, May)
-- 84 degrees in the summer (June, July, August)
-- 81 degrees in the fall (September, October, November)
-- 75 degrees in the winter (December, January, February)

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