Theater of the Sea
Islamorada, Florida Keys
Islamorada, whose name derives from isles moradas (meaning "purple isles") so called by the Spanish explorers, brings images teeming with what else – fish! This Key is acclaimed as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," and is brimming with the world's most sought-after gamefish – offering sailfish, tuna and dolphin in the Atlantic, and permit, tarpon, and bonefish in the backcountry waters of Florida Bay. Needless to say, some of the finest charter boat captains and backcountry guides are located here and thousands of anglers arrive each year to Islamorada to enjoy the sport.
Providing some of the Florida Key's most fascinating history and archeology, Islamorada offers a chance to see coral formation remnants that gave birth to the Keys 100,000 years ago in Windley Key Quarry State Park and to explore treasure-laden Spanish galleons that sank in a 1733 hurricane in San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Park. Along with the excitement of searching for gold coins and artifacts, is an array of marine life, which inhabits the patch coral reef alongside our islands, making this Key also a favorite spot for divers. Landlubbers, on the other hand, may prefer viewing acrobatic dolphin and other deep sea stars at Windley Key's Theater of the Sea.
At Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site, you can stand at the highest elevation in the Florida Keys: a dizzying 18 feet above sea level!
Drop by Islamorada – enjoy it's history, diving and the lure of the gamefish found here – experience the beautiful sunsets and shimmering waters of the Keys.
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