Located in the heart of the Florida Keys only an hour from Key West, Marathon radiates a laid-back “Old Florida” charm. The island took a direct hit from Hurricane Irma in September 2017, and it is remarkable to see how well this community has bounced back.
WHERE TO DOCK
Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club
305-743-9018
75 state-of-the-art slips with the amenities of a world-class marina including pool and fitness center, first-class room accommodations and restaurants on-site.
Marathon Marina, Boatyard and RV Resort
305-743-6575
Accommodating vessels up to 125 feet, Marathon Marina has a new fitness center, kitchen/grill area, swimming pool, restaurant on-site and a 75-ton travel lift and repair capabilities.
Marlin Bay Yacht Club305-731-2207
Offering deep-water slips for boats up to 60-feet with modern concrete berths and resort amenities including a large pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a steam room, concierge services and luxury vacation rentals on-site.
New projects are popping up all over such as Knights Key, a 24-acre oceanfront resort at the base of the iconic Seven-Mile Bridge, slated to open in 2019 with five swimming pools and 199 guest rooms. Boaters love this town for many reasons: a small town feel but with amenities galore from a well-stocked West Marine to a Publix Super Market, Kings Seafood Market and Paradise Produce. Now the entire town is easier to access with a new bike path. Activities abound for adventurers — world-class diving and snorkeling on Sombrero Reef (the third-largest barrier reef in the world), excellent fishing (deep-sea or back-country) and hiking at Faro Blanco Lighthouse.
Crane Point Nature Trail. Marathon is also home to a turtle hospital that rehabilitates sea turtles and then releases them in the Keys. To top it off, the Dolphin Research Center nurtures injured sea lions and dolphins and introduces humans to aquatic mammal friends at swimming with dolphins sessions. And don’t miss the Marathon Seafood Festival held March 10-11, 2019. With so much to do, make sure to include Marathon in your next cruising itinerary.
WHERE TO DINE
Irie Island Eats
305-509-9398
A local favorite located next to Paradise Produce specializing in fresh eats such as conch salad, shrimp skewers and sticky ribs.
Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House
305-743-5516
Known for impeccable service and their steaks and lobster. Pick the always popular surf and turf.
Lazy Days South
305-289-0839
Oceanfront dining at Marathon Marina guarantees stellar sunsets. They
will cook your fresh catch while you sip on one of the many specialty cocktails including the rum-filled Lazy Days (In Da Keys)!
7 Mile Grill
305-743-4481
Established in 1954, this historic landmark serves Greek food and the best all-day breakfast in the Florida Keys.
