Seniors Seek Out Islamorada

Islamorada, a “Village of Islands” is an incorporated village in the Florida Keys. Senior fishermen know it as the sportsfishing capital of the world. Islamorada is situated between the saltwater wilderness of Everglades National Park in one direction and North America’s only coral barrier reef and the deep blue waters of the Florida Straits in the other.

Comprised of six islands, the name Islamorada is translated from Spanish as “purple isles. This might be the only place on Earth where it is possible to catch a sailfish in the morning, and then venture into the backcountry in pursuit of bonefish, tarpon, snook and redfish in just inches of water.


The Village of Islamorada has just over 6,000 inhabitants. Perhaps you may know the name Ted Williams of baseball’s Hall of Fame status.  He spent over 45 years in Islamorada as the island’s most famous resident.

The Chamber hosts the rumor that Islamorada hosts a largest fishing fleet per square mile than anywhere else in the world. That makes for a lot of boats folks. This near perfect senior vacation destination offers something to do in, under, above or near the water 24 hours a day.

You’ll find things to see and do in town that includes feeding wild tarpon by hand. Anne’s beach is a must stop while visiting the Keys. It’s quiet and you can find small coves to nestle in for even more privacy. Four state parks dot these chain of islands and at Long Key State Park are  lush, tropical nature trails for some unique Florida senior hiking.

Head over to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, where you can view an old quarry dug by Henry Flagler’s railroad workers, or try a side trip to Indian Key Botanical State Park to learn about the state’s island history dating back to the early 1800′s.

Seniors Enjoy Fresh Seafood

Fresh seafood is the hallmark of the Islamorada dining scene. Seniors enjoy a tropical-themed bar to soak in the full Florida Keys experience with a frozen umbrella drink. For a dose of culture, take in fine art and music while strolling through the Morada Way Art and Cultural District. For a dose of history take in the History of Diving Museum and the Theater of the Sea.

Attention Senior Snorkelers

Snorkeling is a lot safer than scuba diving, especially for us older folks. While Islamorada fishing is a top tourist attraction, this tropical marine paradise is also making its name as one of the hottest spots for Florida snorkeling as well.

It’s one thing to see tropical marine life in an aquarium, but nothing compares to diving into the water yourself to swim with them. Swimmers  will relish in the variety of shallow coral reefs, mini walls, and shipwrecks hidden just beneath the surface.

Enjoy the water, the beaches and especially the famed glorious sunsets. jeb