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Welcome to Our Paradise in the Fabulous Florida Keys

Waterfront

While You're Here . . .

FISHING: Whether you go with a professional guide or on your own, the fishing here is definitely "World Class". Bonefish, Tarpon, Tuna, Wahoo, and Dolphin are waiting for you. In addition, the reef, bridges and wrecks are famous for snapper, grouper and amber jack. How about going out for a morning and coming back home in the afternoon with a couple dozen Yellow Tail ready to fillet??? You will be staying in Key Colony Beach which is right at Vaca Cut, giving you quick access to either the Gulf or Ocean.

MARINAS & BOAT RAMPS: There are plenty of public and private facilities. Marathon has a greater selection of marina dockage and services than anywhere else in the Keys.

DIVING & SNORKELING: From the experienced wreck or reef diver to the beginning snorkeler comfortably exploring the shallows, divers easily find the opportunity of a lifetime. Whether you rent one of our boats, rent a boat from one of the marinas, bring your own boat, or go out with one of the many local dive shops, you will have an experience of a lifetime. (Don't forget to buy an underwater camera!!!)

BEACHES & PARKS: The wonderful beach areas and coral coves to explore and enjoy are found in the Marathon Islands. Sombrero Beach is right at your back door along with several City of Marathon parks. In addition there is nearby Bahia Honda State Park which boasts the highest rated beach in the Continental U.S.

WATERSPORTS: Boating of every type is available for rent or charter. Just let us know what you want.…power, sail, rowing and backcountry kayaking. For those that are more adventuresome try the jet skis, wave runners or even experience parasailing. Any boat rentals will be awaiting your arrival tied up in back of your house.

BICYCLING: A bike trail runs the entire length of the Islands of Marathon. There are also trails to the beach, around the golf course and out to Pigeon Key. Feel free to use the bikes supplied for you during your stay at our house.

RESTAURANTS & SHOPPING: The year round tropical climate of Marathon makes outdoor dining a favorite pastime, as the local restaurants highlight their menu with offers of lobster, stone crab and shrimp and other fresh seafood. The quaint boutiques can help you to begin your collection of art and hand crafts by local artists.

MUSEUMS & NATURE CENTER OF CRANE: Visit the largest native Florida thatch palm hammock (65 acres), historic Adderley House, and the Natural History Museum. Experience a hands-on family atmosphere, an interactive pirate ship, rain forest, butterfly habitat, touch tank, trail system, and wild bird center. Free for kids under 6.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER (Grassy Key) Discover the unique family of dolphins and humans who have lived and learned together since 1958. The facility is open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. with narrated dolphin demonstrations throughout the day. When you visit, ask about the exciting new Meet The Dolphin program.

as it was for the early "wreckers" and "pirates" who found . . . . .

FISH

Angel, Cobia, Boxfish, Porgy, Flying fish, Bonefish, Cowfish, Grunt, Sand Shark, Barracuda, Mangrove snapper, Sailfish, Tarpon, Puffer, Hog snapper, Grouper, Yellowtail, Sheepshead, Spadefish, Needlefish, Wahoo, Snook, Mullet, Stingray, Queen trigger, Sergeant Major, Marlin, Permit, and of course some huge Goliath Grouper.

. . . . .

MARINE LIFE

Various coral, Spider crab, Sponge, Dead man's fingers, Sand dollar, Horseshoe crab, Sea anemone, Stone crab, Star fish, Portuguese man o war, Sea whip, Octopus, Ghost crab, Worm tube, Shipworm, Gribble, Jellyfish, Sea urchin, Sargassum weed, Crawfish, Hermit crab, Mantis shrimp, Manatee, Porpoise, Bristle worm, Sea horse, five different species of sea turtles, and of course Porpoise (like Flipper).

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PLANTS

Mahogany, Allamanda, Banyan, Limeberry, Spanish lime, African tulip, Passion flower, various palms, various Tropical fruit, Strand vegetation, Saltbush, Limburger vine, Aloe, Spanish needles, Spider lily, Buttonwood, Torchwood, Cattails, Saw palmetto, Lucustberry, Sea lavender, Moonflower, Morning-glory, Acalypha, Bottlebrush, Sea oats, Dogwood, Coralbean, Mangroves, Sawgrass, Lemon trees, and of course Lime trees which is what makes Key Lime Pie possible.

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BIRDS

White crowned pigeon, Great white heron, Pelican, Sooty and Noddy terns, Sparrow hawk, Dove, Cormorant, Red bellied woodpecker, Broad winged hawk, Green heron, Mangrove cuckoo, Bald eagle, Frigate bird, Willet, Great blue heron, Laughing gull, Common egret, and my favorite the Osprey (which is a hawk).

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SHELLS

Queen conch (which is where the first settlers from the Bahamas got their "conch" name from, Spirula, Bubble, Horn, Nautilus, Fig, Oyster drill, Bleeding tooth, Heart cockle, Lucine, Jewelbox, Bonnet, Turkey wing, Magpie, Wing oyster, Egg case, whelk, Mussel, and what gives my boat a 3 dimensional look underneath - Barnacles.

So whether you fish, dive, collect shells, like to watch all that nature has to offer from below the water, on the water, above the water, if you are a bird watcher, or just like the peace that the Keys offers - Call me for your next visit ~ Jo Ann at (305) 360-7968 or joanncook@marathonvacation.com

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