Sprockets

Decided not to hijack the recent thread.

As most of you know, my wife passed away 3/19. A THT member has graciously offered me the use of his vacation rental in Marathon so my daughter and I can get a little downtime.

We'll be there 5/6 -5/10. It's been at least 15 years since I've been to the Keys.

I'm looking for suggestions of things to do. Kayak rentals, ecotours, snorkeling, light-duty family-friendly fishing, etc. I've decided not to bring my boat because I need this to be as low maintenance as possible. We just need to chill. She's 21 so drinking establishment & restaurant suggestions are needed too.

Thanks. We are really looking forward to this.

Contender23

You have to get to Sparkys landing for happy hour. Best way to kill a night. Love that place. The lobster tacos are awesome too.

joe.giuliano

http://www.floridarambler.com/florid...n-key-history/

http://www.fla-keys.com/marathon/pigeon.cfm

bigbender

x2 on Sparkys, Burdines on the other end of the island is good too. Maybe take a guide for a half day early in the trip and pick up something for the table.

meii

Lazy days on 11st is the best food in Marathon.
http://lazydayssouth.com

crboggs

Keys Fisheries Market and Marina:
http://keysfisheries.com/

Good food and they'll give you scraps to feed to the tarpon.

Pro251wa

X2 here and thumbs up for Sparky's and Burdines.

23Dorado

Make sure to do a tour of Pigeon Key.

bsh102

Sparkys all the way ! The best happy hour on Marathon by far. Fish tacos, good chicken wings and cold beer on the water. I have spent many of nights just going to happy hour and end up spending the whole night there.

swat1

X3!!

jswfl09

x4. So good that I ate a meal there with my shoulder dislocated and not yet reset and still enjoyed my meal.

Sprockets

Looks like some clear winners!

Any other advice on kayaking/family-style fishing? I don't want to take her on a party boat. Maybe a tarpon trip with a stop for some yellowtail for dinner?

keysdiver

Capt Jeff Shelar - Catch em all charters305 481 4568. Family friendly, reputable and reasonable.

Rosco

Last year, my family went kayaking in Marathon and had a blast. We rented kayaks and put in at sombrero beach and back into the trails below. Once you get back into the mangroves, its like another world with a bunch of cool tunnels. The only drawback was paddling into the incoming tide when returning to sombrero beach. This year, I'll do a better job of planning around the tide.

fishie1

For tarpon etc http://www.captchris.com/Marathon-Fishing-Home.html
Franks for Italian food
We enjoyed a trip on the Marathon Lady
The Stuffed Pig for breakfast

reel_addiction

X2 for the stuffed pig for breakfast

Sprockets

Hey guys, our trip is coming up next week. Can't wait to get down there. Still open to more suggestions on things to do. Kayaking, snorkeling, dolphin center.

Also, how is the Marathon Lady during the week? I've been on a few party boats that were pretty skanky. My daughter enjoys fishing, but she's not up for a true bloodbath. Is there enough action to keep us busy on the boat? Since it is just the 2 of us I can't justify the cost of a true offshore charter. Maybe a split?

ChicagoKeys

Capt David Sheffield does splits, or is reasonable enough to just charter the boat. Catch'em up on the reef...grouper is back in season. 305-731-9469

x3 on stuffed pig for pre fishing breakfast. Not fancy, just good.

Sunset Grille is good for people watching and atmosphere.

Have them cook your catch at Lazy Days.

Gregandcady

Talk to Captain Ariel on "Big Game". His boat is at Blue Green. He always seems to have a full catch. Tarpon, snapper, dolphin, he can do it all.

Another boat that I like is Captain Jason Long on "Best Bet". Right next to Sparky's Landing.

Kayaking - talk to "A Deep Blue" in Key Colony Beach - right next to Sparky's Landing. They have dive, snorkel, kayak, good reputation too.

Sparky's Landing is our favorite restaurant in Marathon. Hands down. Even if you miss happy hour, get there. Fish Tacos are out of this world, shrimp and bacon pizza is yummo, the coconut basil clams are great,

Now I'm hungry.

mymojo

Went to Pennekamp State Park when we were down the Leys last week. Great spot. You can rent dive gear on site and go out on their boat to the reefs for some snorkeling. Beautiful spot, reasonable prices. http://pennekamppark.com/
Also went to Bahia Honda State Park for some swimming.