Boating

Marinas pop up every mile or so in the Islamorada area, so finding a rental or tour is no problem. Robbie's Marina is a prime example of a salty spot where you can find it all—from fishing charters and kayaking rentals to lunch and tarpon feeding.

Keys Boat Rental. You can rent both fishing and deck boats here (from 18 to 29 feet) by the day or the week. Free local delivery with seven-day rentals from each of its locations is available. MM 85.9 BS and 99.7 OS, 85920 Overseas Hwy., Upper Matecumbe Key, Islamorada, Florida, 33036. 305/664–9404; 877/453–9463; www.keysboatrental.com. Rentals from $240 per day.

Early Bird Fishing Charters. Captain Ross knows these waters well, and he'll hook you up with whatever is in season—mahimahi, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo, to name a few—while you cruise on a comfy and stylish 43-foot custom Willis charter boat. The salon is air-conditioned for those hot summer days, and everything but booze and food is included. Bud N' Mary's Marina, MM 79.8 OS, 79851 Overseas Hwy., Upper Matecumbe Key, Islamorada, Florida, 33036. 305/942--3618; www.fishearlybird.com. 4 hrs $850, 6 hrs $1100, 8 hrs $1300.

Robbie's Boat Rentals. This full-service company will even give you a crash course on how not to crash your boat. The rental fleet includes an 18-foot skiff with a 90-horsepower outboard to a 21-foot deck boat with a 130-horsepower engine. Robbie's also rents snorkeling gear (there's good snorkeling nearby) and sells bait, drinks, and snacks. Want to hire a guide who knows the local waters and where the fish lurk? Robbie's offers offshore-fishing trips, patch-reef trips, and party-boat fishing. Backcountry flats trips are a specialty. MM 77.5 BS, 77522 Overseas Hwy., Lower Matecumbe Key, Islamorada, Florida, 33036. 305/664–9814; 877/664–8498; www.robbies.com. From $185 per day.