Despite the name, Marathon, Florida is a place to go boating, not running. Leave your gym shoes and workout clothes at home - pack your boat shoes and swimsuit instead! This lesser-known gem of the Florida Keys offers world-class fishing in a small neighborhood community. A comprehensive guide for everything you need to know about boating in and around Marathon, Florida. Stay safe and have fun on the water.

Here are GetMyBoat’s Top Picks for enjoying all the best of the boat life in Marathon, Florida.

Boat Rentals, Charters & Tours in Marathon

Boat rentals and yacht charters in Marathon are relatively affordable, with some boats costing as low as $375 for an entire day’s rental. Renting or chartering a boat while in Marathon is a must. You can rent a boat and cruise on your own or hire a local captain from Marathon. Bring a lunch and spend an entire day exploring. Make sure to make a few stops at beautiful beaches and go for a swim and snorkel!

If you’re the adventurous type, you can visit the scuba center and take a dive in a real coral reef from Marathon. Here you’re not far from the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater state park in the United States. Admire hundreds of species of fish and stunning corals. If you prefer to stay at the surface, you can also explore the reefs on a snorkeling expedition.

Marathon is also a popular sports fishing destination. It has boats leaving for the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean every day. Its access to amazing tropical waterways makes it a prime fishing location. Anglers will find that Marathon boat rentals allow them to experience an excellent day on the water. There are many reefs around Marathon, which brings in even more fishing and spearfishing aficionados. Rent equipment and go fishing or take a full-service fishing charter. Anglers can expect to catch huge African pompano, grouper, yellowtail, mangrove snapper, and more. You can also catch other ocean creatures such as lobster, conch, and crab.

In addition to sportfishing, there are many other fantastic watersports and activities for boaters to try. If you prefer powering your own boat, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard. You can choose a guided kayak tour or take a stand-up paddle lesson. Rent on your own and explore the coastline at your own pace.

Marathon Marinas & Boat Fuel Stations

Pancho’s Fuel Dock & Supplies

Pancho’s Fuel Dock & Supplies is a 20-slip boat dock with a fuel station and bait shop in Marathon. Dock for an overnight stay or stop by briefly to refuel and buy bait for your fishing adventures in Marathon.

Pancho’s offers boating services including:

• Fishing Gear Rental
• Overnight Docking
• Refueling
• Bait Shop
• Fresh Lobster and Crab

Grassy Key Marina

Sitting at mile marker 59, Grassy Key Marina in Marathon offers both indoor and outdoor boat storage, a public boat launch, live bait sales, and a mini-market for all your last-minute boating essentials.

Shelter Bay Marina & Storage

• Dry Storage & Wet Slips
• Mercury & Yamaha Repair Facilities
• Professional Technicians
• Boat Sales
• Fuel Dock

Favorite Marathon Boating & Fishing Locations

Seven Mile Bridge

Fishing and cruising under the iconic Seven Mile Bridge is a must-do when visiting Marathon! Not only does the bridge provide a breathtaking view, but a wide variety of fish flock to this structure too. This area is considered a hot spot for tarpon fishing.

The Marathon Hump

The Marathon Hump is one of the most popular fishing spots in Florida. The water has depths of over 1,000 feet, and you can expect to catch gamefish like blue and white marlin, blackfin tuna, amberjack, and sharks. This area is deep-sea fishing at its finest.

Thunderbolt

One of the most famous shipwrecks in Marathon is the Thunderbolt - an intentionally sunk ship that was under contract to the U.S. Army during World War II. This artificial reef is about 5.5 miles offshore and has a max depth of 120 feet. You can expect to catch fish like yellowtails, kingfish, grouper, barracuda, sailfish, and tarpon.

Sombrero Beach

On the southside of Marathon is Sombrero Beach - one of the nicest beaches in the Keys with crystal clear water and soft sand. Sombrero Beach is a fantastic place for surfcasting and relaxing in the sun. You can expect to catch gamefish such as snook and tarpon.

Public Parking in Marathon

Public Parking in Marathon can be found at:

• 2146 Overseas Highway Parking
• Marathon Community Park - 200 Ocean, 36th St, Marathon, FL 33050
• Oceanfront Park - 9805 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
• Sombrero Beach - Sombrero Beach Rd, Marathon, FL 33050

Always check posted signs and any other local information to see if there are time restrictions or other conditions for free parking spaces.

Top Sights to See By Boat in Marathon

Wildlife spotting in the Florida Keys is a unique experience, as there are many species of animal here that you cannot find anywhere else. When you’re out on your boat, keep your eyes peeled for some incredible wildlife, both in the water and lurking around the shore. Some of the best wildlife-spotting areas in Marathon, Florida, are Fat Deer Key and Long Point Key.

Wildlife You Can See By Boat in Marathon, Florida

• Iguanas (yes, they can swim!)
• Parrotfish
• Manatees
• Brown Pelicans
• Ospreys
• Loggerhead Sea Turtles
• Stingrays

Faro Blanco Historical Lighthouse

Built in 1950, this iconic lighthouse is a landmark you must see from your boat while cruising in Marathon. It has since suffered damage from multiple hurricanes but was restored and incorporated into the property of the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club. Cruise by and check it out or pull into the marina and dock your boat to explore on the shore from this spot in Marathon.

Seven Mile Bridge

One thing you’re sure to see while boating in Marathon is the Seven Mile Bridge. It connects Marathon to the Lower Keys and is one of the longest bridges in existence. It’s truly a feat of engineering and one to check out while you’re in Marathon.

Pigeon Key

This historic district is another spot to take your boat to in Marathon, Florida. You can tie up on the dock and get on land to enjoy the educational experiences and historical tours of Pigeon Key. It’s a fabulous choice for families visiting Marathon - kids will enjoy the museum, bird watching, snorkeling, fishing, or enjoying a picnic and exploring the island. Stop by Pigeon Key with your boat and spend a day in this unique spot near Marathon.

Pigeon Key Historical Tour Information:

• 1-hour tours
• Ferry ride included. Departure from Faro Blanco Marina
• 7 days a week
• 3 tour departures per day
• Tour Ticket Prices: $15/adult, $12 Children age 5-12, Children 5 & under are $5

Dining & Drinking by Boat - Waterfront Restaurants in Marathon

Burdines Waterfront

This tiki-themed bar on the water is a top place to cruise to with your boat for lunch while in Marathon. Park in a dock slip and walk up for a table right on the water, indulging in delicious food. This spot is a favorite for visitors and locals in the keys.

• Open for Dine-in & Take Out
• Burgers, Sandwiches, & Salads
• Waterfront Views
• Marina & Boat Docks

Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar

This fusion restaurant you might have seen on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” offers delicious cuisine right on the waterfront in Marathon. Enjoy Old-School beach vibes right on the water at Castaway.

• Open for Dine-in & Take Out
• Seafood
• Sushi
• 52 Beers on Tap
• Happy Hour

Sparky's Landing - Fish n Cocktails

Enjoy seafood and tropical drinks right on the water at Sparky’s! This favorite spot offers everything from woodfire pizza to fish tacos, oysters, cocktails, and great vibes.

• Open for Dine-in & Take Out
• Live, local music
• Taco Tuesdays
• Gorgeous waterfront views
• Outdoor & Indoor Dining

Hotels & Accommodations with Boat Slips in Marathon

Bringing your boat to Marathon for the first time? If you need to find accommodations with wet slips and docking options, these are some of the best hotels and resorts in Marathon.

Isla Bella Beach Resort

A premier luxury resort in Marathon, Isla Bella offers all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. It’s a beautiful resort with 24-acres of oceanfront property, five swimming pools, and a white sandy beach for your enjoyment.

• Ocean views from every room and suite
• Luxury resort
• Beach Bar
• 3 Onsite Restaurants
• Spa

Coral Lagoon Resort Villas & Marina

This waterfront resort offers a full-service marina and has two and three-bedroom villas, perfect for families or larger groups visiting Marathon. Enjoy a cottage or a village for a relaxing stay at Coral Lagoon, cruise here on your boat, and stay for a few nights in relaxing luxury.

• Full-Service Marina
• 25 Conch-Style Villas
• Waterfront Resort
• Wet Slips
• High-Speed Internet
• Heated Swimming Pool

Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway

This family-friendly resort is perfect for families visiting Marathon on a budget. Bring your boat to the marina and stay overnight at Captain Pip’s.

• Budget Accommodation in Marathon
• Guest Rooms, Efficiencies, and Apartments
• Pool
• Snorkeling Excursions
• Housekeeping

Boating Safety & Water Navigation of Marathon, Florida

Boating at Night

Visibility is reduced at night, so it’s essential to slow down and be aware of your surroundings. Chartplotters and marine radars are beneficial tools to use in the dark and help you feel more confident when navigating the waters at night. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise or during times of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc.), recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights.

Wildlife Conservation

The Florida Keys are a fragile ecosystem, and wildlife conservation is of utmost importance for all boaters. Twenty endangered species live in the Florida Keys, and many of them are marine and susceptible to harm by irresponsible boaters. When boating in Marathon, make sure you pay attention to posted signs and local regulations, especially in shallow waters, to ensure you aren’t disturbing conservation efforts.