You are never far from the water when you are in The Florida Keys. Just sitting on the shore (or on your private balcony at the Banana Bay Resort & Marina!) and gazing at the clear turquoise waters of the Gulf is enough to get you to relax your always-tense shoulders, lower your blood pressure and make your day.
There’s nothing like time spent on, in, under or around the water to give you a new perspective on the islands that make up The Florida Keys – and perhaps a whole new perspective on life.
Get Ready to Make a Splash
The Florida Keys is a chain of 1700-plus islands stretching 125 miles from a point south of Miami to Key West. The islands are connected by the Overseas Highway’s 42 bridges that span the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
- Did you know? The Seven Mile Bridge, which begins just south of Marathon, is really only 6.79 miles long.
When you are ready to stick your toes in the water, you will find there are countless ways to make a splash on your vacation in The Keys. Whether you are looking forward to a morning dip in a private sun-sparkled pool (like the one at Banana Bay!) or an invigorating day of deep-sea fishing, you’ll find the waters in and around The Keys have just what you are looking for.
Here are some of the best ways to get to know our slice of paradise:
1. Snorkeling
North America has only one coral barrier reef and it lies within the protected waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which covers 3,800 square miles of water surrounding the Florida Keys. The shoreward boundary of the sanctuary is the mean high-water mark, essentially meaning that once you set foot in Keys waters, you have entered the sanctuary.
There are many treasures to be found beneath the waves in the waters the Banana Bay Resort & Marina overlooks. Snorkeling is an excellent way to explore them. And, with our on-site watersports and activities center operated by the pros at Better Than Most Watersports of Marathon, it’s also an easy way to do it. Climb aboard our 38-foot boat for a memorable Florida Keys snorkeling excursion where you can discover the colorful life of our coral reefs.
You’ll explore Sombrero Reef – and pay a visit to its historic lighthouse. Not far beneath the waves, you will discover a variety of coral, including elkhorn, fire, starlet, pillar and sea fans, among others. Parrotfish, damselfish and angelfish are just a few of the reef’s residents that you are likely to meet on a snorkeling excursion in Marathon.
- Did you know? Sombrero Reef is considered one of the best dive sites in the Florida Keys. Whether you are an experienced diver or are just starting, you can sign up for a variety of classes as well as dive excursions from the Banana Bay watersports and activities
2. Paddling
The mangroves that are so plentiful in The Keys are an absolutely essential element of our unique ecosystem – and they are teeming with life. If you would like to explore these fascinating shallow waters, you will be delighted to know that our friends at Better Than Most Watersports also offer SUP and kayak rentals in Marathon’s waters. They will provide you with all the necessary equipment and basic operating instructions to help you get started on an adventure that may including encounters with turtles, eagle rays, nurse sharks, the occasional dolphin and a fascinating variety of fish and birds.
3. A Sunset Cruise
The Florida Keys are known for stunning sunsets. And what better way to experience one of these gorgeous displays than from a cruise on the calm waters of the bay?! Check in with our on-site watersports and activities center for details. (Of course, The Florida Keys are also known as a place that knows how to celebrate the good times, so please feel free to bring along a festive beverage of your choice.)
If you’re ready to make a splash, we’re ready to welcome you to our intimate getaway in Marathon, featuring 59 guestrooms with a full-service marina, pool and tiki bar overlooking the Gulf! Contact us to check for available dates now.
