Marathon - Heart of the Keys

 Marathon, located at the mid-point of the Florida Keys, offers visitors some of the best fishing, diving, and snorkeling in the Keys. Many marine activities are to found around its famous Boot Key Harbor, a protected cove in the center of the island which is the site of the City Marina. In addition, it has accommodations ranging from the luxurious to homey resorts, numerous restaurants, and ample shopping. Its central location makes travel to the upper and lower Keys convenient.

 Although most of the waters surrounding the island are open to fishing, there are areas devoted to eco-tourism, a delight for snorkelers, divers, and photographers. Sombrero Reef is just a few miles offshore and protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

 Marathon has a rich historical heritage and at the northeast section of town you will find Crane Point Hammock, a 64-acre area of historic sites, wild flowers, trees, trails and museums. It is also the home of the Dolphin Research Center and the Turtle Hospital which seek to preserve these creatures. In April there is the annual Seven Mile Bridge Run undertaken by some 1500 participants.

 Arrival by car is quite easy, simply driving south from the Miami or Ft. Lauderdale International airports to the Florida Turnpike and continuing on U.S.1, the Overseas Highway. There is also a shuttle service at both airports which will take you to the various Keys. Greyhound Lines (bus) serves the Keys from the airports. Call 800-231-2222 or 305-296-9072. Amtrak trains run as far south as Ft. Lauderdale where you can transfer to a shuttle service. Tel. 1-800-USARAIL. The island is home of the Florida Keys Marathon Airport which offers full-service for both jet and propeller aircraft. Florida Coastal Airlines has regular flights to Marathon. Yachtsmen can arrive in Marathon on the Intracoastal Waterway on the Atlantic side of the Keys.

 The reefs and shipwrecks around Marathon are habitat to a great variety of marine life. Some favorite sites are:

 Adelaine Baker - a steamship wreck in only 25 feet of water.

 Sombrero Reef - a favorite of divers and whose coral canyons and archways are refuge for schools of grunt and snapper.

 Coffin´s Patch - a conglomerate of six distinct patch reefs and forests of elkhorn coral often found in less than 20 feet of water.

 Delta Shoals - a large area of elkhorn, brain, and star coral formations.

 The Thunderbolt - sunk intentionally in 1986, this 188-foot ship lies in 115 feet of water and is habitat for angelfish, jacks, and other marine creatures.

 Getting around Marathon is easy -- taxis, buses, mopeds, bicycles -- whatever you prefer is available.

 Children will enjoy eco-tours, dive-snorkel charters, fishing, and the Nature Center. Special favorites include:

 Rotary Field of Dreams at mile marker 52. Here children can enjoy Thomas the Train, tunnels, swings -- everything for toddlers to older children.

 Sombrero Beach at mile marker 50 offers picnic areas and othr amenities.

 Skate Park between 37th and 39th streets offers 11 skating ramps and other facilities for skaters and even bleachers for spectators.

 Marathon - something for everyone in the Heart of the Keys!