Marathon Florida Marinas

In the middle of the 106-mile-long Overseas Highway (U.S. 1), extending from the bottom of the Florida peninsula and uniting the Florida Keys, you’ll discover the 10-mile collection of coral-atoll communities that constitute the city of Marathon.

Marina Listings

Marathon Key Overview

History tells us the name Marathon originated during the early 20th Century development of the Florida East Coast Railroad (ECR)—a massive undertaking to bring rail service through the Keys that was only halfway to Key West when workers began to refer to the ongoing labor as a marathon. The name stuck, describing the local community.

Today, the 8,500 or so residents of Marathon make the municipality larger than Islamorada to the north, but smaller than southernmost Key West (population about 25,000), the Monroe County seat. However, Marathon is especially marine-friendly with nearly 1,200 wet slips, 1,200 dry slips, and resort and marina facilities to accommodate transient cruisers.

Best Time to Visit Marathon Key Marinas by Boat

The Florida Keys are subtropical, situated between the Gulf Stream and the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean—which means the Keys have a mild tropical-maritime climate and temperatures stay within about 10 degrees of warm (60s, 70s, 80s) throughout the year.

Fun Things to do Along the Marathon, Florida Shoreline

Crane Point Hammock

When you’re ready to come ashore, the Crane Point Hammock museum and nature trails in Marathon provide a fun on-land adventure where you’ll be immersed in local history. Stroll through the butterfly gardens, walk the hiking trails, visit an old Keys house, learn about Key deer and other wildlife, and more. Guided tours are also available; 5550 Overseas Highway, bayside near mile-maker 50, (305) 743-9100, cranepointmuseum@gmail.com.

Dolphin Research Center

Hang out with aquatic mammals at the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key, in the Marathon area. The facility states its mission as, “through education, research, and rescue, Dolphin Research Center promotes peaceful coexistence, cooperation and communication between marine mammals, humans and the environment.” DRC has three areas of scientific focus—Cognition, Behavior, and Husbandry. Stop by and shake a fin! Dolphin Research Center, 58901 Overseas Highway, bayside, Grassy Key, (305) 289-0002, drc@dolphins.org.

Turtle Hospital

How about a visit to a veterinary hospital for sick and injured sea turtles? The Turtle Hospital in Marathon rescues, rehabs, and releases sea turtles in the Keys. The facility is housed on the grounds of a previous motel and the rooms are rehab quarters for sea turtles; 2396 Overseas Highway, bayside, MM 48.5, (802) 743-2552.

Public Beaches

Marathon offers two public strands—Sombrero and Coco Plum beaches. Both are on the Atlantic Ocean, and Sombrero is more of a park with shady areas, showers and restrooms, and picnic pavilions; it’s also a sea-turtle nesting beach, as is Coco Plum. Either offer waterfront relaxation.