Information
Landmark: Robbie’s of IslamoradaCity: Florida Keys
Country: USA Florida
Continent: North America
Robbie’s of Islamorada, Florida Keys, USA Florida, North America
Overview
Robbie’s of Islamorada is a popular marina and waterfront spot in the Florida Keys, where you can watch pelicans drift by as boats pull in.People flock here for its easygoing charm, the mix of outdoor adventures, and the thrill of hand-feeding massive tarpon as they splash at the dock.Families, locals, and visitors alike flock here for lively activities, fresh-air adventures, and moments to breathe in the pine-scented breeze.Back in the 1940s, Walter and Ruth Starck opened Robbie’s, a modest fishing camp and bait shop where the scent of fresh-cut mullet hung in the air.Over the years, it grew into a bustling marina, where bright boats bob in the water, and became a favorite spot for visitors.Robbie’s signature tradition of feeding tarpon began back in 1976, when a scar-nosed fish locals called “Scarface” started appearing at the docks.Robbie and his wife Mona tossed food into the water, and silvery tarpon began gathering, their backs glinting in the sun.Over time, it turned into a lively community gathering, the kind where neighbors greet each other over coffee, and it’s still one of the venue’s proudest moments.Top sights and things to do - from bustling markets to quiet garden paths.At Robbie’s in Islamorada, the big draw is tossing bait to the massive silver tarpon that surge up from the water.You can buy a bucket of fish and toss them to the giant tarpon gliding in the water just beyond the dock.Some of these giant fish, tipping the scales at 100 pounds, burst from the water to grab food straight from your fingers.It’s the kind of experience that makes your pulse quicken-a rush you won’t find anywhere else.Tarpon aren’t the only ones in on the feast-pelicans swoop down, wings cutting the air, and other seabirds dive in, turning the frenzy into pure chaos.You can watch the tarpon feeding every day, and it pulls in big crowds-so aim to get there early or come back as the sun dips, when the pier’s a little quieter.Two.At Fishing Charters Robbie’s, you can book trips for every skill level, whether you’re casting your first line or chasing trophy marlin.You can book a party boat fishing trip, where a group heads out together for half- or full-day runs after snapper, grouper, or kingfish, with the scent of salt water hanging in the air.It’s a cheaper way to get out on the water with a rod in hand, without paying for a private charter.Private Fishing Charters: Robbie’s takes you out on backcountry or offshore trips, giving you a fishing experience that feels made just for you-think casting your line into quiet, sunlit water far from the crowds.Pick an inshore trip chasing snook, redfish, and trout, or head offshore for big-game thrills with tuna and sailfish flashing silver in the spray.Robbie’s runs special trips for anglers chasing the elusive swordfish, a powerful fish that can slice through the water like a silver blade.Split Charters: Want the feel of a private trip without paying the full price?Robbie’s lets you hop aboard with a small group, sharing both the boat and the cost.Number three.At Robbie’s of Islamorada, you can dive into all kinds of water sports or rent gear for the day-think kayaks gliding over clear, turquoise shallows.Visitors can dive into the sparkling blue waters of the Florida Keys with plenty of fun options, like hopping on a guided jet ski tour from Robbie’s.These 1- to 2-hour rides weave through mangrove channels and past tiny sunlit islands near Islamorada.Robbie’s takes visitors out on snorkeling trips to well-loved spots, including Alligator Reef and the coral gardens at Cheeca Rocks, where parrotfish flash bright blues beneath the surface.These waters brim with life-bright fish dart between coral towers while a sea turtle glides lazily past.Kayak and paddleboard rentals let visitors drift across the calm, sunlit waters and explore nearby coves whenever they feel like it.In Florida Bay, the water stays shallow and still-ideal for gliding a kayak past manatees, rays, and the occasional heron lifting off with a splash.Parasailing: At Robbie’s, you can soar above turquoise waters, the wind in your hair, and take in sweeping, bird’s‑eye views of the Florida Keys.Number four.At Robbie’s, plenty of visitors head out on sunset cruises, watching the sky spill gold and pink over the water.The Florida Keys are known for sunsets that wash the sky in gold, and there’s no better way to soak them in than drifting on a quiet boat cruise.You could book Sundance Watersports, a roomy catamaran that carries over 100 people and glides into the sunset with a glass of chilled champagne in hand.KeyZ Charters runs a small private boat, crafting custom trips so you can feel the spray on your face and enjoy a more personal journey.Four Aces is a sleek, 55-foot Hatteras yacht, perfect for private sunset cruises-imagine the deck glowing gold as the waves catch the light.Five.If you’re curious about the local ecosystem, Robbie’s runs eco tours where you might spot herons gliding over the water.For two hours, you’ll weave through seagrass beds, slip past mangrove islands, and glide across the quiet backcountry waters of Florida Bay.The guides know the local wildlife inside out-from darting seabirds overhead to the shimmer of fish below-and they can explain how it all fits into the area’s delicate ecosystems.These tours are perfect for anyone who loves capturing wild landscapes or chasing the golden light through the trees.Number six.Hungry Tarpon is a waterfront spot at Robbie’s of Islamorada, where you can watch the boats drift by as you eat.It’s a laid-back place where the air smells of grilled snapper, and you can sip bright, tropical cocktails while enjoying fresh seafood.You’ll find favorites like crisp conch fritters, zesty fish tacos, and the cheekily named “Trailer Trash Bloody Mary.” After a salty, sun-soaked day on the water or hauling in a catch, it’s the perfect spot to sit back and eat.From your table, you can look out over the dock and watch tarpon swirl in the water or pelicans plunge straight down after fish as you enjoy your meal.Seven.At Robbie’s, you can wander through a breezy tropical open-air market where local vendors showcase handmade goods, gleaming jewelry, vibrant art, colorful clothing, and souvenirs that catch the eye.It’s the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind treasures that carry the salty breeze and laid-back charm of the Florida Keys.Local artists and craftspeople share their creations, from hand-painted shells to traditional Florida Keys–themed gifts.Robbie’s of Islamorada sits at 77522 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036, with the marina open every day from 7 a.m. until the sun dips at 9 p.m. Hungry Tarpon Restaurant opens its doors every day at 6:30 in the morning and serves until 9 at night, just in time to catch the sunset over the water.Tarpon feeding is open every day from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., when the water’s surface ripples with hungry silver flashes.Fishing charters usually head out at sunrise and don’t return until the late afternoon sun dips low over the water.Visitors can pitch in to protect local wildlife and keep the marina thriving by picking up merchandise-every T‑shirt or mug from Robbie’s shop helps fund conservation projects in the Florida Keys.Donating money to local conservation groups helps safeguard the fragile ecosystems of the Florida Keys, from shimmering schools of fish to the coral reefs they call home.If you’re planning a fishing charter, a sunset cruise, or an eco tour, book ahead-especially in peak season when spots fill fast and the docks buzz with travelers.Robbie’s offers plenty of parking, though spaces disappear fast at busy hours-show up early and you’ll skip circling the lot.Bring sunscreen, a hat, and clothes you can move in, plus some cash for tips or a quick snack from a street vendor.Most places take cards, but it’s smart to keep a few bills in your pocket-like enough for a quick coffee or a bus fare.In the end, Robbie’s of Islamorada delivers an experience you won’t forget, blending the thrill of adventure with the charm of watching tarpon splash in the sunlit shallows.
