Feeding tarpuns and meeting pelicans at Robbie’s Marina

On the trip across the Florida Keys, you should take a break after Islamorada at mile marker 77.5 and visit Robbie’s Marina. Dozens of tarpon can be found here. These are so-called game fish, which anglers go crazy for in Florida, especially between April and June. There are lots of them swimming in the marina and pelicans waddle around on the boat dock.

Buckets of fishing bait are available in the marina for feeding the tarpon (not for fishing). However, it is also enough to watch others feed them if you are too anxious yourself. The Atlantic tarpon grows up to 2.5 meters long. In the marina, you can sometimes see some that are 1.5 meters long. Without feeding, the visit is free of charge. You can also hire boats or kayaks here.

Robbie’s Marina – an experience for all the senses

However, if you only know Robbie’s Marina as a photo spot for the famous tarpon feeding, you are missing out on the many other highlights that make this place so special. The marina has long since grown into a small adventure village. The leisure activities on offer are perfect for anyone looking for adventure, nature and genuine Keys flair.

Guided tours through the mangrove tunnels of Lignumvitae Key start directly from the marina – a real insider tip for nature lovers. If you prefer to go on your own, you can hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and paddle off on your own. With a bit of luck, you might spot an abundance of sea creatures such as manatees, eagle rays or even dolphins.

The small stores and stalls around the pier not only sell tourist souvenirs from the islands, but often also handmade jewelry, fishermen’s prints or nautical decorations – ideal for a genuine Islamorada souvenir with character.

Eat out with a view of the ocean

The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant is only known for its fish reuben, but the breakfast with a view of the water also has cult status. Particularly popular: the tarpon belly buster and fresh mahi tacos.

Some visitors overlook the street art and brightly painted wooden boats scattered around the grounds. They give Robbie’s that casual, creative touch that is typical of the Florida Keys – and a dream for Instagram snaps.

Robbie’s Marina is not just a stop – it’s an experience for all the senses. Whether you want to feed, paddle, store, take a photo stop or just chill out: this is where the authentic Florida feeling meets laid-back island flair. Be sure to plan time – a quick stopover doesn’t do this location justice.