The Perfect Day in Islamorada—According to a Local

If you ask a local what the perfect day in Islamorada looks like, it usually starts slow and ends on the water. Here’s how I’d spend a full day in paradise—from morning coffee to a sunset cruise—all starting from my home base at Kon Tiki Resort.

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Morning at Kon Tiki Resort

I wake up with the sun peeking through the palms outside my waterfront cottage. A quick walk down to the dock and I can already feel the day heating up. First things first: coffee on the patio. There’s something about drinking a hot cup while watching the boats bob in the marina and the herons wade just offshore that never gets old.

Once I’m up and moving, I head across the street to grab breakfast at the Green Turtle Inn. It’s been around since 1947 and still feels like a true Florida Keys institution. The grits are creamy, the bacon’s crispy, and the coffee flows freely. Can’t beat it.

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Midday on the Bay

With breakfast done, it’s time to hit the water. One of the best perks of staying at Kon Tiki? My boat is right there in the marina, and dockage is included. I load up a cooler, throw in my rods, and idle out into the bay.

Some days I point the bow toward the mangroves near Lignumvitae Key, where you can weave through tunnels and spot osprey, manatees, and nurse sharks. Other times I just cruise, cut the engine, and drift. If I’m lucky, I’ll land a Snook or a mangrove snapper before noon.

Fishing not your thing? Paddleboards or kayaks work just as well. Either way, being on the water is where Islamorada really shines.

Check out our favorite paddleboarding and snorkeling spots for more ways to spend the afternoon.

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Afternoon Cool-Down and Island Lunch

By now, the sun’s high and it’s heating up—time to get in the water. If it’s calm out, we’ll swing by Alligator Lighthouse for a snorkel. The water’s clear, the fish are friendly, and there’s always something worth seeing below the surface.

If we packed a lunch, we’ll head straight for the Islamorada Sandbar. Anchor down, crank up some tunes, and catch up with a few friends floating nearby. There’s no better place to take it slow.

Didn’t bring lunch? No problem. A short ride back toward shore lands us at The Lorelei. It’s a classic—conch fritters and a rum punch are practically a rite of passage in the Keys. And yes, the view from their dock is just as good as the food.

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Sunset on the Bay

As the day winds down, we drift along the bay. Some nights we’ll swing by Islamorada Fish Company for a quick drink and a look at the tarpon. Other times, we head back to the Kon Tiki dock, settle into an Adirondack chair, and let the sunset put on a show.

Either way, there’s no rush. That’s the beauty of spending the day like a local—you’re on island time, and the best part is, tomorrow you get to do it all again.

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