Best fishing marina: Tavernier Creek Marina (MM 90.5 Bayside, Tavernier) — Chris's Bait & Tackle, REC 90 fuel, boat ramp, dual Atlantic/Bay access. Best fuel prices: Mangrove Marina (MM 91.7) ~$4.50/gal. Best Islamorada full-service: Plantation Yacht Harbor (MM 87, 83 slips, town-owned). REC 90 locations: Tavernier Creek Marina + IslaMarina (MM 85.9). Boat ramps: Tavernier Creek Marina, Harry Harris Park (free), Plantation Yacht Harbor, Pennekamp State Park, Robbie's Marina. Transient slip rates: $1.50–$3.00/ft/night. Book ahead: 2–4 weeks peak season; 12+ months for Mini Lobster Weekend.
Service Legend: ⛽ Fuel 🐟 Bait 🧊 Ice 🔧 Tackle ⚓ Transient Slips 🚤 Boat Ramp 📦 Rack Storage
⚓ Tavernier Marinas (4)
MM 90–92Tavernier Creek Marina Website →
Our top pick in the Upper Keys — a small, full-service marina tucked into Tavernier Creek with Chris's Bait & Tackle on-site (the best live bait in the Keys), REC 90 fuel dock, transient slips, and a boat ramp. Unbeatable dual Atlantic/Bay access through Tavernier Creek and a true local favorite. Home base of Good Karma Sportfishing (Captain Ryan Van Fleet).
Mangrove Marina Website →
Largest full-service marina in the Upper Keys — 20-acre waterfront on the ICW with 102 wet slips, dry rack storage, boat ramp, fuel dock, restaurant, and pool. Full haul-out and repair services.
Plantation Boat Mart & Marina Website →
Full-service marina and Florida's premier boat dealer. Ocean-side access with fuel dock, bait, tackle, and full marine services. Popular departure point for offshore fishing.
7-Eleven Fuel Dock (MM 90)
7-Eleven-affiliated fuel dock open 24/7 for marine fuel. Quick fuel-only stop at competitive price with no waiting for marina hours.
⚓ Key Largo Marinas (18)
MM 97–110Key Largo is the gateway to the Florida Keys — home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, world-class reef fishing, and 18 active marinas spanning from MM 97 to MM 110. Here are the full-service featured marinas, plus a complete quick-reference table for all Key Largo marinas.
Key Largo Fisheries Marina Website →
Commercial fishing marina and seafood market with live bait, fuel dock, and wet slips. Working waterfront with fresh seafood shop and charter boats. Source of the rigged ballyhoo sold at Chris's Bait & Tackle at Tavernier Creek Marina.
Key Largo Harbor Marina Website →
Full-service marina with fuel dock, wet slips, and rack storage. State-of-the-art facilities with pump-out station and ship store.
Marina Del Mar Resort & Marina Website →
Resort marina with fuel dock, transient slips, and dive shop. Popular stop for snorkeling/diving charters heading to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Pilot House Marina Website →
Full-service marina with fuel, bait, ice, transient slips, and rack storage. Well-equipped ship store, pump-out station, and on-site restaurant.
Gilbert's Resort & Marina Website →
Iconic waterfront resort and marina with tiki bar, restaurant, boat ramp, and transient slips. Known for its laid-back Keys atmosphere and Florida Bay access.
Anchorage Resort & Marina Website →
Boutique resort marina with transient slips, boat ramp, and easy access to Card Sound and Blackwater Sound. Pool and beach on-site.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Marina Website →
State park marina with fuel dock, kayak/glass-bottom boat rentals, transient slips, and boat ramp. Gateway to America's first underwater park — world-famous reef snorkeling and diving.
Additional Key Largo Marinas — Quick Reference
| Marina | Address / MM | Phone | ⛽ | 🐟 | ⚓ | 🚤 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Kamp RV Park and Marina | 103620 Overseas Hwy (MM 103.5 Bay) | (305) 451-0010 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Key Largo Kampground & Marina | 101551 Overseas Hwy (MM 101.5 Bay) | (305) 451-1431 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Outdoors Key Largo | 97680 Overseas Hwy (MM 97.5 Ocean) | (305) 852-8481 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Key Largo Storage and Marina | 106600 Overseas Hwy (MM 106.6 Bay) | (954) 533-5563 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Holiday Inn Key Largo Docks | 99701 Overseas Hwy (MM 99.7 Bay) | (305) 451-2121 | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Keys Marina (Bowline Marinas) | 50 Garden Cove Dr (MM 106 Bay) | (305) 451-0600 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Marina Club Key Largo | 100 Ocean Bay Dr (MM 100 Ocean) | (305) 453-0000 | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hidden Key Marina | 100 Lagoon Dr, Key Largo (Bay) | (305) 852-5900 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pontune's Marina, Tiki Bar & Grille | MM 99.5 Bayside | (305) 451-9776 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Caribbean Club | 104080 Overseas Hwy (MM 104 Bay) | (305) 451-9970 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Sundowners Marina / Key Largo Boatyard | 103 Azalea Dr, Key Largo | (305) 451-4502 | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
⚓ Islamorada Marinas (13)
MM 73–87Islamorada — the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World" — has 13 active marinas spanning from Plantation Yacht Harbor at MM 87 down to Robbie's at MM 77.5. Charter boats, backcountry skiffs, offshore sportfishers, and sandbar cruisers all launch from this stretch of US-1.
Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina Website →
Town-owned full-service marina at Founders Park with 83 slips, fuel dock, bait, tackle, and boat ramp. Metered electric and water at all slips. FreeBee shuttle access. Founders Park pool, beach, and tennis included with dockage.
IslaMarina Website →
Full-service marina on Snake Creek with fuel dock (REC 90 & diesel — one of only two Upper Keys marinas with ethanol-free fuel), transient slips, and boat rentals. Popular with local backcountry anglers for Florida Bay access through Snake Creek.
Safe Harbor Islamorada Website →
Full-service marina with wet slips, dry storage, fuel dock, vessel services, and on-site restaurant. Protected dockage with easy access to Yellow Shark Channel and backcountry waters.
Three Waters Resort Marina (formerly Postcard Inn) Website →
Upscale resort marina with 18 transient wet slips, oceanside access, and resort amenities including pool, restaurant, and watersports.
Whale Harbor Marina Website →
Oceanside marina near Whale Harbor Channel — fuel, basic bait, and supplies. Best-known launch point for the Islamorada sandbar and convenient for reef fishing.
Bud N' Mary's Marina Website →
One of the most recognizable names in Florida Keys fishing history. Best suited for anglers booking headboat party trips or private guided charters. Primarily a charter operation rather than a full-service fishing supply destination.
ℹ️ No public boat ramp · Limited specialty fishing gear · Best for booking a guided charter or party boat trip
Robbie's Marina Website →
Iconic backcountry fishing marina famous for tarpon feeding — a must-visit Islamorada landmark. Boat rentals, snorkeling tours, parasailing, and outstanding Florida Bay backcountry access for permit, tarpon, and bonefish.
Additional Islamorada Marinas — Quick Reference
| Marina | Address / MM | Phone | ⛽ | 🐟 | ⚓ | 🚤 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheeca Lodge Marina | 81801 Overseas Hwy (MM 81.8 Ocean) | (305) 664-4651 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| The Moorings Village Marina | 123 Beach Rd (MM 81.6 Ocean) | (305) 664-4708 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Holiday Isle Marina / Rum Runners | 84001 Overseas Hwy (MM 84 Ocean) | (305) 664-2321 | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Lorelei Restaurant & Marina | 81924 Overseas Hwy (MM 82 Bay) | (305) 664-4656 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Papa Joe's Marina | 79786 Overseas Hwy (MM 79.7 Bay) | (305) 664-5005 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Treasure Village Marina | 86729 Old Hwy (MM 86.7 Ocean) | (305) 852-0511 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
Upper Keys Fuel Dock Guide 2026 — REC 90 & Ethanol-Free Locations
Always use REC 90 (ethanol-free) marine fuel in your outboard. Ethanol-blended regular gas causes phase separation, water contamination, and long-term engine damage in saltwater fuel systems.
| Marina | MM / Location | Fuel Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tavernier Creek Marina ⭐ | MM 90.5 Bayside | REC 90 Ethanol-Free | Dockside service · Best for outboard engines |
| IslaMarina | MM 85.9 Bayside | REC 90 + Diesel | One of two Upper Keys marinas with ethanol-free fuel |
| Mangrove Marina | MM 91.7 Bayside | Gas + Diesel | Best gas price in Upper Keys (~$4.50/gal 2026) |
| 7-Eleven Fuel Dock | MM 90 Bayside | Gas (confirm E0) | Open 24/7 — call to confirm REC 90 |
| Plantation Boat Mart | MM 90.4 Oceanside | Gas + Diesel | Oceanside access · Marine services on-site |
| Key Largo Fisheries Marina | MM 103 Bayside | Gas | Key Largo commercial marina fuel dock |
| Pilot House Marina | MM 99.5 Bayside | Gas | Full-service Key Largo fuel stop |
| Plantation Yacht Harbor | MM 87 Bayside | Gas | Town marina · Islamorada |
Live Bait at Upper Keys Marinas — What's Available Where
Not all Upper Keys marinas sell live bait — and freshness varies dramatically. Here's the definitive breakdown:
| Marina | MM | Live Bait Selection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tavernier Creek Marina (Chris's) ⭐ | MM 90.5 | Live shrimp, rigged ballyhoo, unrigged ballyhoo, frozen chum, Sabiki rigs | Best bait selection in the Upper Keys |
| Key Largo Fisheries Marina | MM 103 | Live shrimp, cut bait, commercial bait items | Commercial fishing source — very fresh |
| Plantation Boat Mart | MM 90.4 | Basic bait | Oceanside Key Largo / Tavernier |
| Pilot House Marina | MM 99.5 | Bait and tackle | Key Largo full-service |
| Gilbert's Resort & Marina | MM 107.9 | Basic bait | North Key Largo / Florida Bay |
| Marina Del Mar | MM 100 | Basic bait | Key Largo oceanside |
| IslaMarina | MM 85.9 | Bait and tackle | Islamorada backcountry |
| Plantation Yacht Harbor | MM 87 | Basic bait and tackle | Islamorada town marina |
| Bud N' Mary's | MM 79.8 | Basic bait for charters | Charter clients only |
| Robbie's Marina | MM 77.5 | Basic bait | Backcountry / Florida Bay |
| Papa Joe's Marina | MM 79.7 | Basic bait | Islamorada bayside |
| Pontune's Marina | MM 99.5 | Basic bait | Key Largo bayside |
| Cheeca Lodge Marina | MM 81.8 | Basic bait | Islamorada resort marina |
For the complete guide to bait, lures, and tackle: The Complete Florida Keys Bait Shop Guide — Chris's Bait & Tackle at Tavernier Creek Marina
Upper Keys Public Boat Ramps — Complete Directory
| Location | MM | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tavernier Creek Marina ⭐ | MM 90.5 Bayside | Marina ramp | Best ramp in Upper Keys · Chris's Bait & Tackle on-site |
| Harry Harris County Park | MM 92.5 Oceanside | Free public county ramp | Popular — busy on weekends; free with park entry |
| Murray Nelson Govt Center | MM 102 Bayside | Free public ramp | Bayside Key Largo · free public access |
| Pennekamp State Park Marina | MM 102.5 Oceanside | State park ramp | Reef and ocean access · entry fee applies |
| Gilbert's Resort & Marina | MM 107.9 Bayside | Marina ramp | North Key Largo · Florida Bay access |
| Anchorage Resort & Marina | MM 107.9 Bayside | Resort ramp | Card Sound and Blackwater Sound access |
| Kings Kamp Marina | MM 103.5 Bayside | Marina ramp | RV park marina · bayside |
| Key Largo Kampground & Marina | MM 101.5 Bayside | Marina ramp | Bayside Key Largo |
| Plantation Yacht Harbor | MM 87 Bayside | Town marina ramp | Islamorada Founders Park |
| Robbie's Marina | MM 77.5 Bayside | Marina ramp | Islamorada backcountry / Florida Bay |
Book a Fishing Charter — Good Karma Sportfishing at Tavernier Creek Marina
Captain Ryan Van Fleet of Good Karma Sportfishing is based at Tavernier Creek Marina (MM 90.5). With 14+ years of professional guiding experience, a feature in Florida Sportsman Magazine, and the Seakeeper 2 gyroscope stabilizer for offshore comfort, he offers some of the most highly reviewed charters in the Upper Florida Keys.
Charter Targets
- 🐬 Offshore: Mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, sailfish
- 🐟 Reef: Yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, grouper
- Seakeeper 2 stabilizer for smooth offshore rides
Book Now
- 📧 goodkarmaryan@gmail.com
- 📱 305-619-2126
- Insider fishing reports: Patreon — Rigging Crew 2.0
- Florida Sportsman Magazine Featured Captain
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Keys Marinas
What are the best marinas in the Florida Keys?
The best Upper Keys marinas are: 1) Tavernier Creek Marina (MM 90.5, Tavernier) — best overall for fishing; 2) Mangrove Marina (MM 91.7) — largest, best fuel prices; 3) Plantation Yacht Harbor (MM 87, Islamorada) — best value transient, 83 slips; 4) IslaMarina (MM 85.9) — REC 90 fuel, backcountry access; 5) Key Largo Fisheries Marina (MM 103) — best live bait Key Largo. Notable Islamorada: Safe Harbor, Bud N' Mary's, Robbie's, Whale Harbor.
What is the best fishing marina in the Florida Keys?
Tavernier Creek Marina (MM 90.5 Bayside, Tavernier, FL) — Chris's Bait & Tackle on-site, REC 90 ethanol-free fuel, transient slips, boat ramp, and dual Atlantic/Bay access through Tavernier Creek. Home of Good Karma Sportfishing (Captain Ryan Van Fleet) — the most complete fishing marina in the Upper Keys.
Which Upper Keys marinas have REC 90 ethanol-free fuel?
Tavernier Creek Marina (MM 90.5 Bayside) and IslaMarina (MM 85.9 Bayside, Islamorada) are the two Upper Keys marinas confirmed to carry REC 90 ethanol-free fuel. Always call ahead to verify — availability can change seasonally. REC 90 is critical for outboard engines in marine environments.
What are the best marinas in Islamorada?
Best Islamorada marinas: Plantation Yacht Harbor (MM 87 Bayside) — town-owned, 83 slips, best value; IslaMarina (MM 85.9) — REC 90 and diesel, backcountry access; Safe Harbor Islamorada (MM 80.5) — full-service with dry storage and repair; Bud N' Mary's (MM 79.8) — legendary charter hub; Robbie's Marina (MM 77.5) — iconic backcountry spot, tarpon feeding; Whale Harbor Marina (MM 83.5) — oceanside, sandbar access.
Which marinas have public boat ramps?
Upper Keys marinas and locations with boat ramps: Tavernier Creek Marina (MM 90.5), Harry Harris County Park (MM 92.5, free), Pennekamp State Park Marina (MM 102.5), Gilbert's Resort (MM 107.9), Anchorage Resort (MM 107.9), Plantation Yacht Harbor (MM 87, Islamorada), Robbie's Marina (MM 77.5). Bud N' Mary's Marina does not have a public boat ramp.
How many marinas are in the Upper Florida Keys?
The Upper Florida Keys (Key Largo, Tavernier, and Islamorada, MM 73–110) has 35 active marinas: 4 in Tavernier, 18 in Key Largo, and 13 in Islamorada. These range from small fuel docks and charter hubs to full-service facilities with 100+ slips, haul-out, dry storage, and fuel docks.
Where is the best live bait in Key Largo and Islamorada?
Best live bait in the Upper Keys: Chris's Bait & Tackle at Tavernier Creek Marina (MM 90.5) — live shrimp, rigged ballyhoo from Key Largo Fisheries, frozen chum, shrimp bubblers, and Seaworx Sabiki rigs. For Key Largo: Key Largo Fisheries Marina (MM 103). In Islamorada: IslaMarina (MM 85.9), Papa Joe's (MM 79.7), and Cheeca Lodge Marina (MM 81.8).
What is the best marina for the Islamorada sandbar?
Tavernier Creek Marina (MM 90.5) is one of the best launch points for the Islamorada sandbar — just a 10–20 minute boat ride south through the Atlantic. Stock up on beer, wine, snacks, sunscreen, and SPF clothing at Chris's Bait & Tackle before heading out. Whale Harbor Marina (MM 83.5) is also well-positioned near the Whale Harbor Channel sandbar area.
What is the best marina for Florida Keys lobster season?
Tavernier Creek Marina (MM 90.5) — Chris's Bait & Tackle is a one-stop shop for Florida Keys lobster season. All the lobster gear, tackle, live bait, and REC 90 fuel you need for both mini-season and regular season under one roof. Book slips 12+ months ahead for Mini Lobster Weekend.
What is the best marina for bridge fishing in the Upper Keys?
Tavernier Creek Marina — live shrimp, specialized bridge weights (sputnik, no-roll, pyramid sinkers), BKK hooks, Seaworx fluorocarbon leader, and staff with real-time intel on what's biting under the bridges. Read: Captain Ryan's Florida Keys Bridge Fishing Guide