When you think Miami, you think Miami Vice, Little Havana, the Dolphins, the Heat and Miami Beach. Miami Beach is one of those special places where boating is more than a luxury, it’s a way of life.
Miami Beach Marina is popular with local and transient yachtsmen alike. If you don’t own a boat, they have rentals, casual and fine dining hotels nearby.
If you visit the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center you’ll see a 36′ sculpture titled “Sailfish in Three Stages of Ascending” by artist Kent Ullberg. The Fort Lauderdale work of art also features a marlin, turtles, wahoo and dolphin. To see more photos of this work visit the Broward County Cultural page.
If you’ve been in the Florida Keys and haven’t visited Robbie’s of Islamorada you’re missing out on a view of tarpon that all Florida Keys fishermen dream of. It’s the scene of a 100 lb. tarpon jumping straight up with gills flaring and head a shakin.
And you get to see it very close up, while you feed the tarpon by hand. That’s me while I’m starting to look at the camera, the tarpon is about to inhale the small frozen Spanish sardine that Robbie’s sells to unsuspecting Islamorada tourists.
Robbie’s also has a nice little bar and a restaurant that serves local seafood. There’s an open air market with art, jewelry, clothing and other tropical necessities. Fishing charters can take you to catch your own tarpon and snorkel charters will take you to the reef for a complete day on the water.
Key West Bight along with Garrison Bight are two popular marinas in Key West. The Marina offers charter boats for fishing, diving, snorkeling and cruising.
From Duval Street, take Greene Street northeast three blocks to the marina area. There are lots of shops, bars and restaurants like Commodore Waterfront Restaurant to enjoy while you’re there.
The Jolly Rover is one of the sailing ships offering sunset cruises from the marina.
Posted in Boating, Florida, Florida Keys, Key West, Photo
One building that stands out when visiting Miami’s South Beach is Portofino Tower on Government Cut.
Portofino Tower is a condominium is 484′ tall and has 44 floors. It is the fourth tallest building in Miami.
