Whether you are driving south to Key West along Route 1 or heading back from partying on Duval Street, you must stop at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada at mile marker 775.

You could spend two to three days here with all the various activities and fun available.

The definition of a cheap thrill in the Keys is to feed the 50 to 100 enormous tarpon swimming around their dock, only a few feet deep.

Nicknamed the “Silver King” these tarpon are five to eight feet long and some are over 150 pounds.   You can go to the dock from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily and just watch the fun for $2.50 or pay $5 for a bucket of fish, but watch your fingers.

Now if you want to catch fish and bring them back to the restaurant to be cooked whatever way you like, there are many choices.

For a first class fishing cruise these boats are captained by total pros who know these waters and their crew/deck mates are awesome.

If you’re looking for a less expensive route let’s say $40 to $100 per person, then you are fishing on a party boat. These are good times especially when everybody is reeling in something.

We rented an 18 ft skiff with motor for $195 for 4 hours and swam, snorkeled, fished and had a blast in that beautiful blue green water.

Rent a kayak and in 25 minutes you’re at Indian Key island which is like stepping back in time with Indian Ruins still visible from 100 years ago.

You can rent jet skis and take off yourself or go on a Jet Ski Safari with a guide to all the cool spots, or go parasailing.

There are a variety of boats to go on for a classic Sunset Cruise and there is a 46 ft glass bottom boat that shows you some some amazing fish and coral.

The waterfront restaurant the Hungry Tarpon has a killer menu of fresh seafood and great service.  The fish tacos are the bomb.

Robbie’s is Iconic and a must stop in the Keys along Route 1.