Region:
Southeast
INDIAN KEY HISTORIC STATE PARK
Indian Key, Florida Contact Information
P.O. Box 1052
Islamorada, 33036
(305) 664-2540
Indian Key is located about three-fourths of a mile
in a southeasterly direction from the north shore
of Lower Matecumbe Key. Only slightly more than
10 acres in size and separated from the Overseas
Highway by open water, it hardly looks like a place
of historic significance. Yet Indian Key has had
a colorful past which is very much a part of early
Florida history. It dates from the time of prehistoric
Indians to the 1830s, when this small key was the
seat of newly created Dade County. The foundations
of buildings and cisterns on the island date back
to this prosperous time.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown
365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Indian Key is located on the ocean side of U.S. 1 at
M.M. 78.5. It is accessible only by private boat or
charter boats available at nearby marinas.
Park Activities
Boat Tours
Tour boat service to the island is available through "Robbie's Marina." For reservations and
fees, please call (305) 664-9814. Tour boat departs
1/2-hour before listed tour times.
Boating
Visitors can rent powerboats and kayaks from "Robbie’s
Marina" or a number of other local marinas.
Knowledge of the channels is critical because of
the surrounding shallow grass flats. Excursions
outside of the channels can lead to boat damage,
environmental damage, heavy fines and possibly a
criminal record. Kayaks and canoes can float across
most flats offering spectacular chances to see a
variety of wildlife from dolphins and manatees to
sharks and rays.
Fishing
Anglers can fish for a variety of species from Bonefish
on the flats, to Tarpon in the channels. Snapper,
Spanish Mackerel and Snook are also found in the
area. Caribbean Spiny Lobster and Stone Crab are
also found in the waters surrounding the park and
can be harvested when in season. A Florida saltwater
fishing license, with special stamps for Lobster
and Snook, is required. All fishing must be conducted
100 feet from the dock.
Fishing
Anglers can fish for a variety of species from Bonefish
on the flats, to Tarpon in the channels. Snapper,
Spanish Mackerel and Snook are also found in the
area. Caribbean Spiny Lobster and Stone Crab are
also found in the waters surrounding the park and
can be harvested when in season. A Florida saltwater
fishing license, with special stamps for Lobster
and Snook, is required.
Snorkeling
Some local marinas, as well as "Robbie’s
Marina," offer Eco-tours that involve brief stops
at the island and snorkeling in the area around the
island and out on the reef. Remember, all snorkeling
requires a diver down flag. All snorkeling must be conducted
at least 100 feet from the dock at all times.
