LIGNUMVITAE KEY BOTANICAL STATE
PARK
Islamorada, Florida Contact Information
P.O. Box 1052
Islamorada, 33036
(305) 664-2540
The serenity and isolation of remote islands have always
captured man's imagination. Lignumvitae Key is no exception.
To step ashore here is to take a step back into the
past. The Matheson House, built in 1919, has changed
little over the years. A windmill supplied power; fresh
water was provided from a cistern which filled by rain
falling on the roof. The virgin tropical forest that
thrives here is typical of the kind of scenery that
was once enjoyed on most of Florida's Upper Keys. As
the Keys were developed to accommodate an increasing
number of people, most of the unique vegetation was
scraped away, making the tropical forest of Lignumvitae
Key a very rare and special place. Here, you walk in
the shade of trees with strange names like mastic, strangler
fig, poisonwood, pigeon plum and gumbo-limbo.
Hours of Operation
Park is open Thursday-Monday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Driving Directions
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is located one
mile west of U.S.1 at Mile Marker 78.5. Access is by
private boat or charter boats at nearby marinas.
Park Activities
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. Fishing may be done
around the island, but not within 100 feet of the nearest
dock.
Guided Tours
1.5-hour guided walks are given at 10:00 a.m. and
2:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday. The tour fee is
$1 per person. Children under 6 are admitted free
of charge. Access to the Key for these tours is limited
to privately owned boats or charter boats available
at nearby marinas. For reservations call (305) 664-9814.
Tour boat departs 1/2-hour before listed tour times.
Snorkeling
Some local marinas, as well as “Robbie’s
Marina," run 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 100 feet from the nearest dock.
