Should You Visit Marathon?

Is Marathon worth visiting?

This island is a good place to visit for three to seven days. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in American Express's Best Travel Destinations of 2023. Marathon is part of the Florida Keys island chain and it has beautiful beaches and turquoise water. The island is also home to the Dolphin Research Center which allows visitors to get up close and personal with friendly dolphins. Many people visit the island for its diving and snorkeling or to see the Loggerhead turtles that nest at Coco Plum Beach and the popular Sombrero Beach.

Marathon Key

Reasons to Visit Marathon

Resorts
Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Beaches
Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Food
There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Nightlife
Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Is Marathon worth visiting in the Summer?

The high season for travel in Marathon is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open. Marathon is a popular destination during the summer months.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 29°C (84°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 32°C (89°F).

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the resorts, and the nightlife.

Is Marathon worth visiting in the Autumn?

The weather in Marathon is fairly warm during autumn, and stays around 27°C (80°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (84°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Marathon, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery.

Is Marathon worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the shoulder season for travel in Marathon. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices. Marathon makes a great escape from the cold winter season up north.

The warm weather in winter is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (70°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 24°C (75°F).

You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to taste delicious cuisine and take advantage of the local nightlife.

Is Marathon worth visiting in the Spring?

The high season for travel in Marathon is the spring, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 25°C (77°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (82°F).

One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery and the nightlife scene.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Marathon

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Marathon might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Marathon here or see if Marathon is expensive here.

Related

What is Marathon most famous for?

Marathon is most famous for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. People visit this impressive island for its great resorts and beaches. It is also known for its great food, nightlife, and scuba diving & snorkeling. It is often described as beautiful, relaxing, and quaint.

What is the most famous sight in Marathon?

The most popular sight in Marathon is The Dolphin Research Center. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Marathon on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Dolphin Research Center and other attractions here.

How touristy is Marathon? Is it a popular island to visit?

Marathon is a popular island for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

How long should I spend in Marathon?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Marathon is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Marathon has activities such as resorts and beaches, many visit for up to seven days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Marathon?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Marathon?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Marathon?.