Robbie’s of Islamorada: Tips for Visiting a Fun Florida Keys Icon

One of the Florida Keys icons, Robbie’s of Islamorada is a fun, and funny visit you have to make on the trip down the Overseas Highway. I’m sure you know somebody who’s told you to make the stop to feed the tarpon at least, if not I’ll be that person for you right now. There’s lots more to do when you visit Robbie’s though, from food to shopping to kayaking.

We’ve got the full scoop on what to plan for when you visit Robbie’s of Islamorada. Have you been before, and how many cocktails did you have? I remember our first visit to Robbie’s and handing them our fish on ice for them to cook up for our lunch. I’ll get into that and more below. If you have any questions about Robbie’s or planning your time in Islamorada, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help YOU plan a fun trip through the Florida Keys.

Why visit Robbie’s of Islamorada?

Let’s be honest, you come to Robbie’s of Islamorada for the tarpon feeding, but then you stay because there’s really good food and more things to do. There are a few opportunities throughout the Florida Keys to feed tarpon, like at the World Wide Sportsman in Islamorada, but Robbie’s is an icon for it. They’ve got a great setup where you pay a few dollars for a bucket of fish, then you head out on the dock where the tarpon are just hanging out all around. You can dangle one of your bait fish off the edge and they’ll swim up or even jump, or you can feed them through the netted area (no pelicans there). It’s kind of crazy how huge the tarpon are and how excited they get for some fresh fish from tourists’ fingers.

Yes, feeding the tarpon is actually really fun, as cliche of an activity it is. The other thing I really love about visiting Robbie’s of Islamorada is the restaurant, the Hungry Tarpon. Like many Florida Keys restaurants, it’s open air and you get to enjoy the ocean breeze while you look out at the turquoise waters. Add to that my favorite burger in the Keys, quality fish tacos and a fun atmosphere and it’s just great. I know that this may be one of the most touristy places in all of the Florida Keys, but I really do enjoy spending the afternoon at Robbie’s of Islamorada.

Tips for a Great Visit to Robbie’s

You can actually plan your day to have some fun, have some lunch, feed the tarpon and then chill out for the rest of the afternoon all from Robbie’s of Islamorada. Arriving in the morning, there are both kayak and boat rentals that go out of Robbie’s. You can also charter fishing and sightseeing from here as there are quite a few businesses withing the Robbie’s compound.

Spend the morning out on the water and then return to the restaurant for a good lunch and maybe a beverage, and then feed the tarpon out on the dock. Don’t forget to wash your hands as you exit. When you’re done, you can do some shopping, either for souvenirs or fun home decor, maybe go out on another boat, or just call it a day. I like when we have a Robbie’s day because it’s the whole itinerary capped off with relaxation at the end.

And something to note about Robbie’s of Islamorada is that if you’re fishing, you can bring your catch in and they’ll cook it up for you. You can have it done multiple ways: grilled, fried or blackened. I like the way they do it, but I do think the cost is silly given that you’re actually providing the fish to be cooked. I think a better use of your fresh catch is to use a grill back at your hotel/resort or have a barbecue at one of the many parks and cook it yourself.

Ideas for a Day at Robbie’s of Islamorada

When you visit Robbie’s of Islamorada, plan for it to be at least half of your day. Bring your sunblock and sunglasses because even if you haven’t planned a boating adventure, you may decide that you want to get out on the water while you’re there. Even the kayaking from Robbie’s is great with lots of wildlife in the channels, so if you don’t have any other kayaking on your trip plan, add it while you’re here.

There are actually a few companies that run their tours out of the Robbie’s complex including Florida Keys Boat Rentals, Keyz Charters, Blue Heaven Fishing Charters, jet ski rentals and more. If you don’t have a plan for your day, show up ready to choose something fun out on the water. One of the more random activities that leaves from Robbie’s is the passenger ferry out to Lignumvitae Key State Park, which is only accessible by boat. If it’s the weekend, consider this jaunt for a fun trip.

Things to See around Robbie’s of Islamorada

Robbie’s of Islamorada is located on Lower Matecumbe Key, just south of the primary Islamorada town on Upper Matecumbe Key. Robbie’s is both a fun tourist complex and a marina where you can rent a boat or launch to visit both Indian Key State Park and Lignumvitae Key State Park. You can leave from Robbie’s to visit the sand bars or dink around the mangrove islands. Being at the end of the Upper Keys or start of the Middle Keys, you’ve got lots of waterways to explore, and this is a great stop midway on your journey down the Overseas Highway to Key West.