This small sea life is at the base of local ocean food webs. Fishermen love to troll around sargassum patches, a floating marine food court. Life at our end of the food chain fortunately includes lemonade and picnics on the beach. But relaxing on the shore prepares us for more invigorating endeavors. Dog-paddle in the shallows, or float lazily on a raft perfecting your enviable tan.
Tropical plants abound, and a nature trail follows the shore of a tidal lagoon.
Swimming, snorkeling, diving, picnicking, fishing, boating and camping are available at the recreation area. Of course, Vaca Key's own Sombrero Beach and Coco Plum Beach lie within easy reach of central Marathon. For the adventurous, high-tech water sports kick your adrenaline into turbo. With wave runners and jet skis for rent, skim at speed across the glassy surface, or thunder through waves with the throttle pegged. Soar high on a parasail, tethered 500-feet behind the tow boat for an unparalleled vista of the colorful Caribbean waters.