Indian Key State Historic Site
Indian Key State Historic Site
Indian Key State Historic Site
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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4.5
237 reviews
Excellent
138
Very good
73
Average
25
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0
CathySalustri
Gulfport, FL73 contributions
May 2021
This is a short paddle from Indian Key Fill, and the paddle itself is gorgeous. We were fortunate enough to get a tour from Brad Bertelli at the Keys History and Discovery Museum. Fascinating place with great history – this small island was once the Date County seat! The snorkeling was also wonderful and there were so many butterflies they looked like blinking fairy lights.
Written 20 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mttaylor9
Baltimore, MD837 contributions
Jan 2022
The pier is in disrepair so you have to swim or Kayak in to visit Indian Key. The water was so shallow that about 500 feet of the swim was in under 12" of water.
Once you get to the island there is a PAY STATION!?! Seriously, I just swam to the island, where do they expect that I come up with the fee?
Besides the weird, honor system, pay station, the island is cool. Great history, if you take the time to read the plaques. Picturesque views and sandy walking trails.
Once you get to the island there is a PAY STATION!?! Seriously, I just swam to the island, where do they expect that I come up with the fee?
Besides the weird, honor system, pay station, the island is cool. Great history, if you take the time to read the plaques. Picturesque views and sandy walking trails.
Written 18 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R8363QUdavidd
Cleveland, GA32 contributions
June 2022
Because of storm damage, the dock is unusable. You have to use your own boat and anchor several feet (100+) offshore and swim or wade in.
Snorkeling is great and the island is interesting (there are signs that explain the history).
Snorkeling is great and the island is interesting (there are signs that explain the history).
Written 5 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hawkfish
Santa Rosa Beach, FL647 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
I found the easy kayak journey to Indian Key was one of the best things I did in the Keys. It’s only half a mile from Robbie’s marina to the key, and novices can easily do this trip. You can rent sit-on-top kayaks from Robbie’s. Most of the way is only a couple of feet deep and you can see bottom; on an extreme low tide it may be difficult (at least not as easy) to reach the key. The day I went was flat calm, but on other days when it was breezy I drove past the key on the highway bridge and the route to the key still looked fine. The only weather problem would be if the wind was coming strongly from the south or if there was a thunderstorm. Tiny 11-acre Indian Key has an interesting history as it was the first county seat of Dade County (the county where Miami now is) in the 1830s and was also the site of a Seminole Indian attack in 1840. The key is now a Florida State Historic Park, and the state has re-built the small grid of streets that originally existed when the key was inhabited. There are some interesting plants, including numerous agaves (century plants) in bloom. Keep in mind that this is an undeveloped park and there are no restrooms, trash cans, or drinking water on the island, so come prepared. Also bring $3 with you to pay the park fee, although this is on the honor system.
There is some snorkeling on the south side of the key, although it appeared to be weather dependent and may not be possible if there is much wind or waves from the south. (It was calm when I was here). Enter the water where a park bench is located along the shore and snorkel to the right in the direction of the key’s dock. The 10-foot underwater visibility wasn’t that great and there was particulate matter in the water, but I was surprised to find there was quite a bit to see. Most of the good stuff was along the undercut edge of the key in just several feet of water. In the undercut there were many fish, morays, lobster, snook, and amazingly, my first ever goliath grouper. He was small by goliath standards at about 3 feet long, but still impressive to encounter. I also found a bunch of live snail shells including a horse conch, cowry, large queen conchs, etc. (Note: it’s not legal to keep live shells here.) If the visibility had been better, snorkeling at Indian Key would have been very good. Maybe the visibility is better in the summer when there are longer periods of calm.
All in all, I highly recommend this trip. It’s an easy “soft” adventure!
There is some snorkeling on the south side of the key, although it appeared to be weather dependent and may not be possible if there is much wind or waves from the south. (It was calm when I was here). Enter the water where a park bench is located along the shore and snorkel to the right in the direction of the key’s dock. The 10-foot underwater visibility wasn’t that great and there was particulate matter in the water, but I was surprised to find there was quite a bit to see. Most of the good stuff was along the undercut edge of the key in just several feet of water. In the undercut there were many fish, morays, lobster, snook, and amazingly, my first ever goliath grouper. He was small by goliath standards at about 3 feet long, but still impressive to encounter. I also found a bunch of live snail shells including a horse conch, cowry, large queen conchs, etc. (Note: it’s not legal to keep live shells here.) If the visibility had been better, snorkeling at Indian Key would have been very good. Maybe the visibility is better in the summer when there are longer periods of calm.
All in all, I highly recommend this trip. It’s an easy “soft” adventure!
Written 23 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OHtravels
Ohio211 contributions
June 2014 • Friends
Recently paddled my kayak to Indian Key to explore and snorkel on a warm, but clear Friday morning with friends. We left from the shore about 7:30 am @ MM 78ish close to Robbie’s, and within 15 minutes had arrived at the designated Kayak Landing on Indian Key. This landing is almost directly across from the shore – there is a sign pointing to it on the island. From the Landing, follow the trail up and to the right to pay your fees and get information at the Honor Box. There were not pamphlets available for us – just an empty box. We did explore the island for about an hour, reading numerous interpretive signs located about the trails and climbed up the wooden tower for a grand panoramic view of the surrounding land and waters. A mosquito was not to be found, but some yellow flies as we departed at low tide were a nuisance. Make sure to take plenty of water and a snack, as none is available. Sunblock and bug spray are a must. If you plan to snorkel, head to the side of the island near the lighthouse at HIGH tide only. You will need a Diver Down marker to snorkel. We were able to see lots of beautiful fish as we walked on the dock. Watch for cushion sea stars as you kayak out to the Key and ONLY go with the HIGH tide or you will be stranded. The waters are VERY shallow in many places. Some of the nearby state parks have maps of the island so plan ahead and pick on up. Have a great time.
Written 27 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rthiessen
Knoxville, TN27 contributions
June 2013 • Family
Go to Robbie's Marina at MM 77.5. Robbie's is really a collection of shops, rental facilities, and a restaurant called The Hungry Tarpon. One of the rental places is called The Kayak Shack, which rents kayaks. We got a two-seater for around $55.
Indian Key is a short paddle from the marina. Point yourself toward the dock on the Southeast side of the island. You will come across a kayak landing area about 100 feet before you hit the dock.
The park service provides tours or you can buy a pamphlet ($1) explaining the history of the island at the main boat dock.
You can also paddle some backcountry mangrove channels in this area. The staff at Kayak Shack can provide you with maps to both Indian Key and to the mangrove channels.
Indian Key is a short paddle from the marina. Point yourself toward the dock on the Southeast side of the island. You will come across a kayak landing area about 100 feet before you hit the dock.
The park service provides tours or you can buy a pamphlet ($1) explaining the history of the island at the main boat dock.
You can also paddle some backcountry mangrove channels in this area. The staff at Kayak Shack can provide you with maps to both Indian Key and to the mangrove channels.
Written 16 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kari L
Kiowa, CO10 contributions
June 2014 • Couples
Rented the Kayak at Robbie's (mm77) and paddled to Indian Key. Toured the island, markers give you the history. Snorkeled off the coral shelf and saw large schools, barracuda, lobster, parrot fish and other tropical fish without having to get on crowded dive boat. Kayaked the mangroves back at Robbie's when we returned. Gone 6 hours but they didn't charge any additional. Nice to do with just the two of us.
Written 29 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry P
Fort Lauderdale, FL32 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
After seeing the amount of trash that has accumulated on the key, we will be putting together our Scout troop to go out and do a clean-up day in conjunction with some kayaking skills. Much of it is from the storm, but the bag of food junk and beer cans was a gift from a thoughtless visitor.
Aside from that, the island is a fascinating throwback to the mid-1800's and if you're a history buff, you need to do some research before you go out there. Fascinating stuff with intrigue and treachery amidst the political stuff of the era!
Bring water!
The Tamarind grove is usually about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of the area and is a great spot for lunch on one of the several benches provided. (please carry out your garbage though - see first paragraph! :-) )
Aside from that, the island is a fascinating throwback to the mid-1800's and if you're a history buff, you need to do some research before you go out there. Fascinating stuff with intrigue and treachery amidst the political stuff of the era!
Bring water!
The Tamarind grove is usually about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of the area and is a great spot for lunch on one of the several benches provided. (please carry out your garbage though - see first paragraph! :-) )
Written 12 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill H
Morristown, NJ61 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
We rented kayaks at Robbie's for an easy and short paddle out to Indian Key. We had a great time checking out the underwater plants on the ocean floor that is not far beneath the boats on this shallow ride. Make sure to wear polarized sun glasses so that you can see as much as possible under the water as you ride along on top of it. We were able to paddle right up to a sand and rock beach where we could leave our boats while we explored the island. There is a small State Park fee of a couple dollars that you leave in a box on the honor system - so make sure to bring along a few singles to put in the box. We also brought along plenty of water and a picnic lunch to enjoy on the covered dock. Such a nice way to spend an afternoon! There are flat pathways to follow in a grid pattern and a few benches near the water's edge. We also enjoyed climbing the observation tower for a great 360° view of this small, deserted island. This was a fun way to spend a couple of hours. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, because you will be in sun for a while and there is truly nothing available on this deserted island. And like the scouts say, take your garbage with you and "leave no trace" that you have been there. :)
Written 10 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James C
Hyde Park, NY135 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
If you rent a kayak, or bring your own, go to Indian Key at rising high tide. It will not only make your paddle easier but if you want to snorkel you will see more.
If you are going to snorkel follow these tips. First bring some water shoes. The trap rock you have to walk across is sharp. Secondly, after you park your Kayak in the lagoon where everyone else parks, walk across the island and go in the water close to the grave marker of the person who once owned this island (?). There is a nice ledge there that follows along the island where many fish hang out. We were there in January and the water was about 73F. You need some kind of wetsuit. 3 mil long or shorty would do. It’s very shallow, only about 2-3 feet. A snorkel inflater would help
If you are going to snorkel follow these tips. First bring some water shoes. The trap rock you have to walk across is sharp. Secondly, after you park your Kayak in the lagoon where everyone else parks, walk across the island and go in the water close to the grave marker of the person who once owned this island (?). There is a nice ledge there that follows along the island where many fish hang out. We were there in January and the water was about 73F. You need some kind of wetsuit. 3 mil long or shorty would do. It’s very shallow, only about 2-3 feet. A snorkel inflater would help
Written 9 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does this require a permit? Also which kayak rental would be closest to Indian Key?
Written 24 June 2018
TrailBlazer419022
Key Largo, Florida
There is a self serve pay station located on the island by the kayak landing. The fee is 2.50 per person. Robbie’s marina is the closest place to rent kayaks.
Written 26 October 2018
How long does it take to paddle from Robbies?
Written 9 February 2017
It took about 45 minutes one way. We were a large group with some younger kayakers. It's about 0.8 miles, and (very!) shallow water.
Written 19 February 2017
Is there parking on road and spot to launch our own kayaks?
Written 8 June 2016
We launched from Robbie's Marina and we also just launched from one of the roadside pull offs.
Written 22 July 2016
I would like to know where can I rent a kayak to get to the Indian Key?
Written 25 April 2016
We have our own but you can rent a kayak from Robbie's Marina to get to Indian Key.
Written 22 July 2016
Saw your post about Indian Key and wondered if you had a contact number for Greg your guide. Did you hire him out of Robbies?Thanks.
Written 4 February 2016
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