Florida Keys Vacation Home

<body bgcolor="#ffffff" text="#000000" link="#0000ff" vlink="#800080" alink="#ff0000"> <p><a name="top"></a><a HREF="http://www.floridavacations.com">Florida Vacations .com</a> </p> <center> <p><img class="ttla" src="ttla.gif" width="95%" alt="500 Ocean"> </p> </center> <p class="intro">florida keys vacation! When Jimmy Buffet sings about "Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude" in the Florida Keys, he sure has if right! Come visit with us at our 500 Ocean luxury vacation villa where relaxing amidst world class crystal clear waters, brilliant blue skies and friendly people is a way of life. </p> <p> <img class="waterfrount" src="500-Waterfront-2000.jpg" width="65%" alt="come to the keys!"> </p> <p>500 Ocean offers everything your family needs for a leisurely holiday. As the southernmost part of the United States, the Keys are dedicated to preserving their laid-back nature. Leave your neckties and high heels at home. Not much attention is paid to clocks as residents operate on variable "island time". </p> <p>As it has for centuries, life focuses here on the water. The Atlantic beaches of Marathon are among the few in the Florida Keys. To the south lies the Gulf where the deep sea angler can battle sail fish, dolphin, marlin and wahoo, or simply relax and enjoy the secluded tropical charm of the island. 500 Ocean is just minutes away from the best fishing, boating, windsurfing, sailing, diving and restaurants in the sportfishing capital of the world: Marathon, Florida Keys. Nearby are also such attractions as North America's only living coral reef, golf courses, Looe Key Marine Sanctuary, Dolphin Research Center (swim with dolphins), Museum of Natural History, and Sombrero Beach. Marathon is serviced by a modern airport, its own hospital, several large supermarkets and major pharmacies with many excellent restaurants in the area. </p> <p><a href="http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Marathon.html"> <img class="weather" src="http://banners.wunderground.com/banner/bigtemptr/US/FL/Marathon.gif" alt="Click for Marathon, Florida Forecast" height="94" width="185" border="0"> </a></p> <p>Our 500 Ocean Vacation Villa is located in the heart of the Florida Keys on Marathon Key. It is located closest to Mile Marker 50 on The Overseas Highway (US- 1). This location is centrally located to allow easy access from the Mainland, yet close enough to take easy trips to both Key West and Key Largo. Central not only to all the Keys, but smack dab in the center of Marathon itself. This places it close to all the shopping, airports, golf courses, restaurants and beaches. </p> <a name="amenities"></a> <h1>Amenities </h1> <p><img class="deck" src="deck.jpg" width="65%" alt="restful"> 500 Ocean is more than one thousand square feet of pure comfort and feel. It is a two bedroom, two bath luxury stilt home on the water that comfortably sleeps six. It is spacious and open styled with vaulted ceilings in the living room, kitchen and dining areas. Four sets of sliding glass doors provide excellent views of the ocean access waterfront and the tropical foliage. The living room has two couches, one pulls to a queen-sized sleeper. The Living room is decorated in tropical decor with wading birds, five foot pictures and four foot high vases. The home has a 18 x 24 foot party lanai just outside overlooking the waterfront. In addition, a full length balcony travels along the length of the home on the waterfront side. At the end of the Balcony even an elevator is provided to haul groceries and people to the second floor. All sliding glass doors empty out on the balcony or Lanai areas, where you can step out for a breath of fresh ocean air or check the steak and lobster cooking downstairs on the Bar-B-Que. From your overlook, you can just catch a glimpse of the open ocean to the south, and watch the earliest of sun rises from the east. 500 Ocean is perfectly positioned on the island of Marathon. Only seconds by boat to the Atlantic Ocean, and only Minutes to the Gulf of Mexico. Two Oceans and No Waiting are served up every morning with quick access to both. </p> <a name="sleeping"></a> <h1>Sleeping </h1> <p> <img class="masterBedroom" width="65%" src="master%20bedroom.jpg" alt="the comfort of your own home"> </p> <p>500 Ocean has two separate bedrooms. The master bedroom is spacious with plenty of room for storage. The master king-sized bed is positioned toward the waterfront view and wake-up sunrise. The sliding glass doors in the bedroom offer a wonderful waterfront view and access outside to the balcony. The master bedroom has a full sized private bath, and private remote color television. A readout is also provided for the wind-speed metering equipment. With this, the Captain can check the conditions for an early fishing trip without leaving his bed. If the wind is too high, he can just roll over and hit the snooze button on the alarm clock. </p> <p> <img class="secondBedroom" width="65%" src="second%20bedroom.jpg" alt="comfortably sleeps six"> The Guest bedroom has two twin beds for flexibility which can be slid together to produce another king bed if desired. The home is fully equipped with central heat and air conditioning for full comfort on balmy nights with no breeze. However, the elevated nature of the home and close proximity to the ocean provide access to frequent trade winds. These winds provide a pleasing breeze at night which you can enjoy on the Lanai or let them gently whistle through the house while you sleep. The sounds of the rustling palm fronds produce a pleasing background sound broken only by the splashing Tarpon in the water below. </p> <p>In addition to the two bedrooms, the large couch in the living room pulls out to a queen-sized sleeper bed. All linens and pillows for all the beds are provided. The Living room queen sleeper also has a waterfront view. </p> <a name="kitchen"></a> <h1>Kitchen </h1> <p>The kitchen is set up just like home and has all the niceties for preparing your own tropical meals and beverages. It is fully equipped with a full sized self -cleaning range, full-sized automatic microwave, dishwasher, full counter appliances, coffe-maker, toaster, refrigerator with tea-maker and all the pots, pans, silverware and stoneware needed. Tropical designer dinnerware is fully stocked in the kitchen cabinets. In the drawers is everything from lobster scissors to a blender. There is a large dining area adjacent to the kitchen with an oak and tile dining room table. In addition, the kitchen has an eat-at bar with oak stools to provide a place for a quick fisherman's breakfast or for passing out rations of grog and Pinia Coladas. </p> <p>Conveniently placed upstairs right next to the kitchen is the storage and laundry room. A brand new full sized washer and dryer are provided for your use. A stockpile of additional linens and towels is available. </p> <a name="livingAreas"></a> <h1>Living Areas </h1> <p> <img src="living%20room%20overlook.jpg" class="livingRoomOverlooks" width="65%" alt="beautiful views are everywhere!"> </p> <p>The living room has a wonderful view out the sliding glass doors of the waterfront and dock below. Two comfortable couches and a tasteful tropical decor are found in the living room. There are many luxury furnishings including a large 27-inch remote control television and VHS videocassette recorder. You can watch your own vacation videotapes made during the day, or draw some from a collection of feature movies, sports and cartoons we keep hidden in the cabinet. There is also a collection of Cards, board games and puzzles available. In addition to the extended cable television service, a video store is right nearby where you may rent more movies. Unlike some keys rental homes, a telephone is provided to make unlimited free local phone calls. </p> <a name="theGrounds"></a> <h1>The downstairs recreational area </h1> <p> <img src="waterfront.jpg" class="waterfront" width="45%" alt="enjoy the beaty of the keys!"> </p> <p>The entire yard below the home is covered in very small white pea rock. This gives an appearance almost like a white beach out near the dock. The grounds are dotted with coconut palms, sago palms, areca palms, umbrella trees and bananas. You are welcome to all the ripe coconuts and bananas you can eat. There are two large loungers and two beach chairs for relaxing and catching some rays. In addition there is an extra-large rope hammock to relax in and snooze the day away. Two brand new wide-tire bicycles are provided for touring the island and beaches free of charge. </p> <p>For enjoyment, there is a nice full-sized gas bar-b-que grill provided with warming rocks and wooden shelves. Of course, there is a set of he-man bar-b-que tools, and fish grilling plates to go with it </p> <p>You will find the neighborhood quiet and relaxing. The homes around 500 OCEAN are occupied with friendly year round residents. The nearby retirement mobile home park is quiet and peaceful. The noisiest neighbor is "Whitey" the large snow-white egret who has adopted the waterway as his private kingdom. Whitey frequently squawks to attract people to throw him a bait fish or two. The background sounds are filled with wind chimes, parrots and the "Who-Who-who" sounds of the florida keys ring-necked turtle doves. </p> <a name="byTheWater"></a> <h1>Down by the Water </h1> <p><img src="75%20ft%20seawall.jpg" class="75FtSeawall" width="65%" alt> </p> <p>Just below the home on the first floor is a spacious 400 square foot locked storage room and two carports to store your vehicle and equipment. This large storeroom is only a few feet from the dock making secure storage of your fishing and scuba gear a snap. No need to haul any wet and heavy gear upstairs with the secure storage downstairs. There is a custom made fishing rod holder to keep your rods handy and safe downstairs by the boat. A small freezer is set up downstairs for your use to keep extra ice, frozen bait or to store your frozen booty. The freezer is trial-tested to hold a hundred lobster tails. </p> <p>500 Ocean has a seventy-five foot long concrete seawall poured directly onto the island cap-rock. Two 5000 pound boat davits are there to haul a boat to dry land for storage. When guests are there, the owner's boat might be stored on land away from the dock. This will always leave the seventy-five-foot long deep water dock available for mooring. Over thirty feet of the seawall is set-up with wooden fenders for safe boat mooring. The entire length of the seawall dock cap is covered in white cool-deck concrete for tender bare feet on a hot day. A heavy duty retractable aluminum ladder is mounted to give access to the water's edge for swimming or boating. An awesome 48 inch high caliber fish cleaning table is set up of the edge of the dock. The dock is only a few hundred yards from the open ocean. </p> <p>Access over the Voca Key Bight is provided by a privately maintained cut to the deep water of the Atlantic. A five foot controlled depth provides easy access to many large yachts and sailboats in the area. Our waterway itself is dredged to fifteen feet deep of our dock. This depth is probably what brings to many large fish to feed and play off our docks day and night. At the ocean end of the waterway is a vast expanse of bonefish flats for the adventure fisherman. The ocean is close enough to make Kayaks, canoes and paddle boots a viable alternative to power boating. If you do not own a boot, you can rent one at several marinas close by. A trove of vendors provide runabouts, fishing boats, Jet-Skis, and even kayaks and canoes for any length of rental. If you do bring your own boat, there are plenty of nearby ramps within three miles to safely launch your boat and bring it over to the dock. </p> <p><a name="fishing"></a></p> <h1>Fishing </h1> <p>With two oceans to choose, good fishing can always be found. The drop to 200ft plus is less than four miles from our dock for the start of some high yield deep sea fishing for large schools of dolphin, cobia, wahoo and more. There are a hundred patch reefs within two miles of the dock loaded with yellow-tail and mangrove snapper, Hogfish and grouper. Just few miles away through Knight Channel and Vaca Cut, is access to the Gulf of Mexico on Marathon's North side. The "Bayside" here seems endless in all directions. Grouper fishing in the gulf and the endless supply of lobster will surely fill your daily bag limits. </p> <h1>Diving / Lobstering / Spear fishing </h1> <p>Fantastic coral encrusted Sombrero Reef is only four miles to the southwest with easy access across the shallow water inside the reef even by small boats on calm sea days. Sombrero is a protected reef but there are a hundred smaller reefs nearby of the edge of the deep water to hunt lobster and snorkel the endless and varied sights of the wonderful reefs. Spear fishing and lobstering is not prohibited in the waters around Marathon. The Bayside (Gulf-of-Mexico) his open access without restrictions like the Upper Keys. There is a large supply of excellent well-known dive operators that operate everything from large yachts to small personalized two person dives of all the popular dive sites around the Middle Keys. Of course one of the most popular activities is just pulling behind a boat on the Bayside to check out the deep coral holes filled with fish and lobster (called Honey holes). </p> <a name="aroundTheTown"></a> <h1>Around the Town </h1> <p>Everything is close at hand and most of if within bicycle distance. There are miles of sidewalks to ride the bikes provided, even to the beach. The new Publix and Winn Dixie markets provide all the supplies you need. All the well-known marine supply houses have stores on the Island. Even the new Home Depot carries marine gear and supplies. There is an ample supply of tourist shopping too on Marathon and nearby Islamorada. Plenty of tee-shirts, coconuts and local island art and crafts can be found at shops all along the islands. </p> <h1>Local Tropical Diversions </h1> <p> <img class="sombreroBeach" src="sombrero.jpg" width="20%" alt="Sombrero Beach"> </p> <p>If boating and diving are not your thing there is still plenty to do around the Middle Keys. Just a mile or so away from the house is Sombrero Beach. A nice white sand public beach (free, unlike some in the keys) with Bar-B-Que pits and facilities. This beach can be easily reached by car or by bicycle from the house. <br> <br> <br> <img class="cranePoint" src="pathway.jpg" width="20%" alt="Crane Point"> Crane Point Hammock is an interesting mix of history, geology and marine science with nature trails, museums and marine touch tanks. It makes for a fun and educational tour. <br> <br> <br> <img class="dolphin" src="dolphin.jpg" width="15%" alt="dolphin research center"> The Dolphin Research Center has daily tours and educational shows on dolphins and marine life available just nearby on Grassy Key. And don't forget the Key Doer refuge on Big Pine Key. <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <img class="sevenMileBridge" src="sevenMileBridge.jpg" width="20%" alt="Seven Mile Bridge"> A trip to Pigeon Island makes for an interesting ride over the Old Seven Mile Railroad bridge. This attraction is a historical tour of the one time railroad construction base. Many beautiful homes have been restored on this oasis island in the middle of the seven mile bridge. Art and science meet at this historical location. </p> <p>Of course, some of the best attractions are right at home, just relaxing near the waterfront in the hammock. The island of Marathon his plenty of places to ride your bike to, and plenty of restaurants and shopping near by to peddle over to in addition to the beach. </p> <h1>Nearby Attractions </h1> <p>Key West and all of its night life and attractions are only a quick drive west. Less than an hour away, Key West, Mark Twain history, Mel Fisher's Treasure and the Conch Train await. You can also drive east to Islamorada and Key Largo for come great shopping at World Sportsman, Treasure Village, Rain Barrel, and many more. </p> <p>There is plenty of fine dining to suit all tastes and budgets and plenty of shopping and entertainment. You can eat out, take in, or prepare your own meals and save plenty. Many restaurants also deliver to our 500 Ocean home, or you may find it is more fun to prepare your meals at home, eat in the quiet breeze of the Lanai, and look out over the water. </p> <p>The least expensive way to get there from inside Florida is to drive. It is a simple trip from anywhere in Florida. Just find your way to the Florida Turnpike, go south and be sure to take the turnpike extension exit in Hollywood. The turnpike extension will bypass the Miami traffic for a smooth sail down to Florida City where you merge with US Highway One. US-1 becomes the "Overseas Highway" to cut a border between the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Half way down is Marathon Key. Arrival by plane is also easy and reasonably inexpensive. Regularly scheduled flights are available from Miami and connections inside Florida to anywhere in the USA. Private Jets and planes are also welcome of this full-service international airport. </p> <p>When all the fishing, diving and touring are done for the day, the best part is coming home to 500 Ocean for some absolutely perfect time with your friends or family. I think this is the greatest place to be to relax and unwind. </p> <h1>For More Information and Reservations Contact: </h1> <center> <p>Chuck & Lisa Couture <br> 5401 Citrus Avenue <br> Fort Pierce, Fl 34982 </p> <p>Phone (772) 595-9995 <br> or </p> <p><br> <br> <br> <a class="email" href="mailto:ppalmtree@aol.com">E-mail Us Here! </a><br> <a class="email" href="mailto:ppalmtree@aol.com"><img src="email.gif" width="100" height="62"> </a> </p> </center> <p><a name="top"></a></p> <center> <p><img class="ttla" src="ttla.gif" width="95%" alt="500 Ocean"> </p> </center> <p class="intro">When Jimmy Buffet sings about "Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude" in the Florida Keys, he sure has if right! Come visit with us at our 500 Ocean luxury vacation villa where relaxing amidst world class crystal clear waters, brilliant blue skies and friendly people is a way of life. </p> <p> <img class="waterfrount" src="500-Waterfront-2000.jpg" width="65%" alt="come to the keys!"> </p> <p>500 Ocean offers everything your family needs for a leisurely holiday. As the southernmost part of the United States, the Keys are dedicated to preserving their laid-back nature. Leave your neckties and high heels at home. Not much attention is paid to clocks as residents operate on variable "island time". </p> <p>As it has for centuries, life focuses here on the water. The Atlantic beaches of Marathon are among the few in the Florida Keys. To the south lies the Gulf where the deep sea angler can battle sail fish, dolphin, marlin and wahoo, or simply relax and enjoy the secluded tropical charm of the island. 500 Ocean is just minutes away from the best fishing, boating, windsurfing, sailing, diving and restaurants in the sportfishing capital of the world: Marathon, Florida Keys. Nearby are also such attractions as North America's only living coral reef, golf courses, Looe Key Marine Sanctuary, Dolphin Research Center (swim with dolphins), Museum of Natural History, and Sombrero Beach. Marathon is serviced by a modern airport, its own hospital, several large supermarkets and major pharmacies with many excellent restaurants in the area. </p> <p><a href="http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Marathon.html"> <img class="weather" src="http://banners.wunderground.com/banner/bigtemptr/US/FL/Marathon.gif" alt="Click for Marathon, Florida Forecast" height="94" width="185" border="0"> </a></p> <p>Our 500 Ocean Vacation Villa is located in the heart of the Florida Keys on Marathon Key. It is located closest to Mile Marker 50 on The Overseas Highway (US- 1). This location is centrally located to allow easy access from the Mainland, yet close enough to take easy trips to both Key West and Key Largo. Central not only to all the Keys, but smack dab in the center of Marathon itself. This places it close to all the shopping, airports, golf courses, restaurants and beaches. </p> <a name="amenities"></a> <h1>Amenities </h1> <p><img class="deck" src="deck.jpg" width="65%" alt="restful"> 500 Ocean is more than one thousand square feet of pure comfort and feel. It is a two bedroom, two bath luxury stilt home on the water that comfortably sleeps six. It is spacious and open styled with vaulted ceilings in the living room, kitchen and dining areas. Four sets of sliding glass doors provide excellent views of the ocean access waterfront and the tropical foliage. The living room has two couches, one pulls to a queen-sized sleeper. The Living room is decorated in tropical decor with wading birds, five foot pictures and four foot high vases. The home has a 18 x 24 foot party lanai just outside overlooking the waterfront. In addition, a full length balcony travels along the length of the home on the waterfront side. At the end of the Balcony even an elevator is provided to haul groceries and people to the second floor. All sliding glass doors empty out on the balcony or Lanai areas, where you can step out for a breath of fresh ocean air or check the steak and lobster cooking downstairs on the Bar-B-Que. From your overlook, you can just catch a glimpse of the open ocean to the south, and watch the earliest of sun rises from the east. 500 Ocean is perfectly positioned on the island of Marathon. Only seconds by boat to the Atlantic Ocean, and only Minutes to the Gulf of Mexico. Two Oceans and No Waiting are served up every morning with quick access to both. </p> <a name="sleeping"></a> <h1>Sleeping </h1> <p> <img class="masterBedroom" width="65%" src="master%20bedroom.jpg" alt="the comfort of your own home"> </p> <p>500 Ocean has two separate bedrooms. The master bedroom is spacious with plenty of room for storage. The master king-sized bed is positioned toward the waterfront view and wake-up sunrise. The sliding glass doors in the bedroom offer a wonderful waterfront view and access outside to the balcony. The master bedroom has a full sized private bath, and private remote color television. A readout is also provided for the wind-speed metering equipment. With this, the Captain can check the conditions for an early fishing trip without leaving his bed. If the wind is too high, he can just roll over and hit the snooze button on the alarm clock. </p> <p> <img class="secondBedroom" width="65%" src="second%20bedroom.jpg" alt="comfortably sleeps six"> The Guest bedroom has two twin beds for flexibility which can be slid together to produce another king bed if desired. The home is fully equipped with central heat and air conditioning for full comfort on balmy nights with no breeze. However, the elevated nature of the home and close proximity to the ocean provide access to frequent trade winds. These winds provide a pleasing breeze at night which you can enjoy on the Lanai or let them gently whistle through the house while you sleep. The sounds of the rustling palm fronds produce a pleasing background sound broken only by the splashing Tarpon in the water below. </p> <p>In addition to the two bedrooms, the large couch in the living room pulls out to a queen-sized sleeper bed. All linens and pillows for all the beds are provided. The Living room queen sleeper also has a waterfront view. </p> <a name="kitchen"></a> <h1>Kitchen </h1> <p>The kitchen is set up just like home and has all the niceties for preparing your own tropical meals and beverages. It is fully equipped with a full sized self -cleaning range, full-sized automatic microwave, dishwasher, full counter appliances, coffe-maker, toaster, refrigerator with tea-maker and all the pots, pans, silverware and stoneware needed. Tropical designer dinnerware is fully stocked in the kitchen cabinets. In the drawers is everything from lobster scissors to a blender. There is a large dining area adjacent to the kitchen with an oak and tile dining room table. In addition, the kitchen has an eat-at bar with oak stools to provide a place for a quick fisherman's breakfast or for passing out rations of grog and Pinia Coladas. </p> <p>Conveniently placed upstairs right next to the kitchen is the storage and laundry room. A brand new full sized washer and dryer are provided for your use. A stockpile of additional linens and towels is available. </p> <a name="livingAreas"></a> <h1>Living Areas </h1> <p> <img src="living%20room%20overlook.jpg" class="livingRoomOverlooks" width="65%" alt="beautiful views are everywhere!"> </p> <p>The living room has a wonderful view out the sliding glass doors of the waterfront and dock below. Two comfortable couches and a tasteful tropical decor are found in the living room. There are many luxury furnishings including a large 27-inch remote control television and VHS videocassette recorder. You can watch your own vacation videotapes made during the day, or draw some from a collection of feature movies, sports and cartoons we keep hidden in the cabinet. There is also a collection of Cards, board games and puzzles available. In addition to the extended cable television service, a video store is right nearby where you may rent more movies. Unlike some keys rental homes, a telephone is provided to make unlimited free local phone calls. </p> <a name="theGrounds"></a> <h1>The downstairs recreational area </h1> <p> <img src="waterfront.jpg" class="waterfront" width="45%" alt="enjoy the beaty of the keys!"> </p> <p>The entire yard below the home is covered in very small white pea rock. This gives an appearance almost like a white beach out near the dock. The grounds are dotted with coconut palms, sago palms, areca palms, umbrella trees and bananas. You are welcome to all the ripe coconuts and bananas you can eat. There are two large loungers and two beach chairs for relaxing and catching some rays. In addition there is an extra-large rope hammock to relax in and snooze the day away. Two brand new wide-tire bicycles are provided for touring the island and beaches free of charge. </p> <p>For enjoyment, there is a nice full-sized gas bar-b-que grill provided with warming rocks and wooden shelves. Of course, there is a set of he-man bar-b-que tools, and fish grilling plates to go with it </p> <p>You will find the neighborhood quiet and relaxing. The homes around 500 OCEAN are occupied with friendly year round residents. The nearby retirement mobile home park is quiet and peaceful. The noisiest neighbor is "Whitey" the large snow-white egret who has adopted the waterway as his private kingdom. Whitey frequently squawks to attract people to throw him a bait fish or two. The background sounds are filled with wind chimes, parrots and the "Who-Who-who" sounds of the florida keys ring-necked turtle doves. </p> <a name="byTheWater"></a> <h1>Down by the Water </h1> <p><img src="75%20ft%20seawall.jpg" class="75FtSeawall" width="65%" alt> </p> <p>Just below the home on the first floor is a spacious 400 square foot locked storage room and two carports to store your vehicle and equipment. This large storeroom is only a few feet from the dock making secure storage of your fishing and scuba gear a snap. No need to haul any wet and heavy gear upstairs with the secure storage downstairs. There is a custom made fishing rod holder to keep your rods handy and safe downstairs by the boat. A small freezer is set up downstairs for your use to keep extra ice, frozen bait or to store your frozen booty. The freezer is trial-tested to hold a hundred lobster tails. </p> <p>500 Ocean has a seventy-five foot long concrete seawall poured directly onto the island cap-rock. Two 5000 pound boat davits are there to haul a boat to dry land for storage. When guests are there, the owner's boat might be stored on land away from the dock. This will always leave the seventy-five-foot long deep water dock available for mooring. Over thirty feet of the seawall is set-up with wooden fenders for safe boat mooring. The entire length of the seawall dock cap is covered in white cool-deck concrete for tender bare feet on a hot day. A heavy duty retractable aluminum ladder is mounted to give access to the water's edge for swimming or boating. An awesome 48 inch high caliber fish cleaning table is set up of the edge of the dock. The dock is only a few hundred yards from the open ocean. </p> <p>Access over the Voca Key Bight is provided by a privately maintained cut to the deep water of the Atlantic. A five foot controlled depth provides easy access to many large yachts and sailboats in the area. Our waterway itself is dredged to fifteen feet deep of our dock. This depth is probably what brings to many large fish to feed and play off our docks day and night. At the ocean end of the waterway is a vast expanse of bonefish flats for the adventure fisherman. The ocean is close enough to make Kayaks, canoes and paddle boots a viable alternative to power boating. If you do not own a boot, you can rent one at several marinas close by. A trove of vendors provide runabouts, fishing boats, Jet-Skis, and even kayaks and canoes for any length of rental. If you do bring your own boat, there are plenty of nearby ramps within three miles to safely launch your boat and bring it over to the dock. </p> <p><a name="fishing"></a></p> <h1>Fishing </h1> <p>With two oceans to choose, good fishing can always be found. The drop to 200ft plus is less than four miles from our dock for the start of some high yield deep sea fishing for large schools of dolphin, cobia, wahoo and more. There are a hundred patch reefs within two miles of the dock loaded with yellow-tail and mangrove snapper, Hogfish and grouper. Just few miles away through Knight Channel and Vaca Cut, is access to the Gulf of Mexico on Marathon's North side. The "Bayside" here seems endless in all directions. Grouper fishing in the gulf and the endless supply of lobster will surely fill your daily bag limits. </p> <h1>Diving / Lobstering / Spear fishing </h1> <p>Fantastic coral encrusted Sombrero Reef is only four miles to the southwest with easy access across the shallow water inside the reef even by small boats on calm sea days. Sombrero is a protected reef but there are a hundred smaller reefs nearby of the edge of the deep water to hunt lobster and snorkel the endless and varied sights of the wonderful reefs. Spear fishing and lobstering is not prohibited in the waters around Marathon. The Bayside (Gulf-of-Mexico) his open access without restrictions like the Upper Keys. There is a large supply of excellent well-known dive operators that operate everything from large yachts to small personalized two person dives of all the popular dive sites around the Middle Keys. Of course one of the most popular activities is just pulling behind a boat on the Bayside to check out the deep coral holes filled with fish and lobster (called Honey holes). </p> <a name="aroundTheTown"></a> <h1>Around the Town </h1> <p>Everything is close at hand and most of if within bicycle distance. There are miles of sidewalks to ride the bikes provided, even to the beach. The new Publix and Winn Dixie markets provide all the supplies you need. All the well-known marine supply houses have stores on the Island. Even the new Home Depot carries marine gear and supplies. There is an ample supply of tourist shopping too on Marathon and nearby Islamorada. Plenty of tee-shirts, coconuts and local island art and crafts can be found at shops all along the islands. </p> <h1>Local Tropical Diversions </h1> <p> <img class="sombreroBeach" src="sombrero.jpg" width="20%" alt="Sombrero Beach"> </p> <p>If boating and diving are not your thing there is still plenty to do around the Middle Keys. Just a mile or so away from the house is Sombrero Beach. A nice white sand public beach (free, unlike some in the keys) with Bar-B-Que pits and facilities. This beach can be easily reached by car or by bicycle from the house. <br> <br> <br> <img class="cranePoint" src="pathway.jpg" width="20%" alt="Crane Point"> Crane Point Hammock is an interesting mix of history, geology and marine science with nature trails, museums and marine touch tanks. It makes for a fun and educational tour. <br> <br> <br> <img class="dolphin" src="dolphin.jpg" width="15%" alt="dolphin research center"> The Dolphin Research Center has daily tours and educational shows on dolphins and marine life available just nearby on Grassy Key. And don't forget the Key Doer refuge on Big Pine Key. <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <img class="sevenMileBridge" src="sevenMileBridge.jpg" width="20%" alt="Seven Mile Bridge"> A trip to Pigeon Island makes for an interesting ride over the Old Seven Mile Railroad bridge. This attraction is a historical tour of the one time railroad construction base. Many beautiful homes have been restored on this oasis island in the middle of the seven mile bridge. Art and science meet at this historical location. </p> <p>Of course, some of the best attractions are right at home, just relaxing near the waterfront in the hammock. The island of Marathon his plenty of places to ride your bike to, and plenty of restaurants and shopping near by to peddle over to in addition to the beach. </p> <h1>Nearby Attractions </h1> <p>Key West and all of its night life and attractions are only a quick drive west. Less than an hour away, Key West, Mark Twain history, Mel Fisher's Treasure and the Conch Train await. You can also drive east to Islamorada and Key Largo for come great shopping at World Sportsman, Treasure Village, Rain Barrel, and many more. </p> <p>There is plenty of fine dining to suit all tastes and budgets and plenty of shopping and entertainment. You can eat out, take in, or prepare your own meals and save plenty. Many restaurants also deliver to our 500 Ocean home, or you may find it is more fun to prepare your meals at home, eat in the quiet breeze of the Lanai, and look out over the water. </p> <p>The least expensive way to get there from inside Florida is to drive. It is a simple trip from anywhere in Florida. Just find your way to the Florida Turnpike, go south and be sure to take the turnpike extension exit in Hollywood. The turnpike extension will bypass the Miami traffic for a smooth sail down to Florida City where you merge with US Highway One. US-1 becomes the "Overseas Highway" to cut a border between the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Half way down is Marathon Key. Arrival by plane is also easy and reasonably inexpensive. Regularly scheduled flights are available from Miami and connections inside Florida to anywhere in the USA. Private Jets and planes are also welcome of this full-service international airport. </p> <p>When all the fishing, diving and touring are done for the day, the best part is coming home to 500 Ocean for some absolutely perfect time with your friends or family. I think this is the greatest place to be to relax and unwind. </p> <h1>For More Information and Reservations Contact: </h1> <center> <p>Chuck & Lisa Couture <br> 5401 Citrus Avenue <br> Fort Pierce, Fl 34982 </p> <p>Phone (772) 595-9995 <br> or </p> <p><br> <br> <br> <a class="email" href="mailto:ppalmtree@aol.com">E-mail Us Here! </a><br> <a class="email" href="mailto:ppalmtree@aol.com"><img src="email.gif" width="100" height="62"> </a> </p> </center> </body>