Cudjoe Gardens Marina is a quiet, full-service marina on Cudjoe Key, Florida, offering protected dockage, easy backcountry access, and some of the Lower Keys' finest fishing and boating waters.
Cudjoe Gardens Marina occupies a sheltered position on Cudjoe Key, roughly midway between Marathon and Key West along the Overseas Highway. The marina caters to recreational boaters, serious anglers, and liveaboards who value a low-key atmosphere over resort-style amenities. Fuel, a boat ramp, and basic services keep the operation straightforward and efficient.
The surrounding waters are the real draw. The Gulf side opens into a labyrinth of shallow backcountry flats, tidal channels, and uninhabited mangrove islands that hold some of the best light-tackle fishing in South Florida. On the Atlantic side, Looe Key reef lies within easy reach, offering vivid coral formations and abundant marine life for snorkelers and divers alike. Nearby Sugarloaf Key adds another layer of natural scenery to explore by boat.
Anglers targeting permit, tarpon, and bonefish return to Cudjoe Gardens Marina season after season, drawn by the consistency of the flats fishery just outside the marina entrance. Dolphin, wahoo, and sailfish are accessible offshore when conditions allow. The marina community is tight-knit, and local knowledge flows freely among regulars at the docks.
Cudjoe Gardens Marina earns its place as a dependable Lower Keys outpost, rewarding visitors who seek genuine backcountry adventure over the bustle of more commercialized destinations.
Visit during the week to secure a slip or ramp space without the weekend crowd that builds up in peak season.
Try a morning run to the backcountry flats at low tide for a shot at permit, bonefish, or tarpon in gin-clear water.
Bring a detailed nautical chart of the Lower Keys backcountry, as the shallow flats around Cudjoe Key can catch unfamiliar boaters off guard.
Pack a cooler with food and water before you arrive, since provisioning options directly on Cudjoe Key are limited.
Head southwest toward Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary for world-class snorkeling on a living coral reef just a short boat ride away.
Explore offshore fishing from Cudjoe Key
Explore the Marquesas by charter, paddleboard, or skiff
Explore Cudjoe Key's backcountry and flats by charter