The Banana Bay Resort & Marina in Marathon, Florida might be one of the best kept secrets of the Florida Keys. It’s a more quaint property, but it’s packed with amenities that families will love. Whether you want an adventure on the gorgeous Gulf Coast waters or you’re looking for a tranquil spot to sleep the day away, your ideal family vacation is possible at Banana Bay! Check out all the reasons why it should be on your family travel bucket list.
Did you know that Marathon, Florida is considered a family-oriented island in the keys? Unlike Key West, which is known for nightlife, Marathon is a much more quiet destination that’s located in the middle of the chain of islands. The island is scattered with waterside restaurants, known for world-class fishing and hosts annual seafood festivals that are definitely worth traveling for.
Marathon is also home to the Marathon International Airport, which is located just 5 miles away from Banana Bay. There are 9 airlines that directly serve MTH and American Airlines offers direct flights. Tourists can also charter to the island via boat or drive via the scenic Overseas Highway (which connects all of the Florida Keys).
The Overseas Highway offers easy access to the Florida Key for tourists who drive in.
The island of Marathon offers several attractions that kids love – like The Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center. Your travel itinerary can be jam packed with fun or you can relax poolside at the resort. Either way, you’re going to love all of the things to do at Banana Bay Resort & Marina and the island of Marathon.
Related: 6 Outdoor Things To Do In Florida For Nature Loving Families
Banana Bay Resort & Marina: Top 5 Amenities And Reasons To Go
There are only 59 guest rooms at Banana Bay, but they’ve got 10-acres of tropical charm with your name on it. There’s a tranquil vibe around the resort that brings the color of nature inside – with cool blues and pops of coral. You can pick from a spacious room with a private balcony and even bring the dog since the entire resort is pet-friendly. That’s just the beginning of my favorite reasons to book at Banana Bay.
Banana Bay Resort & Marina offers the perfect tropical family vacation experience. ©BHotels&Resorts
Banana Bay Offers Easy Access To The Water
No matter how you want to enjoy the water, Banana Bay’s private marina offers guests instant access. It’s convenient for enjoying all of the water activities that the region is famous for – snorkeling, diving, fishing and paddle boarding. In addition to the 34 boat slips that are available to rent daily, weekly and monthly, the marina features various amenities including a boat ramp, trailer parking, electronic hook-ups, water pump outlets and showers.
The crystal blue Gulf waters are just a short walk away from your Banana Bay guest room. ©BHotels&Resorts
Anglers Of All Levels Are Welcome
The Florida Keys is the perfect place for anglers – both novice and seasoned – to cast a line and enjoy some spectacular bites. Those looking to join in the fun can now enjoy Banana Bay Resort & Marina’s new fishing program to learn how to properly use their tackle, cast a line and receive insights into the best places to cast around the resort.
Whether on the pier of the resort’s marina or at nearby spots such as the newly reopened Old Seven Mile Bridge, guests can catch some of the most popular local fish species such as mangrove snapper, small barracudas, sharks, and even the highly prized grunt and yellowtail snapper. As part of the new program, the Banana Bay provides guests with essential equipment including fishing rods, lines and hooks.
Once you’re done for the day, check out the local marathon restaurants that will cook your catch for you! It’s a fantastic way to savor your vacation fishing success.
Even kids have the opportunity to catch a fish at Banana Bay. ©BHotels&Resorts
Enjoy America’s Only Coral Barrier Reef
North America has only one coral barrier reef and it lies within the protected waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which covers 3,800 square miles of water surrounding the Florida Keys. Essentially, once you set foot in Keys waters, you have entered the sanctuary.
There are many treasures to be found beneath the waves in the waters the Banana Bay Resort & Marina overlooks. Snorkeling is an excellent way to explore them. With the on-site Watersports and Activities Center, it’s easy to do it.
Resort guests can explore Sombrero Reef – and pay a visit to its historic lighthouse. Not far beneath the waves, you will discover a variety of coral, including elkhorn, fire, starlet, pillar and sea fans, among others. Parrotfish, damselfish and angelfish are just a few of the reef’s residents that you are likely to meet on a snorkeling excursion in Marathon.
Sombrero Reef is considered one of the best dive sites in the Florida Keys. Whether you are an experienced diver or are just starting, you can sign up for a variety of classes as well as dive excursions at Banana Bay.
Sombrero Reef offer so much for snorkelers and divers to see.
Snorkel, Cruise & Kayak: Ways To Play At Banana Bay Resort
Banana Bay Resort & Marina is partnered with Chartered Rentals, a water sports group that operates directly from the resort’s personal marina. With this partnership, guests can build their own experiences, with options fit for every family.
Each day is customizable to guests’ preferences and is perfect for those looking to snorkel in the sand bar, jet ski through the Keys’ mangroves, enjoy a sunset tour, or even be dropped off at their favorite restaurant. This experience is exclusive to Banana Bay Resort & Marina guests.
Enjoy your favorite water adventures, as a family, in the Florida Keys. ©BHotels&Resorts
Complimentary Banana Bay Amenities Included In Your Stay
Enjoy unparalleled relaxation with Banana Bay’s spectacular amenities. From the resort’s freshwater pool, marina, and bar to free Wi-Fi, and onsite water sports, guests will feel at ease from check-in to the moment they leave. Guests can B Nourished with the resort’s complimentary grab-and-go boxed breakfast (available for up to two guests). Once fueled for the day, guests can also enjoy the resort’s complimentary bikes and fishing poles.
Enjoy the included amenities that come with your booked room at Banana Bay. ©BHotels&Resorts
I’m a true “B”-liever that parents can still find plenty of rest and relaxation on a family vacation. It’s all about the destination and where you choose to stay. Banana Bay Resort & Marina is great for families that want to experience the natural wonders of the Florida Keys, while staying at a more quaint and relaxed resort. Turn your dream bucket list tropical family vacation into a reality in Marathon, Florida.
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