5 Best Kayak Rentals in Marathon, FL

With sparkling turquoise waters, lush mangroves, and an abundance of marine life, Marathon is a true kayaker's paradise right in the heart of the Florida Keys. And, of course, there are plenty of other fun things to do when you’ve had your fill of paddling for the day.

There’s no shortage of great kayaking spots in Marathon, all within minutes or, in some cases, just steps from your waterfront vacation rental.

Ready to put on your PFD and paddle the day away? Here’s your guide to the best kayak rentals in Marathon, FL!

Kayak Rentals in Marathon

1. Florida Keys Kayak and Paddleboard

Photo Credit: Rockley Miller

• keykayak.com
• Sombrero Beach, 200 36th Street Ocean, Marathon, FL
• Rent single or double kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), including all safety equipment/PFDs
• Offers hourly or daily rentals, plus eco-tours and kayaking classes

Situated on the idyllic Sombrero Beach, Florida Keys Kayak and Paddleboard offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, plus — guided eco-tours and classes to advance your kayaking skills and comfort on the water.

Enjoy an afternoon of fun in the sun while you glide over the gorgeous turquoise waters surrounding Sombrero Beach, exploring at your leisure, or take a guided tour of the mangroves to learn about the local ecosystems and spot wildlife. And if you’re looking to take your kayaking skills to the next level, you can even book an advanced kayaking skills class.

Prefer to have the kayaks come to you? Florida Keys Kayak and Paddleboard also offer daily kayak and paddleboard rentals, delivered right to your door throughout Marathon (from Mile Marker 48 to Mile Marker 62).

2. Keys Kayak LLC

Photo Credit: Herve Andrieu

• keyskayakllc.com
• 10499 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL
• Rents single or double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), pedal kayaks, and fishing kayaks, including all safety equipment/PFDs
• Offers daily or weekly rentals, plus eco-tours and special fishing kayaks

If you’re looking for a longer kayak rental or planning to go fishing from your kayak, Keys Kayak LLC has you covered.

They offer daily and weekly rates and have a wide variety of kayaks you might not find available for rent elsewhere, including fishing kayaks, pedal kayaks, and special accessories like chaise lounge seats.

Grab a rental and head out on your own, or try one of their guided tours through the mangroves or a sunset paddle for incredible views and wildlife viewing opportunities. You can also arrange to have your kayak delivered right to you — it’s smooth sailing all the way around with Keys Kayak LLC!

3. Legendary Watersports Marathon

Photo Credit: panophotograph

• legendarywatersportsmarathon.com
• 1410 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL
• Rents clear kayaks, includes all safety equipment/PFDs
• Offers 2-hour rentals and illuminated nighttime kayaking tours

Ever wondered what’s swimming below your kayak? Legendary Watersports Marathon offers unique clear kayaks for a one-of-a-kind paddling experience that is a must-try.

These translucent kayaks offer a window into the clear, calm waters surrounding Marathon, where you might spot manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, sharks, and so much more.

You can rent one of their clear kayaks during the day and explore the waterways on your own, or try one of their illuminated nighttime kayaking tours. At night, the waters come alive with all sorts of fish, eels, crabs, and sharks typically darting about in the water — and an illuminated kayak offers a front-row seat to this incredible underwater show.

4. Isla Bella Powersports

Photo Credit: sergua

• islabellapowersports.com/marathon-kayak-rentals
• 1 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon, FL
• Rent single or double kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), including all safety equipment/PFDs
• Offers 2-hour rentals, plus jet-ski tours

Situated on the tiny, tranquil island of Knight’s Key, Isla Bella Powersports offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, plus guided jet-ski tours of the beautiful bay and surrounding waterways.

You can cruise the crystalline waterways surrounding Knight’s Key, gliding past lush mangroves, and if you’re lucky — you may spot some wildlife, such as wading birds and crustaceans in the mangroves and manatees and dolphins in the water. It’s a true tropical paradise!

5. Keys Vacation Supply Rentals

Photo Credit: Rock and Wasp

• keysvacationsupplyrentals.com
• 9625 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL
• Rents single kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), waterbikes, and beach accessories, including all safety equipment/PFDs
• Offers daily rentals

Boasting everything you need for a day at the beach, Keys Vacation Supply Rentals offers daily kayak, paddleboard, and waterbike rentals, plus fishing and snorkeling gear, beach accessories, and much more.

Whether you want to just enjoy a leisurely day kayaking or add on some beach gear for a full day of fun in the sun, Keys Vacation Supply Rentals will deliver all your rentals wherever you are in Marathon.

Kayaking in Marathon 101

Marathon consists of 13 different islands, spanning just under 10 miles in a section of the Florida Keys known as the Middle Keys (halfway between Key Largo and Key West). While there’s only one main road in and out of all the islands, you’ll find an abundance of waterways ready to be explored by kayak or paddleboard.

Kayaking Water Conditions in Marathon

The waterways in Marathon are generally calm and clear, making them perfect for first-time paddlers, but you can also stick to the coastal areas and shallow mangroves where the water is often calmest. For those who prefer professional guidance, you can also find guided tours and even kayaking classes.

Kayaking Weather in Marathon

The weather in Marathon is typically warm and sunny year-round, which means you can kayak almost anytime. However, it is advised to check the weather before heading out, especially in the summer when afternoon rainstorms can be common. And because of all that gorgeous sunshine — don’t forget to bring some sun protection when kayaking.

Wildlife You Might See While Kayaking in Marathon

While kayaking in Marathon, you may spot a variety of wildlife, such as dolphins, manatees, tropical fish, stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, and aquatic birds. Rarely, you may spot a crocodile, but don’t be alarmed. American Crocodiles are typically much more shy and docile than their overseas cousins and tend to shy away from humans. Just keep calm and paddle on!

Ready for a Kayaking Adventure in Marathon?

Marathon is the perfect spot for a kayaking adventure in the Florida Keys, with nearly endless sunshine to soak up and waterways to explore.

Ready to plan your perfect Marathon getaway? Book your stay with Coco Plum Vacation Rentals and enjoy having your own private vacation home with amenities like pools, hot tubs, BBQ grills, Tiki bars, and much more.

And for the ultimate paddler’s retreat, many Coco Plum properties come with kayaks or paddleboards, so you can hit the water anytime you feel like it — no rentals needed!