Alligator Reef Lighthouse - Islamorada's Hidden Gem (2024)

So the Alligator Reef Lighthouse is just under five nautical miles off the coast of Islamorada (to the east), and you can only get there by water vessel. 

If you don't have the means to a water vessel (boat/ jet ski), luckily for you, we have done a LOT of research for you and asked around! If you are curious, Alligator Reef Lighthouse coordinates are  24.8518° N and 80.6189° W; plus, you can type this info into your GPS, which will pull up as well.

Here's a list of businesses that we recommend, to gain access to the Reef & Islamorada surrounding water areas: 

1. Reef Quest Eco Tours - click HERE for a BOAT tour request (OUR #1 PICK)
2. Blue Water Adventure CraigCat (they do NOT go to Alligator Reef Lighthouse, but this is incredibly unique to explore around Islamorada) - click HERE for a CRAIGCAT tour request
3. Ride Jet Ski's (they do NOT go to the lighthouse but they do explore multiple sand bars and areas around Islamorada)
4. Robbies - This is another option for multiple types of charters & this is where you can feed the massive Tarpon (just watch for the Pelicans, they will do anything to get your bucket of fish food!)

QUICK TIP: Be sure to check Groupon or Viator for MORE activities... great way to save some $$$ 

QUICK TIP #2: If you have your own water vessel, you can launch from the Indian Key Public Boat Ramp (be forewarned, it is hard clay and not paved... but it's free), or you can check around Islamorada and contact the local business to see if you can utilize their boat ramp. BE WARNED... we found it VERY hard to find public launches (hotel launches) unless you were 'staying' with the hotel. The good news is we can help you BOOK your next stay in the Keys

QUICK TIP #3: If you have jet skis & personal boats, we have noticed more and more resort/hotels that have boat ramps are no longer allowing jet skiers to launch from their private locations (just a heads up)... be sure to call ahead, if you plan on staying somewhere overnight, to make sure you can utilize their launch & if they have parking available for your trailer.

• Layer on the sunscreen (reef safe!!), wear a hat, sunglasses, and we even suggest wearing an SPF shirt (my guys' preference, my (woman's) preference. You WILL get a sunburn, even if there are clouds in the sky... and trust me; you don't want to ruin your trip because you got toooooo much sun (take it from us... we live here). Also... DON'T FORGET THE SPF CHAPSTICK!!

• For best water conditions & Alligator Reef snorkeling tips- you will want to check the wind speeds. If the wind is any higher than 7 or 8 mph, the reef isn't as fun to hang around & snorkel. The wind is a HUGE factor, not only for how choppy the water gets but also for the clarity. Also, the best 'time' of year is when it's warmer out (May- October). Anything from November-ish to early May, the water is WAY too cold, and the outside temps aren't warm enough either (in my opinion).

• DON'T FORGET A WATERPROOF CAMERA- Trust me when I say, you DO NOT... I repeat... YOU DO NOT want to leave without your waterproof camera on this trip! With a YouTube channel & living in a state surrounded by water, you could say we have become small experts on waterproof cameras. Our 'go-to' camera for EVERYTHING outdoors and water is the GoPro. Currently, we have the GoPro Hero 11, and we 100% highly recommend it for your water activities! Incredible footage (see the proof here), great photo-taking, and the stabilization is E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.T! Also, a drone over the top of this water and lighthouse is seriously OUT OF THIS WORLD! (see our drone video of Alligator Reef Lighthouse)

• Stay hydrated & take some snacks- The sun will dehydrate you, and you won't realize it until it's too late. Whether going on a charter or taking your water vessel, don't get stuck on the ocean without water! Regarding snacks, we are all about packing a few protein bars to hold us over for a couple of hours, then hitting the Tiki Bar at Postcard Inn for dinner & drinks with an ocean view. If you have your own vessel, like us, you can pop over to a few of the nearby restaurants that are on the water & have dock access (Robbies, Postcard Inns' Tiki Bar, Wahoos, etc.)

• Use a noodle when snorkeling- I kid you not, using a pool noodle is seriously made PERFECT for snorkeling. If you don't have a noodle, you can flip your lifejacket upside down (like a diaper) and float that way too. There is a little bit of a current, so having something to help you float while snorkeling is a giant lifesaver... and less work for you!

• Snorkel gear & fins if you book a snorkeling tour, the company usually supplies them... but I'll be honest... I would pack my own. The idea that you could be using 'recycled' goggles isn't appealing (call me weird). The fins come in as a HUGE helping hand, especially with the slight current that passes thru. We prefer these goggles & these (compact) water fins...and they don't take up hardly any room in a (carry-on) bag. 

• Take off jewelry before jumping in the ocean- I know this sounds funny, but two things... 
  1. Fish gravitate toward shiny objects (kind of like a fishing lure). I'm not trying to scare you, but at the reef, there are TONS of fish and amongst those fish is Barracuda. 99.9% of the time, they swim in the opposite direction and want nothing to do with you, but there is a possibility that if you have something shiny on, they will be curious and get closer.
  2. When you get in the water, your jewelry can slip off easily! I almost lost my wedding ring the first time we went out into the ocean... never again!