Coco Plum Beach

Coco Plum Beach is one of the more naturalistic of beach settings within the chain of islands which make up the Florida Keys and is generally less crowded than others in the area. Enjoying the warm shallows of the Atlantic Ocean around the town on Marathon, it backs onto wetlands that provide a vital habitat for the region’s bird and plant life.

Coco Plum Beach is also a known turtle nesting site at certain times of year, with five different turtle species (Atlantic green, loggerhead, leatherback, Kemp’s ridley and hawksbill) all arriving after dark to lay their eggs. Watch out for signs to avoid trampling future generations of these endangered giants.

Open from around dawn until dusk, the beach is open to four-legged friends too, making it a popular place to walk pooches at sunrise and sunset. There are also public restrooms beside the parking area and a covered pavilion (or ‘chickee’) which makes an ideal lunch spot away from the glare of the Florida sun. It operates on a first come first served basis.

Although it is possible to swim from Coco Plum Beach, the shallowness of the water means it’s better for splashing about in than doing any serious strokes.