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Private Island, Florida Keys with unique home, Boat, Dock, Beach, Water Sports

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Come inside Seabird's famous treetop house & see this stunning island interior.
Outdoor dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
Marathon, FL
  • Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Coco Plum Beach
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Sombrero Beach
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Marathon, FL (MTH-Florida Keys Marathon)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

1st Mate

1 Queen Bed

Master

1 Queen Bed and 1 Crib

The Loft

+1
4 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Double Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Private Island, Florida Keys with unique home, Boat, Dock, Beach, Water Sports

Just 1/2 mile offshore the coastal town of Marathon, FL. nestled midway down the Florida Keys chain of Islands, you'll find a “secret” island hideaway that is as close to paradise as one could happen upon. This lush, tropical 10-acre island is named Seabird Key and is surrounded by the calm blue waters of Florida Bay which provides the perfect setting for water sports of all kinds. Imagine waking up on your own private island knowing that you and your group are the only occupants (besides the seabirds, of course) and you have exclusive use and access to your own boat, dock, sandy beach, lush gardens, outdoor kitchen and jungle trails. Kayaks and paddle boards are also provided along with a towing tube that provides endless entertainment for kids of all ages. Step out onto your private balcony or climb up a very sturdy ladder leading to Seabird’s 30-foot widow’s walk for the ultimate views and be amazed by the surrounding beauty. The sunset hour is the peak time to experience unforgettable, breathtaking Florida Keys sunsets.
As a guest, you'll enjoy the convenience of not one, but two full kitchens (one inside and one outside) complete with appliances and all the necessary pots, pans, plates and utensils to whip up delicious meals. Gather around the dining table with the 7 other people you invited to share this secret experience with and savor the flavors of the local Keys cuisine. If you like fish, you can go out in the boat and fish for whatever kind of fish you like or just drop a line at the dock where you can usually catch an abundance of yellowtail snapper. If you chose to spend your day in the hammock, and you were not in the mood for offshore fishing or even fishing straight off the dock, there are local seafood shops where you can find fresh fish of any variety. If you are also not into cooking, Seabird’s concierge, Carly Hursey, can set you up with a private chef who is delighted to come over to the Island to cook for you. You’ll have to pay for the chef’s cost, but a meal served on Seabird is better than any restaurant anywhere. The setting is so unique and beautiful, it will be a well spent wad of cash should you decide to treat yourself.
When you're not exploring the Island, you might find yourself hanging out on the beach sunbathing, reading your book, playing with your kids or dozing off peacefully in a hammock listening to the gentle sway of the palm trees, or your favorite music if you like because there are speakers on the beach. The music is controlled by the TV/Sound system in the Island home, but it’s up to you whether you have it playing on the beach or not. And, yes, you could be working on your phone or tablet because there is Wifi on Seabird, including the beach, but hopefully you will not even think about checking in with the rest of the world.
You wake up the next day a bit more energized and although you have been feeling lazy, today will be different. You get to decide what activities to explore. You could kayak around the Island and get some exercise while experiencing some very interesting mangrove forests. The back side of the Island is where you can learn firsthand what the Florida Keys ecosystem is all about. This unusual, complicated and fascinating part of God’s creation will be interesting, and you might learn something new that will greatly enrich your stay on Seabird. So, off you go and have a fabulous adventure. Upon return, everyone is now so impressed that you kayaked around the entire Island, so while you’re putting your kayak away, you see the paddle boards stacked nearby and since you know you’re a real dude, you take one down to the dock and jump on for a ride. Your arms may be a little tired already from the kayaking, but you can worry about that later. After all, you’re not trying to set any world records for speed. Thank goodness the water is calm! When you finish the paddleboarding, it’s already late morning and you are ready for a snack. You rinse off at an outdoor shower near the outdoor kitchen. That’s all good because I’m not changing out of my swimsuit. I grab a beach towel and mosey on over to the Trader Vic’s outdoor kitchen on Seabird. I should have some coconut water for hydration, but instead I pull out the blender and mix up a pina colada. After all, I’m on vacation. It’s only mid-morning and we’ve got the kids with us, but that’s no problem. After all the activity, this is the most refreshing drink ever. The kids are gathered looking at hermit crabs, so I decide to see what the fascination with hermit crabs is all about. They found crabs painted with people’s names on the crabs. This seems to be a Seabird thing. Paint your personal crab and throughout your stay, try to spot it around the Island. So, the kids are now painting their names on the little crabs. I did see a page in the Seabird guidebook that was a warning from the owners…Do Not Hurt the Crabs and you can’t take them home with you!! Their home is on Seabird!


When you're not exploring the nearby attractions, such as the picturesque Coco Plum Beach, the serene Sombrero Beach, or the captivating Curry Hammock State Park, you can unwind in the cozy living room, catch a movie on the smart TV, or challenge your friends to a game night. The property also offers a range of amenities to make your stay truly comfortable, including free WiFi, a washing machine and dryer, and an array of entertainment options for both adults and children.

Embrace the laid-back island lifestyle and create lasting memories in this enchanting beachfront vacation home.

Property manager

Carley Hursey
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Kids love the Swiss Family Robinson adventure.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Extra Fee for casual events with permission only.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Owner responsible for damage by pet.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outside only, please.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items
Return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Adhere to the "no wake zone" in the canal and watch out for manatees. Keep the noise down. After dark, the boat only goes to and from the mainland.
No fire pits allowed on the Island. Do not burn wood at all.
Study the navigational charts and don't take the boat in shallow water where the boat prop could be damaged. Seabird charges guests for prop damage

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 16
Note from host: Extra Fee for casual events with permission only.
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Marathon

Located in Marathon, this holiday home is on the beach. Crane Point Museum and Nature Center and Marathon Air Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center and Florida Keys Country Club. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Marathon, FL

What's nearby

  • Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center - 5 min drive - 1.6 km
  • Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters - 6 min drive - 1.6 km
  • Sunset Park Beach - 11 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Coco Plum Beach - 12 min drive - 5.8 km
  • Sombrero Beach - 15 min drive - 9.6 km

Getting around

  • Marathon, FL (MTH-Florida Keys Marathon) - 4 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Island Fish Company - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬7 min drive
  • Sparky's Landing Fish and Cocktails
  • ‪Keys Fisheries - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Island, Florida Keys with unique home, Boat, Dock, Beach, Water Sports pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Private Island, Florida Keys with unique home, Boat, Dock, Beach, Water Sports?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Island, Florida Keys with unique home, Boat, Dock, Beach, Water Sports?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Private Island, Florida Keys with unique home, Boat, Dock, Beach, Water Sports located?

Nestled on the beach, this Marathon holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center, Sunset Park Beach and Coco Plum Beach. Curry Hammock State Park and San Pablo Catholic Church are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 86 out of 88 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 88 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 88 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 88 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 88 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Matt S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful island!

Everything far exceeded our expectations! I will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Celebration!!

We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary and included our three daughters, their husbands, two young children and one on the way!It was an amazing, magical time. We very much enjoyed being outdoors and using the incredible kitchen. The sunrises on the dock and the swimming on the beach were a family favorite.Spending time together in a quiet, secluded place that made you feel you were in a tropical paradise. We look forward to coming back again to celebrate our growing family. Thank you for everything. The property is beyond words.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brad W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome vacation spot

Everything was outstanding. From the full kitchen utensils to the fishing gear, our island resort had everything. Great place to relax and unwind away from it all with all of the comforts of home. We found every chaise lounge and hammock on the island and put them to good use. Can’t recommend highly enough.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private island paradise!

Absolutely amazing private island experience for our family spring break trip. The host has thought of everything and have the island property outfitted with everything you need to keep everyone happy!thought of everythin the outfitted the property w
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxation

This is our favorite place to stay. We have been here 3 times and it never disappoints.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

margaret B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation

We absolutely had an amazing vacation. Loved the peacefulness and solitude. The property is beautiful and everything you could want. Our property manager Shad was very helpful and responsive. Thanks for everthing.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

greg h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas Island

Had an extremely memorable stay on SeaBird Key for Christmas. One 5 year old was with us and he christened it "Christmas Island". Hard to describe what having you own private island is like, but it created memories for all that will never be forgotten. Any issues we had were immediately addressed, but they were precious few. Would definitely go there again. Thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great vacation!

Full of relaxation and family fun.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather R L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A True Paradise

What a memorable vacation!! We had a wonderful 7 night stay at Seabird Key with our group of 10. We rented a big fishing boat and was able to dock it on the island. So convenient, totally private and magical! Lots of fishing off the boat and off the 2 main docks! The kids LOVED the towable tubes and the kayaks. The island has several life vests and lots of snorkel gear as well. The house/cabin was the perfect island-feel cozy stay for our 2 families. Kids enjoyed the loft with the bunks and the outdoor showers were a hit. Thank you to the management and maintenance staff who provided such wonderful hospitality and great customer service. Carly and Shad were so friendly and helpful and made us all feel very at home. This family trip was one of the best we've ever taken and will live in our memories forever! Hope to be back someday.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Don H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Island Adventure

A great spot to rest and relax and enjoy the Florida Keys.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

AMAZING! The best vacation ever. The property was more than we could've ever imagined We did not want to leave. Everything was provided for us and if not the Concierge that runs the property was always right on top of everything. We will definitely keep this one in the list of returns!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family get away

We had an amazing time on the island. You really never have to leave since the island has all the great amenities for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and cooking out. Our family had a great time and will plan to come back.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded Expectations

It was amazing and more than what we all expected - we would definitely visit Seabird Key again and again.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ellsworth S C., Oakley, Utah

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Castaways

Property and location was exactly what we expected. Rustic and typical of the Florida Keys with plenty of amenities.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brian P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Like a Dream

This property was so amazing! We loved the treehouse-feel of the main house, the property had gorgeous landscaping and looked almost unreal it was so beautiful! We loved the privacy, the outdoor kitchen and the hammocks! Check in and communication was easy and we LOVED our time on the island!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Craig E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Island Christmas

Unbelievable experience. Sarah and her husband did everything possible to make our stay special. Having a bit of boating experience and fondness for the water enhanced the novelty of taking the tender back and forth to our private paradise. This property and the hospitality exceeded our family’s expectations
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Vrbo experiences to date

Carly and Adam were wonderful hosts. The house and island are private and beautiful. Everything you need for fun in the sun and water is there. Highly recommend the private chef. Can’t wait to come back.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kari O.

Relaxing adventure for all ages!

Family members from 82 years to 11 years thoroughly enjoyed this island get away. The house is well setup for any of your needs along with all the outdoor amenities such as the outdoor kitchen/bar area, private beach, and the boardwalks. This family looks forward to our next island getaway. Thanks for the great memories!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2017

10/10 Excellent

Erich H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

Thank you for sharing this tropical paradise with us. We had a fabulous time. I am actually designing an outdoor kitchen and eating area similar to yours due to our experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Neil M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The best two weeks..

Beautiful! The walks around the property will show you that. My whole family was knocked out.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kayla D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful experience

We had some traveling issues coming in and ended up missing check in. They did a wonderful job of communicating with us and helping us get situated, so that we could get out to the island the next day. Overall wonderful experience. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Julie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect week.

This was a pre 60th birthday present and it did not disappoint. Adam and Carly made check in a breeze. 6 people on the island and we all had the best vacation ever. This island was nothing short of amazing.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christine S., Chalfont, PA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

Hands down this was the best place we have ever stayed! The location can’t be beat! The island was absolutely beautiful! Perfectly maintained! The house and outdoor kitchen are so spectacular and have everything needed to make life easier! Adam and Carly were unbelievable hosts! We were all so sad to leave and will definitely return! This was a perfect experience I highly recommend for families of all ages! Thanks Seabird Key!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darin F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

If we could give it 10 stars we would!

An absolutely amazing experience! They have truly thought of everything. So many things to do on, and around the island. And, Carly and Adam were exceptional hosts. We are already thinking about making the island an annual trip. Perfect for families or small groups of friends. A one-of-a-kind experience, especially these days.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Chris B.

Beautiful Property.....Outstanding Customer Service!!!

I can't say enough about how beautiful and well groomed the Island was and how well we were treated. The property owner is such a great person and went out of her way to make sure our vacation was everything we hoped it would be. The Island was beautifully kept and my children fell in love with exploring the property. Our experience was made even better by the property manager who assisted us with everything we needed and was available for all of our questions. Thanks again for the truly unique experience!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2017

About the host

Hosted by Carley Hursey

Host profile image
My husband & I are originally from Alabama, but we met in New York City where he was working on Wall Street, and I was in graduate school completing a degree in piano. We lived in New York for ten years, and purchased the Island during that time, but we decided to move to Miami to be closer to Seabird. We've been here 32 years now and still enjoy Miami where Jim continues to work in the financial industry and I work with our company, Seabird Enterprises, Inc. in the marketing/decorating areas. Over the years, I've found that owning a small business translates to "I do anything needed on a particular day."

For over 30 years I took care of the Seabird Key reservations and during that time, I got to know most of our clients really well. We had so many who came back year after year and I learned their children's names, grandma's name and what they all liked to do first when they got to Seabird. Many of those children are coming to Seabird with their own children today. I enjoyed getting to know our clients and hearing their stories of their family adventures on Seabird.

As for our family, our oldest daughter, her husband and their family live in Murfreesboro, TN. Their three college age girls have grown up visiting the Island annually and have frequently been the models for my casual Seabird photoshoots. They have a younger adopted brother from China who loves Seabird and can be found in a photo or two himself. Our son lives in Dallas, TX with his wife and 2 little girls. He and his little sister grew up spending the most time on Seabird while Jim and I were working there. They didn't complain except Jim did plant too many plants and they grew tired of riding in the SUV down to the Keys with palm fronds hanging over their heads and faces. The little sister, now 32, helps with some of Seabird's social media. She lives in Miami as well.

Why they chose this property

It was my husband's childhood dream to own an island. We lived in NYC and came down to the Keys for a quick vacation and fell in love with the Florida Keys. The weather, the gorgeous water, the coral reefs, the fabulous fishing and the 'laid-back' feeling of the area captured our hearts and provided the perfect get away from New York's fast pace. While visiting the Keys, Jim saw an ad that read 'Island for Sale.' The Island posted for sale was fabulous with white sandy beaches, but it was a risky purchase because it could literally get blown away in a hurricane. We returned to NY with a seed planted in Jim's mind. Months later we got a call from a broker who said an island was for sale that might meet our needs. Located on the bay side and made of solid coral with good water access, it didn't matter that the island looked pretty rough. Jim realized that a thorough clean-up and some heavy duty palm tree planting could transform the Island into the paradise we feel it was meant to be. 38 years later, we're all enjoying Jim's vision.

What makes this property unique

Wow! First, have you ever rented an entire island? This is one of the most unique vacation rentals in the world. I’m not talking about a little bungalow with 80 other bungalows scattered about, but rather an Island where you have the ENTIRE island to yourself. This is what Seabird is all about. Total privacy! Your own beach with either your family or your friends there to enjoy it with you. You even control the music on the beach. There is so much to enjoy on Seabird Key starting with incredible beauty. Everywhere you walk on this entire 10 acre island, there are sandy or grassy paths with gorgeous vistas wherever direction you look. Whether you're on the beach, the dock, or reading in the gardens, there are Adirondack chairs in abundance along with a good supply of sturdy hammocks. Seabird Key has been described by our guests, friends & clients as a place where they come to refresh and restore. The beauty of the Island is only a part of what makes Seabird Key a special place. Being at one with the environment and nature has true healing effects. You can request a massage or a yoga class…in an exotic garden, whatever suits you. For the adventure lovers, jump in the 19’ Boston Whaler and go out for a fishing expedition or spend some time on the reef either scuba diving or snorkeling. Sombrero Reef is close enough to Seabird you can easily boat out and explore the waters with a front seat view. The many species of birds that come to roost every night on the Island are fascinating to observe. The 35' widows walk offers an opportunity for not only 360 degree views of the Florida Bay, but you are literally towering above the birds' nests. It doesn’t matter if you love adventure or simple peace, Seabird delivers on all its promises.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests