By: KeyCrew Media
A five-bedroom waterfront residence known as ‘Turtle Crawl’ has entered the market at mile marker 60 in Long Key, showcasing a unique combination of features that the Florida Keys’ coral reef geography often does not allow: white sugar-sand beaches alongside a 225-foot deep-water dock.
The Kristen Brenner/Margie Casey Team with Florida Keys Real Estate Group, both Certified Global Luxury Home Marketing brokers, handles the listing. According to Casey, the Keys’ unique geological composition frequently creates a challenge between these two sought-after amenities.
The Coral Reef Trade-Off
“In the Keys, life unfolds on a vibrant coral reef. Truly beachfront properties are relatively rare, and among those, many come at the expense of a private dock, as shallow waters can often make boating access difficult,” Casey explains.
The extensive coral reef system underlying the island chain typically forces buyers into a difficult choice. Properties blessed with pristine sandy shorelines usually sit in waters too shallow for meaningful boat access, while homes offering deep-water dockage rarely feature beaches suitable for recreation.
Turtle Crawl addresses this limitation. Its sugar-sand beach provides the tropical aesthetic luxury buyers may expect, while the extended dock reaches sufficient depth to support serious watercraft. The dock installation includes a boat lift and functions as much more than a mooring point.
“Each time I stroll along it, I’m met with the graceful presence of sharks or stingrays, or the extraordinary chance to witness the vibrant marine life unfolding just beneath your feet, a private glimpse into nature’s elegance,” Casey describes. “It’s truly incredible.”
Privacy as the Primary Driver
The elevated concrete structure spans more than 5,000 square feet across five bedrooms and five bathrooms, with Atlantic Ocean panoramas visible from most rooms. Yet Casey emphasizes that dimensions and views represent just part of the value proposition for buyers at this tier.
“The real motivation behind purchasing a luxury oceanfront home of this caliber is the pursuit of exquisite, uncompromised privacy,” she states. “The experience of arriving through the gates and knowing you’ve entered a secluded sanctuary, fully immersed in your own personal oasis, is what many consider true luxury living in the Florida Keys.”
Natural landscaping featuring hundreds of tropical trees and dense foliage establishes comprehensive screening along all property boundaries. “This property meets that demand,” Casey confirms. “To the level that even if you wanted to sunbathe by the pool, you may not be visible to anyone.”
Centralized Geography Matters
Mile marker 60 places the residence at the approximate midpoint of the Overseas Highway’s roughly 113-mile span, delivering practical advantages Casey often highlights.
“This home is perfectly situated in the heart of the Keys,” she notes. “With the Overseas Highway stretching approximately 113 miles and this residence at mile 60, you are close to the center. Whether you wish to spend the day in Key West, just an hour and a half away, you can be back home in the same amount of time, enjoying the best of both worlds.”
Properties situated at either end of the island chain mean substantially longer transit times. “Traveling to Key West from other parts of the Keys could take up to three hours. Being perfectly situated in the very heart of the Keys provides a distinct advantage, placing the best of the region within easy reach.”
Islamorada’s restaurant offerings lie 15 to 20 minutes away, while Marathon’s services sit even closer still. Seaplanes can access the property directly via the dock or beach.
Elite Fishing Access
The property’s positioning holds particular significance for accomplished anglers, whom Casey identifies as a substantial segment of luxury Keys buyers.
“This home is located directly inland from the number one fishing grounds in the Keys,” Casey explains. “It’s called the Marathon Hump, and it’s an underwater mountain range where all these fish are often found.”
The Marathon Humps lie 25 to 30 miles offshore, where underwater topography concentrates marlin, sailfish, tuna, and other game species. But exceptional fishing opportunities also exist much closer.
“There’s also Tennessee Light, and I’ve fished there myself in March,” Casey recounts. “Just three miles from the beach, three miles from where your toes touch the sand, and sailfish can be found everywhere.”
The location serves both backcountry anglers traveling toward Flamingo and offshore enthusiasts pursuing billfish.
Protected Waters and Water Recreation
The property falls within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, established in 1990 to protect coastal waters throughout the region.
“The entire Keys is designated by the state as a Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary,” Casey notes. “Many people miss that sign when they first arrive, but it’s deeply meaningful. It reminds you that this is a protected paradise. It’s akin to entering Yellowstone: a pristine, safeguarded environment where nature’s beauty is preserved.”
“This luxury home truly is the ultimate water playground in paradise and has it all,” Casey summarizes.
Beyond fishing, the estate accommodates kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet ski activities launched from private facilities.
Accessibility Advantage
Long Key’s limited development results in minimal light pollution, earning recognition among astronomy enthusiasts. Casey possesses firsthand experience with the dark sky quality from childhood visits to the area.
The property also delivers a practical benefit that recent global events have made increasingly relevant to multi-home owners.
“During COVID, people realized just how stranded they could be in properties in the Bahamas or the Caribbean. They couldn’t get to them,” Casey recalls. “Here, it created a truly unique opportunity. The Keys are the only slice of the Caribbean in the United States. No passport is required, no concerns about air travel or delays. You can simply get in your car and be here within a few hours.”
The oceanfront estate is currently available through Florida Keys Real Estate Group.
Disclaimer: This property listing for “Turtle Crawl” on Long Key is for informational purposes only. All details, including pricing, location, and features, are subject to change. While every effort has been made to verify accuracy, buyers are advised to verify all information independently. Florida Keys Real Estate Group and its agents are not responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions. Buyers should conduct due diligence before making any decisions.
