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Nightmare VRBO Rental - Yellowtail Island Retreat - 2129 Yellowtail Drive in Marathon, FL 33050

Nightmare VRBO Rental - Yellowtail Island Retreat - 2129 Yellowtail Drive in Marathon, FL 33050

Booked this property for our family vacation, the week of Memorial Day 2026.

Day#1: At first, everything seemed fine, until my son stepped on a screw in the pool. We ultimately found 50+, in both the pool and driveway.
On the 1st night, we were getting ready for bed and realized there weren't any sheets on the Queen bed, only a quilt over a mattress protector. We searched the entire house; there were NO queen sheets anywhere. I remembered we had been left a key to the garage, so I went ahead and checked to see if, for some reason, they had sheets stored in the garage. I found a set, but they were for the king-sized bed, so I took them back down to the garage. We immediately received a call from Michelle (at 9:45 p.m.) telling us that we weren’t to be in the garage. I explained we had been left a key to it, and at that time, I explained our sheet situation, as well as all of the roofing screws we found in the driveway and pool. She agreed to bring us a set of sheets the next day when they came to pick up the garage key. She also said that they just had the roof replaced and she would send the roofers back out to clean up the following day (they didn’t).

Day #2: We waited until just before 5 p.m. to text her again, asking if she knew when she'd be by with the sheets. She claimed she didn't know that we still needed the sheets, even though our conversation had occurred through text and it was very clear. Ultimately, they did bring the sheets by after 8 p.m.
We went to bed, ready to put all that behind us, until midnight when we received a call from VRBO and messages from the host, informing us that we were being kicked out and that we were to vacate the property by 10 a.m.

Why? She claimed we didn’t meet the guest age minimum of 30…Our parties ages are 34, 40, 63, 63, and our 12-year-old son, which we told her upon booking.

As we were packing and looking for a new place to stay, she called the police on us TWICE! The officers informed us that she said she was watching us via the property cameras. SO WEIRD! We did get a full refund after sending screenshots to VRBO. Michelle and Larry are very shady hosts.
Do yourself a favor and skip past this one!

**Screenshots of communication with the hosts provided to back up our terrible experience because it sounds made up, but it is 100% true**

RENTER’S BEWARE of:
Yellowtail Island Retreat
2129 Yellowtail Drive
Marathon, FL 33050
(Hosted by Michelle & Larry)

u/SpyroSparks22 — 7 days ago
▲ 152 r/floridakeys

Paradise Found Paradise Lost

Its kind of always been known that the Keys are crawling with bad apples. Thats rock n roll baby....

u/SOMOEAGLE — 7 days ago
▲ 2 r/floridakeys

Faro Blanco: Courtyard or Hilton?

Hello, new to the thread and appreciate any advice.

Heading to Marathon in a few weeks with wife and 10+8.

We can book either property but are wondering if there’s a big difference between the two?

Also my kids are decently behaved, is there a decent amount of things to do with them? We will have a vehicle so there is flexibility. I understand there isn’t much beach in the Keys.

TIA.

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u/ryanpaul31 — 7 days ago
▲ 14 r/floridakeys

looking for snorkeling in the keys!

going to be near Tavernier/ Islamorada In July and we are looking for a small day snorkeling trip. Maybe where we get on a boat and go out to sea? I have been to alligator reef before but I am open to going anywhere. Anyone have any recommendations for boats that could take us out? Thank you!

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u/Maleficent_Tooth117 — 9 days ago
▲ 15 r/floridakeys

Jacqueline did you lose your Amex? JohnPennekam

If you lost your Amex at John Pennekamp I found it, I will toss it Monday if I don’t hear from you, but at least you know someone ain’t running it up.

If it’s yours send me the last 3 of the cvc and I’ll be happy to return it.

u/SapphicTitmouse — 8 days ago
▲ 5 r/floridakeys

Advice on snorkeling and fishing

My family (2 older adults, 2 young adults, 2 kids) are going to be in the upper keys (around Tavernier) in early July. Can anyone recommend good snorkeling excursions? Also, I’ve been looking at booking a fishing trip, but so far have not found anything that will accommodate 6 guests. I’m thinking we may have to split up to do some of these things. Can anyone give me some advice? The kids are good swimmers, we’d love to see some cool ocean life. Just trying to find things that can accommodate all of us.

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u/MargieBigFoot — 13 days ago
▲ 3 r/floridakeys

Coming to the Keys in July

We only have a weekend in the Keys next month for part of our 30 yr anniversary trip! Not sure where should we stay. Key Largo or more in the middle like Marathon? Thinking of doing a sunset sailboat ride and I saw that Robbie's offers snuba trips that sounds really fun! Would also like a place where things are close so we can ride bikes around town. *Don't want to spend over 250 a night anywhere.

Here are some places that look ok to me,

The Pelican KL cottages/Island Bay Resort- Tavernier/Blackfin Resort & Marina-Marathon/Yacht Haven-marathon

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated!

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u/Agitated_woman4723 — 14 days ago
▲ 4 r/floridakeys

Middle/Lower Keys recommendations: smaller snorkeling charters & antique/vintage shops

My husband and I are coming down from Ormond Beach for 5 days in the Keys in mid-July and will be staying at Lime Tree Bay on Long Key.

We’ve both been to the Keys several times before, but it’s been a while. We already have lunch at Little Palm Island booked and are working on the rest of our itinerary.

Two things we’re specifically looking for recommendations on:

• Smaller snorkeling charters around Long Key, Marathon, or the Lower Keys. We’re hoping to find something a little more low-key and personal than the larger group excursions. Sombrero Reef is already on our radar, and we’d also be interested in trips that combine snorkeling with a sandbar stop.

• Antique stores, vintage shops, architectural salvage, or places to hunt for unique home décor and old Florida finds. We enjoy antiquing when we travel and would love to check out any spots that are worth a stop.

We love old Florida history and culture, and are always looking for places with character.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

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u/Financial_Tower_6137 — 14 days ago