Guide to the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys contain some of the most diversity in the world, from the wildlife and plant life to the people who live and visit here. This is your guide to life here under the water, above the waves, and on the land - so you can find exactly what you want to see and do.
Under the Water
It’s a beautiful world we live in, and we all enjoy the pleasure and inspiration of nature. Yet, many of us have not had the life changing experience of seeing the beauty of the world under the waves. If you have never been to the underwater part of the world, then the best way to dive into this experience is to visit the Florida Keys.
The 120-mile Florida Keys island chain is home to the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef. This teeming backbone of marine life runs the length of the Keys about five miles offshore and offers Florida Keys scuba diving vacation memories that last a lifetime. Coral formations are famous for their abundance of fish, from impressive schools of blue-striped grunts to toothy green moray eels. The U.S. government established the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to protect this precious marine habitat, and preserving the reef is a top priority for a good reason. There is no more versatile marine destination in the world! From coral encrusted ship wrecks and intricate natural coral formations, to shallow reefs for snorkelers, and a range of deeper reefs for experienced divers, this is an aquarian aficionado’s dream.
The first undersea park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses about 70 nautical square miles. While the mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the park's upland areas offer visitors a unique experience, it’s the coral reefs and their associated marine life that bring visitors to the park to get a closer look at the unique underwater world by scuba diving or snorkeling.
Don’t be deterred from diving if you have never taken a course - the Florida Keys have some of the greatest dive schools and top rated instructors in the country! Rainbow Reef has some of the most experienced and award winning instructors that you can find anywhere in the world. Their recreational instructor staff are personally trained by two Platinum Course Directors in their own PADI 5 Star Career Development Center. With classes for both adults and children, and refresher courses for those who haven’t been diving in a while, they’ll equip you in every way to enjoy the underwater world. Already a proud expert? Then Rainbow Reef can equip you in another way - with dive boats and gear to purchase from their shop, where staff will guide you to the best options for your dive.
Experienced divers will love exploring the many different places to “park.” Most dive sites are equipped with convenient mooring buoys to save the reef from anchors and make it easy for boaters to tie off, and are a short boat ride from the islands, where dozens of highly professional dive operators and dive boat rentals are ready to cater to you. Vacation Boat Rentals is one such place, with one of the largest rental fleets in the Florida Keys, as well as one of the newest - with new boats every year, meaning you’re getting the best of the best. Their boats will get you to the dive site of your desires, and let you have a little fun in the sun along the way.
If you want to take this diving things to the next level, then consider staying in a dive resort! Looe Key Reef Resort and Dive Center has been inviting guests to experience the wonder of the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary since 1978. They offer two different tours every single day, so there’s no way you could ever get bored. Even if you aren’t a diver, there are awesome snorkeling trips that take advantage of Looe Key’s shallow depths and abundant sea life. And if you overdo it on the activity side and need a break for a day, then you can chill at the resort’s easy-breezy Looe Key Tiki Bar and sip some drinks while listening to live music, or chill in your comfy room. Looe Key is actually a part of Bahia Honda State Park, which encompasses 500 acres and an offshore island, including quiet beaches that are ideal for spending a relaxing day swimming and snorkeling - maybe you’ll make some colorful fish friends!
floridakeys.noaa.gov
rainbowreef.us
vacationboatrentals.com
looekeydivecenter.com
looekeytikibar.com
bahiahondapark.com
Above the Waves
Just when you thought you’d gotten used to the world below the waves, you pop your head above the surface and realize there’s a whole other world on top of the water! Trade your snorkel in for some sunscreen and prepare to board on a journey of discovery.
If you know anything about the waters surrounding the Keys, then you’ll know they’re teeming with fantastic fishing! The 125-mile-long arc of islands that comprises the Florida Keys creates a fishing environment unique in the world, and means a noteworthy or at least edible catch is possible virtually any time of year. Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi (Dolphin), Kings, Tuna, and Marlin abound in the Gulf Stream Waters, and Cobia, Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, and Shark swim the Gulf of Mexico. Florida Bay, edged by the “inner” curve of the Keys and the Florida mainland, is referred to locally as the backcountry, home to five of the most sought after game fish among recreational anglers: bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish (red drum) and snook. While big boats are best in the open waters, the Bay is best fished in a canoe or kayak. Florida Bay Outfitters has all the best paddle rentals in the Bay, located in Key Largo. Their Hobie Pro Anglers are the top choice for a relaxed day of fishing. But these outfitters are also known for their eco-tours! Imagine paddling through some of the most diverse waters on Earth, throughout the Keys and Everglades National Park.
Now, if you are going out on the open water, you’re going to need a boat that you can hang out on all day. Good thing you’re in the Florida Keys, because there are boats, boats, boats! Also, there is Islamorada - “The Sport Fishing Capitol of the World”! Islamorada is actually a series of islands that create one big water sports destination. Sea Horse Charters rises above the ranks of Islamorada’s fishing charters due to its impeccable craft quality and unbeatable customer service. They are so confident in their abilities to aid you in your fishing excursion, that they guarantee you will catch fish! Not only that, but they will ice, clean, and bag your catch for you (just bring your own cooler). And they know that fishing is a memory making experience when you bring your kids along - which is why they welcome children!
You don’t have to get into sports to be able to enjoy being out on the water. Throughout the Florida Keys, there are so many amazing natural and cultural phenomenons to see; and the best way to see them is usually by water! A Family Fun Boat Tour Co. pretty much says what they’re about in their name. But to expound on it a bit, they have many different kinds of tours, including eco-tours, sightseeing, and sunset tours. As you’ve probably already guessed, they’re here to help you make family memories! Imagine sailing the waters of Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Tea Table Key and Lower Matecumbe Key together, keeping your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins, manatee, native wildlife and a wide variety of birds, including pelicans, osprey, egrets, herons, frigate birds, ibis, and even the occasional bald eagle.
Anyone who is into “vintage” films will know that Key Largo is where you can find a lot to do with Humphrey Bogart films. In fact, he and Lauren Bacall battled Edward G. Robinson (and a hurricane!) in the 1948 film “Key Largo.” Today, visitors can take a tour on The African Queen, the boat Bogart and Katharine Hepburn fell into during the 1951 movie, “The African Queen.” Though that movie is set in World War I Africa, in modern day Key Largo you can board the African Queen for your own adventure in sightseeing. There are canal and dinner cruises, as well as private charters, making for one of the most unique and romantic sightseeing boat rides for you and your beloved.
If you live to be on the water everyday, then you should consider staying in one of the Florida Keys’ many resorts on the water. Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway in Marathon is located on the Florida Bay, making it easy to access the water any time of day. They provide boat rentals, parasailing, Spirit Snorkeling, and beautiful Florida Keys accommodations in their tropical vacation suites. Their bayside harbor is also home to Porky’s Bayside Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy all American barbecue and fresh catch seafood to the tune of live music.
paddlefloridakeys.com
nps.gov/ever
floridakeysfishing-charters.com
familyfunboattours.com
africanqueenflkeys.com
captainpips.com
floridakeysmarathon.com
On the Land
Some of you may be wondering if the only activities here are aquatic related, but you can actually have an amazing time in the Florida Keys without ever setting foot in the water! Each of the islands has its own unique vibe, and special attractions; this is why many visitors love to road trip down the island chain, stopping off now and then to shop, dine, or take pictures.
What many people may not realize is that the Florida Keys are home to a rich arts and culture scene. When you think about the Keys’ natural beauty as inspiration for artists and writers for centuries, as well as the people from many nations who have come to call the string of islands home, it is no wonder that you will find here some of the most colorful and diverse artwork, artisan pieces, festivals, theater, and more!
Islamorada is primarily known for its excellent fishing, but don’t forget that it has an artistic side! In January, you can enjoy Annual Art Under The Oaks, where fine art and original crafts can be found amidst a variety of entertainment, specialty food booths, and even children’s arts & crafts. Don’t miss the raffle of items donated by artists. If you love live music, you simply cannot miss the Annual ALR Coral Head Music Festival in Marathon in February. From nationally recognized bands to local Florida Keys favorites, fantastic music will be played all day long! The best part? All of the proceeds benefit charities, including Project: Vet Relief, Relay for Life, and Wesley House Family Services.
The great playwright Tennessee Williams was one of the many writers who drew creative inspiration from the Florida Keys, making it quite fitting that Key West should be home to the Tennessee Williams Theatre. It is a top-notch performing arts center, with a tasteful variety of shows from cabaret musicals to big band tunes. Another fantastic example of the Keys’ creative spirit is Waterfront Playhouse, located in Key West. Named “The Best Professional Theater in Florida” 2010 and 2011, The Waterfront Playhouse is a not-for-profit theater located in Old Town, and has been offering locals and tourists alike comedies, dramas, musicals, concerts, and world premieres for almost 80 seasons!
Throughout the Keys are some of the most diverse, quirky, and world class art galleries, making this the perfect spot for avid art collectors. If you love art, and especially if you’re looking for that special piece to put in your home, you simply have to visit the Keys’ art galleries and shops. Not only does the Lobster Trap Art Gallery in Islamorada draw visitors in with its colorful exterior, but it fascinates you once you see what’s inside, as well: vibrant, eye catching pieces like undersea paintings, photos, and animal accent pieces like wall clocks. In Key West, find a unique gallery inside of a beautiful Keys bungalow when you visit the Alan S. Maltz Gallery. Lovers of wildlife should especially visit this gallery, since Maltz is actually the Official Wildlife and Fine Art Photographer of Florida. You can even see an interview with this artist on PBS TV! His vivid, captivating pieces featuring the beautiful wildlife of Florida are a sight to behold. Whether you’re looking to buy or just looking to look, you must visit this gallery.
One of the most wonderful parts of staying in the Florida Keys is that most hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals are so close to lots of attractions! Whether you want to stay close a state park, shopping, or restaurants, it’s easy to choose where you spend the night based on where you want to go when you wake up. Parrot Key Resort in Key West knows you want to be close to everything awesome, and that’s why their staff will help you plan not only your accommodations with them, but also all of the dining, activities, and events that are in the area. They even let you know what to based on the weather! Of course, once you arrive at their beautiful tropical resort, with their hotel suites and villas located on the picturesque waterfront and an invigorating, colorful atmosphere along with tropical foliage and lots of areas to relax, you may not ever want to leave the resort! Vacation rentals are another great way to ensure that you stay nearby the attractions you want to visit, and Island Villa Properties can help you find the perfect place. Their rentals span from Key Largo, to Tavernier, to Islamorada and beyond, and their staff is dedicated to finding you the ideal rental, whether you need a lot space for a family trip or a smaller space for just the two of you. Hint hint: for those planning a surprise romantic getaway for your special someone, just let the professionals at Island Villa know what you’re looking for!
artundertheoaks.com
coralheadmusicfest.com
twstages.com
lobstertrapart.com
alanmaltz.com
parrotkeyresort.com
islandvilla.com
