Key Largo

Just over an hours drive from the bright lights of Miami Beach, Key Largo is the largest of all the Keys and the closest to the mainland. Its biggest draws are its natural attractions, such as John Pennekamp State Park, the first undersea park in the USA. Home to huge coral reefs and a submerged shipwreck, this is a diver’s paradise. Glass bottomed boat trips and a huge aquarium, mean that anyone can experience the underwater magic.

For visitors wanting to enjoy Largos natural attractions on dry land its worth taking the time to visit Dagny Johnson, State Park. Here visitors can follow trails on bike or foot, with the chance to spot crocodiles and other protected species of animals.

History buffs and movie lovers won’t want to miss a ride aboard the African Queen – a 100 year old steam boat that began its life in Africa transporting hunting parties across the Nile, before becoming a Hollywood star in the film of the same name. Having sailed Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn in its past life, The African Queen ‘retired’ to Key Largo in 1982. The boat has been painstakingly restored to its former glory and now offers visitors the chance to cruise the Port Largo Canal.

Come sundown on Largo you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars to unwind as you look back on action packed days and enjoy incredible sea food.

Islamorada

Our next stop is Islamorada. Made up of six different islands it’s the self-proclaimed Sports Fishing Capital of the world. The deep blue waters off the coast here attract fishing fans from all over the globe, who come to land big game fish such as Blackfin tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish and Mahi Mahi. After wrestling your feisty catch aboard, you can take this to a local restaurant where it will be cooked to perfection.

 

There is no shortage of boats that are available for charter in this part of the Florida Keys, but if you are a novice then you can join a group sailing which will include everything you need to get started.

 

Back on land you will find independent shops and boutique art galleries in the village centre, as well as laid back restaurants, cafes and bars. A visit to Robbie's ticks all of these boxes in one visit! Feed the giant Tarpon that frequent the dock here, then enjoy your own meal by the waters edge, before browsing the open-air market. Here you will find local art, photography, and handicrafts.

 

A trip out to Islamorada sandbar is a fun way to spend an afternoon, as you snorkel over colourful reefs, before enjoying the party atmosphere that surrounds the famous sandbar. On weekends and holiday’s you'll be joined by local families picnicking and barbecuing in the shallow waters that surround it.

Marathon

Roughly halfway between Key Largo and Key West, the city of Marathon makes a good stopover for a night or two if you plan to make the long journey from Miami to Key West. It shares many of the same attractions as Islamorada, but composed of 13 separate islands it is much bigger, offering the visitor a broad selection of hotels and resorts to choose from.

 

Marathon can make claim to having one of the best beaches in the keys, the beautiful Sombrero Beach. Its perfect white sands are often visited by nesting turtles between April and October making it a perfect spot for nature lovers as well as sun seekers. For an active experience head to the nearby Curry Hammock State Park where you can hire a kayak and explore the watery trails that flow through the swampy mangroves.

 

Make sure you visit Pigeon Key, a remote island, connected by an old railway line that was once part of the original 7-mile Bridge. It’s 2 miles each way, so is a good walk from Marathon or a gentle cycle ride. Upon reaching the island you will be able to explore the railroad museum or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters that lap its shores.

A visit to the Dolphin Research centre - where you will be able to experience an unforgettable encounter with these friendly and intelligent animals – is a highlight of any trip to The Florida Keys! Our team of experts will be able to help you arrange the opportunity to swim with dolphins whilst in Florida.

Big Pine Key and The Lower Keys

The penultimate region on our journey through the Florida Keys is Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys. Understated and unspoilt, this is an unplugged version of the Keys that are stripped back of big hotels and fancy restaurants. An abundance of natural attractions and a quieter way of life, make this the perfect spot for anyone looking to get away from the crowds.
 

With an abundance of tropical fish, sharks, coral and a submerged wreck, Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is a scuba divers heaven. The clear, warm waters make this ideal for snorkelling too. We can arrange dive tours and snorkelling trips for you, should you wish to arrange these in advance.

Make sure you put aside a day to enjoy the beautiful Bahia Honda State Park. Its perfect sandy white beaches are the very best in all of the Keys if not the USA. Being a state park, visitors are able to camp here, so if you book early enough you can enjoy the sensation of stepping out of your RV and into the warm shallow waters which surround this stunning park. A section of the iconic rail bridge that once connected the keys can be accessed from the sandy shores here, offering up aerial views of the park.

If you linger on Big Pine Key Long enough, you are likely to experience an encounter with one of its famous residents – the pretty Key deer. Little more than the size of a dog, these pocket-sized deer are native to the Florida Keys and are only found on Big Pine and the neighbouring islands. Capable of swimming between the different keys, the deer can be spotted in a range of habitats, including wooded hammocks, mangroves or grazing by the roadside. Look but don’t touch though as this endangered species is protected.

Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the Blue Hole. This former quarry has been flooded with rainwater, making it a magnet for birds and animals. Visit at either dusk or dawn and you may spot the deer coming to drink but look out for the two resident gators!

Key West

Now we reach the end of the line, our final destination of this virtual tour of The Keys - Key West, the best-known key of them all. Located just 105 miles from Havana, Key West sways to a different rhythm to the rest of mainland USA. It’s laidback vibes and legendary nightlife, pull in the crowds who come to experience a town that is diverse as it is inclusive.

Wander through the palm lined streets of Key Wests historic old town and you’ll find pastel-coloured bungalows, weather boarded cottages, gingerbread mansions and a spattering of colonial French gems thrown into the architectural mix. Many of these Grand houses once played host to former presidents, artists, and writers – including Key Wests most famous resident Ernest Hemingway. Like many travellers, Hemingway overwintered in the Keys, enjoying its warm and dry tropical temperatures, deep sea fishing and a few drinks on Duval Street.

 

After a day exploring the plethora of museums and shops, head to Mallory Square and join in the sunset celebration. As the sun begins its slow descent into the ocean, crowds gather to watch the tight rope walkers, jugglers and fire breathers that come out each evening to mark the occasion with a performance.
 
Once darkness falls the crowds head to Duvall Street where bars and clubs come to life, entertaining revellers into the small hours. If you prefer a quieter scene, then you’ll find no shortage of restaurants and bars tucked away off the main drag.
 
Like the other keys we have explored so far you will be able to indulge your passions for water sports such as diving, snorkelling, big game fishing and kayaking. All of these activities and more can be arranged by us, to get you onto and under the turquoise waters that encompass Key West.
 
If you would like to learn more about Florida and the Keys then get in touch with one of our team of friendly travel experts and we will be pleased to help your travel dreams become a travel plan