Florida Keys island chain is 193 kilometers chain that stretches from the southernmost point US state of Florida between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. To drive along the Florida Keys makes for one of the most scenic drives in the US. These beautiful tropical islands are renowned for their shallow waters with rich marine life and coral reefs, making it perfect destination for fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Abundance of shipwrecks also contributes to luring the adventurers.
Check: Miami to Key West road trip.
Key Largo
Diving capital of the world is a perfect starting point for many divers being renowned for its crystal clear blue waters, exotic marine life and historic sites. Located just about 96 kilometers from downtown Miami, this small piece of paradise is well within reach, offering tourists pristine beaches, fantastic resorts, and plenty of underwater and island adventures to keep them entertained all year long. One can enjoy fascinating coral reefs, shipwrecks, and diverse underwater flora and fauna. Molasses Reef is one of the most popular in the Upper Keys containing many colorful fish and corals. From the submerged Jules Underwater Lodge and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to the historic Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail and beautiful Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Key Largo has plenty of adventures by land and sea. These are just some of the beautiful and unique parks of Florida Keys. Once your done diving, you might want to head to one of the Key Largo restaurants offering fresh seafood spiced up in the Caribbean way!
Interested in learning more about exotic Florida, check this guide about some unique bars in Forth Lauderdale.
Islamorada
Primarily known as a sportfishing destination, Islamorada offers some of the best diving spots in the world l
ike The Eagle – a Dutch freighter that lies sunk at 33 meters dept. Groups of nurse sharks, silversides and grunts can be spotted around it. Other locations include Hens and Chickens Reef, Crocker Wall and Davis Reef.
Good starting point for a diver at Islamorada would be Islamorada Dive Center which is located at the Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina at Holiday Isle. They run dive experience at more than 40 dive sites.
Check this amazing post on Discovering the Florida Keys by Kayak.
Learn more on swimming with manatees in King`s bay, Florida
Big Pine Key
Perfect base for exploring one of Lower Keys greatest wrecks – Adolphus Busch Senior. The 61 meter freighter was deliberately sunk in 1998 at around 30 meter dept. In the Big Pine Key area, there are plenty of dive shops that typically offer two to three scuba diving trips each day so you are sure catch a ride out to some of the many dive destinations of the Lower Keys. At Big Pine Key dive shops you will find all your needs met, including rental equipment to go diving in the FL Keys.
In close proximity to Big Pine Key, on Bahia Honda Key you will find Bahia Honda State Park. It has incredibly rich and diverse flora and fauna and divers can easily spot reef fish like rays and barracudas as well as nurse sharks swimming around colorful corals.
Check more for Things to do in Florida Keys with kids
Key West
The southernmost city in the continental U.S., Key West has long been the premier destination for snowbirds and locals for its laid-back island lifestyle, rich history and majestic sunsets. Key West is an easy day trip from Miami and Sand Key islet, about seven miles southwest of Key West and marked by a 33 meter light tower, is well-known among snorkelers for its abundant coral and calmer waters; there’s enjoyable diving on the oceanside of the key, too. The Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg is another massive wreck and artificial reef home to many species of marine plants and animals. Joe’s Tug, a 22 meter tug sitting in about 20 meters of water, is an easy and rewarding dive for both beginners and experienced divers; visibility is also generally good, making it a magnificent locale for photos. Dive Key West, Inc. is the largest full-service dive facility in the Florida Keys, offering scuba diving and snorkeling in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, including inner reefs and outer reef, wreck dives and night dives. Key West is one of the best places to see the sunset in Florida, so don’t forget to bring an HQ camera to capture a beautiful painting in the sky.
In between all the usual things to do in Key West mostly associated with sea and nature there is one activity a bit unusual. It’s called searching for ghosts on a Key West Haunted Tour. An interesting way of learning the mysteries of the island
If you are planning to visit Key West and don`t know what to expect check our quick guide on Weekend in Key West.
If you`re wilderness and nature fan you should not miss a visit to Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, one of the last pristine nature reserves in Florida.
Take a moment to look at this.
