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The Florida Keys

The 120-mile Florida Keys island chain is home to North America’s only living-coral barrier reef. This teeming backbone of marine life runs the length of the Keys about five miles off offshore. Our 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 our marine habitat. Preserving the reef is a top priority for a good reason. There is no more versatile marine destination in the world. We have coral-encrusted ship wrecks and intricate natural coral formations. We have shallow reefs for snorkelers, and a range of deeper reefs for experienced divers. Most dive sites are equipped with convenient mooring buoys to save the reef from anchors and make it easy for boaters to tie off. Once you visit the Keys, you’ll see why some of the most renowned dive photographers, writers and artists in the world, including internationally renowned artist Clayton Whitehouse, make this their home base.

Key Largo & Taviner

Key Largo, the northernmost island of the Florida Keys island chain, lies only an hour’s drive from South Florida’s two major airports. Yet it is a world away. As you look at the tropical hardwoods, the winding creeks, and the stunning coral formations, it is no wonder Hollywood chose to film scenes from the movies “PT 109” and “Key Largo” here. Key Largo is sandwiched between the watery wilderness of the Everglades to the west and the fish-covered coral formations of North America’s only living coral barrier reef to the east. Locals consider their home the Diving Capital of the World but the island is nearly as famous as a sport-fishing destination. Some of the best charter captains and fishing guides in the world work out of Key Largo. You can go after sailfish offshore, bonefish along the Atlantic shallows, or redfish and tarpon in Florida Bay. All this beauty, not to mention the island’s rich history, has inspired a vibrant community of artists who show there work at several local galleries.

Six miles offshore in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary you will find the wreck of the Spiegel Grove, The Spiegel Grove lies on its side, six miles off Key Largo in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Numbered mooring buoys provide easy tie-off points for private boaters and charter dive operators. The buoy lines are shackled to the ship along the length of its 510-foot hull. The Spiegel Grove lies on its starboard (right) side with a slight 15-degree list toward an upright position. The side of the hull forms a slightly sloped, horizontal surface that has taken on a yellowish sheen due to the layer of algae and other life that is slowly enveloping it. Because the Spiegel Grove measures 510 feet from stern to bow, on even the clearest days it will be impossible to view the entire hull from end-to-end. The deck now lies nearly vertical. Peering over that rail was like looking over the edge of an eight-story building. At its broadest point, the Spiegel Grove measures 84-feet wide. as you look down, you see the superstructure, cabins, winches, all sorts of devices. The Spiegel Grove is so wide that on many days, the view of the super structure will fade into a green-blue abyss. On the clearest days, the sandy bottom will be visible at a depth of about 130 feet. Many divers compare it to a natural underwater wall or cliff. There is no natural formation in the Florida Keys that can match the dimensions of the Spiegel Grove. The Spiegel Grove is an excellent multi-level dive, meaning there is something for divers of all levels of expertise. The ship’s starboard (right) side is imbedded in white sand at a depth of about 130 feet. It’s stern has a cavernous well deck, which now resembles an underwater cave, but which once ferried amphibious landing craft around the globe. The fact that the Spiegel Grove is lying on its side allows a larger portion of the ship to be available in the middle 48 to 62-foot range. The Spiegel Grove is on its way to becoming as rich in coral and fish life as any wreck in the Keys. But there always will be one difference. If I had to use two word to describe it, I would say it’s huge.

Islamorada & Long Key

Imagine two seas brimming with the world's most sought-after gamefish: Sailfish, tuna and dolphin in our Atlantic, and a grand slam shot at permit, tarpon, and bonefish in the backcountry waters of Florida Bay. You're in Islamorada the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. An array of marine life inhabits the patch coral reef alongside our islands, making Islamorada a favorite also for divers. Landlubbers, on the other hand, may prefer viewing acrobatic dolphin and other deep sea stars at Windley Key's Theater of the Sea. The shops and galleries at Treasure Village and the Rain Barrel on Plantation Key offer a colorful collection of arts, crafts, and other creative island treasures. At Long Key State Recreation Area, campers can kick back or meander nature trails. Added trails are offered at Windley Key Quarry Fossil Reef State Geologic Site, where acres of fossilized coral and an environmental center are at-hand, and at Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site-an island with the highest elevation in the Keys: a dizzying 18 feet.

Marathon & Duck Key

The blue-green panorama of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, dotted with lobster traps and sailboats, is not unlike the scene that greeted passengers on Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad, which linked the Keys to mainland Florida from 1912 until 1935. Those passengers probably took little notice of the sparsely populated island at the northeastern foot of the Seven Mile Bridge. Today, this island offers some of the best fishing and sport diving anywhere in the world. This is Marathon, the "Heart of the Florida Keys. Marathon has blossomed into a small city centered on the island of Vaca Key at the midpoint of the Keys island chain. Before dusk, residents and visitors alike gather at boat docks to survey fishermen's daily catch and often the entree for their evening meal. You will dive, snorkel, fish and sail along the only living coral reef in North America, several miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean.

Marathon is home to Crane Point Hammock, a 63.5-acre land tract that is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in the Keys. The area contains evidence of pre-Colombian and prehistoric Bahamian artifacts, and once was the site of an entire Indian village. On site is the Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys and an adjoining children's museum. Another historical site, recently opened to the public is Pigeon Key, a tiny five-acre island nestled below the old Seven Mile Bridge. Step onto Pigeon Key and step back into history to the key that was home to the men that built Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad. Marathon also is home to the Dolphin Research Center and the Turtle Hospital. Both play important roles in the preservation of indigenous Keys' marine life. And just south of Marathon, the new Seven Mile Bridge, which runs parallel to its venerable forerunner, is the longest segmental bridge in the world.

Lower Keys & Little Palm Island Resort and Spa

If you’ve had enough of an overcrowded and weary world, the islands of the Lower Keys are the place for you. Here, you can snorkel or dive over the Looe Key coral reef, ride a bicycle through Key Deer country, or take a fishing adventure in the deep blue waters beyond the reef. The Earthy fragrance of mangrove forests and wetlands is never far away.

The Lower Keys begin where the Florida Keys island chain takes a graceful westerly turn toward the sunset, shortly after the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Tiny Little Duck Key, at mile marker 40 in the upper end of the Lower Keys, boasts sandy beaches, picnic areas, and pet-friendliness. Nearby, you will find Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area at mile marker 37. With its white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife, Bahia Honda Key frequently makes the list of most beautiful beaches in America. At Big Pine Key explore the National Key Deer Refuge. If you’re looking for an off-shore adventure, Big Pine is also the jumping off point for numerous snorkeling and dive charters to Looe Key reef.

Don’t forget about the other islands of the Lower Keys. Look for intriguing names such as Summerland Key, Big Torch and Little Torch Keys, Cudjoe Key, Sugarloaf Key or Big Coppitt Key. The uninhabited Saddlebunch Keys are a network of sandy lagoons and mangrove islands that make the jaunt a memorable one, especially at sunset.

Key West

You will discover a city where real estate titles date back to the Kings of Spain. Stroll the palm-lined streets, gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway's home. Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Edison, Lou Gehrig, Harry Truman, and Tennessee Williams. Gaze at the fabled treasure of the galleon Atocha. Discover tomorrow's fine art treasures by Key West's well-known and unknown artists.

Only in Key West would the sun shine brightest when it sets. Everyone gathers for the never planned, always varied Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock. Once the sun is safely tucked away by jugglers, mimes, musicians and street artists, the city moves to a different beat. A night beat. The streets, filled with sidewalk cafes, open-air bars, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants come alive. Gourmets and gourmands alike treat their palates to island specialties. Drama, musicals and comedy flourish on our stages. As you enjoy these sights, you'll discover that modern Key West is a warm-hearted place where all are welcome. The city's vibrant Gay and Lesbian Community helped spearhead the island's economic and social revival in the 1980's. In this city of fascinating contrasts, you could easily find yourself wanting to let go of mainland hassles permanently.

In Key West you can use convenient public transportation, taxis, pedi-cabs, tour trains, trolleys, bicycles or even your own two feet to see the sights. However you choose to see the town, you'll discover that old town Key West is one of America's true architectural and botanical treasures. Key West has lots of history and many museums to show for it. A good place to start would be a ride on one of the tour trains or trolleys; the conductor will relate stories with local color and you will get an idea of places you will want to revisit to learn more. On even the tiniest lanes, the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes and adorned them with lush tropical trees and flowers. New restaurants and stores are popping up in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, which was settled in the 19th Century by Bahamian immigrants. Hemingway loved coming here to mix with the hard-working locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling contests. Key West’s waters also provide great diving and snorkeling experiences for the more adventurous. The Florida Keys is a fishing Mecca.

Florida Keys