Key Largo

The longest island of the Keys chain, Key Largo gave its name to the famous movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall — portions of which were filmed there. Bogart’s Key Largo connection still is evident today as visitors can see the African Queen, the actual boat Bogart skippered in the movie of the same name.



Key Largo is flanked by the Everglades National Park to the west, a premier destination for kayakers, birders and other eco-tourists.



To the east is the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef, and Key Largo has earned the moniker of Diving Capital of the World. Six miles offshore in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is the Spiegel Grove shipwreck, a 510-foot former US Navy ship intentionally scuttled in 2002. But Key Largo’s star attraction is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — the first underwater preserve in the United States. These two refuges, part of the Keys’ marine sanctuary, feature 55 varieties of delicate corals and almost 500 different species of fish. 



Key Largo has some of the most fascinating botanical scenery in the state. All this beauty, not to mention the island's rich history, has inspired a vibrant community of artists who show their work at several local galleries. Key Largo is well known for the quality of its diving and fishing opportunities.



Islamorada

Midway down the Keys, Islamorada offers white sandy beaches, watersports, world class fishing and diving and some beautiful resorts. A trip to Islamorada would not be complete without sampling some of the local isla fresh seafood served everywhere from island tiki bars and dockside fish houses to gourmet beachfront cafes and secluded island bistros.



Islamorada is the centrepiece of a group of islands called the “purple isles.” Spanish explorers named the area “morada,” the Spanish word for purple — either for the violet sea snail, janthina janthina, found on the seashore here, or for the purple bougainvillea flowers found in the area.  Known as the “Sport fishing Capital of the World,” Islamorada is heralded for its angling diversity and features the Keys’ largest fleet of offshore charter boats and shallow-water “backcountry” boats.



The Keys boast more sport fishing world records than any other fishing destination in the world, according to the International Game Fish Association. Anglers can find sailfish, marlin, dolphin (the fish, not the mammal), kingfish, snapper, barracuda and grouper in the ocean. Tarpon, bonefish, redfish and other species can be found in shallow coastal waters.



Activity, fun and relaxation for the whole family includes hand-feeding hungry tarpon at the docks of Robbie's Marina, or catching a dolphin, sea lion and parrot show at Theater of the Sea marine mammal park.

Marathon

Midway down the Florida Keys, Marathon features iconic learning centres with educational focus where visitors can enjoy unique interactive experiences include The Turtle Hospital, the world's only licenced veterinary hospital dedicated to the treatment of sea turtles, and Dolphin Research Center, a not-for-profit education and research facility since 1984.

Big Pine Key & Lower Keys

Big Pine Key is noted for the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, rated by many as among the most spectacular shallow-water dive experiences to be found. The sheer sweep of the Straits of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico is readily seen from the Bahia Honda Bridge. Bahia Honda State Park, whose beach was named one of the top 10 in the United States by several travel studies, is a prime example of the Lower Keys’ pristine beauty. Popular nature tours, many by kayak or paddle board, offer unforgettable opportunities to view the unique flora and fauna of this area of the Keys.



Key West 

Located closer to Cuba than to Miami, Key West is Florida's irreverent southernmost subtropical paradise, a unique confluence of history, climate, natural beauty, cultural diversity, architecture and unabashed romantic appeal.



At day’s end in Key West, visitors gather at Mallory Square to experience the daily “sunset celebration” — a tradition that Key Westers share with visitors. While musicians, jugglers, mimes and other performers provide entertainment, the sun sinks slowly below the horizon as sunset cruise boats sail by in Key West Harbour.



The nightlife in Key West can be exciting and diverse. The “Duval Crawl” is a popular phrase used to describe fun-seekers’ evening jaunts up and down the island’s main street to sample numerous taverns and entertainment offerings.  For more culturally oriented visitors, theatre is available at several playhouses and the Key West Symphony offers periodic concerts.



The furthest point south, Key West is a cute and beautifully restored town with lots of historical connections, shopping, galleries, dining and beaches. Key West comes alive at sunset and from then you can party until dawn.