Florida Keys

The sub-tropical geography already blessed with stunning natural beauty is enhanced by the exotic mix of cultures and influences that have helped to shape the vibrant communities. On land you’ll find art galleries, independent cafes, fantastic seafood restaurants and varied museums. But it is really the turquoise sea - harbouring a secret treasure trove below the glittering surface - which you’ll most want to explore while you’re here.

The Florida Keys are a chain of fossilised coral islands, but they are protected by the living Florida Reef – North America’s only coral reef. It is the snorkelling and diving opportunities here that is the greatest fascination of the Keys. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary together provide the star attraction. The fabulous underwater reaches of these two refuges provide an extraordinary glimpse into the underwater life of coral reefs.

The mesmerising scenery and highlights keep coming as you travel south to the ‘Fishing Capital of the World’ Islamorada and then Marathon, the heart of the Keys and home of the Dolphin Research Centre. Leave Marathon by Seven Mile Bridge – the longest segmental bridge in the world – to discover the Lower Keys. Here you’ll find the stunning Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key as well as more incredible shallow dive and snorkelling experiences.

After you’ve meandered your way right through the Keys down Highway 1, you’ll come to a final stop at the end of the line at Key West. Continental America’s southernmost city is alive with 19th century charm and 21st century attractions. The unique architecture and laidback vibe has provided a haven for artists and authors over the years, including Ernest Hemingway and Robert Frost. At the end of the day, visitors gather in Mallory Square to watch performers celebrate the intensely coloured sunsets.

The best time to visit the Florida Keys is from November to April, during the dry season. During these months, you can expect warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and lower humidity, which make for ideal conditions for outdoor activities like snorkelling, diving, and exploring the islands. The weather is generally more predictable, and the risk of rain is significantly lower compared to the summer months.

Visiting during the dry season also means you can enjoy the many festivals and events that take place in the Florida Keys, such as the Key West Food & Wine Festival in January and the Conch Republic Independence Celebration in April. The pleasant weather allows you to fully experience the vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and beautiful natural surroundings, without the discomfort of high humidity or the threat of hurricanes.

It's important to avoid the peak hurricane season, which runs from June to November. During this time, the weather can be unpredictable, and there is a higher chance of tropical storms and hurricanes, which can disrupt travel plans and potentially pose safety risks.

For the best experience in the Florida Keys, plan your visit between November and April to take full advantage of the beautiful weather, numerous activities, and festive events.

Key Largo – Gateway to the Everglades
Key Largo is the largest Florida Key, and is the perfect gateway for exploring one of America’s greatest treasures – The Everglades, a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve and wetland of international importance and one of the most famous national parks on the planet. It covers 1.4 million acres and is the only eco-system of its type in the world, making it the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. This haven for wildlife is home to hundreds of species of birds, as well as alligators, deer, raccoons and the extremely rare and elusive American crocodile. When not exploring the Everglades, Key Largo also offers opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling, it’s rated one of the top places to dive in the world and top dive spots include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Molasses Reef.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Located off Key Largo, the John Pennekamp State Park is arguably the jewel of the state park system. It was the first underwater park in the US and now encompasses nearly 70 nautical square miles of brilliantly colourful coral reef. The state park also has swimming areas and woodland trails, as well as a comprehensive visitor centre to direct you to the best spots for snorkelling.

Islamorada
Further down the Keys, south of Key Largo is Islamorada- loving called the ‘Purple Isle’ and famed to be the ‘Sport Fishing Capital of the World’. It’s known for its outstanding big game fishing and has the Keys’ largest fleet of offshore charter boats and shallow water “backcountry” boats waiting to take beginners and experts alike on fishing expeditions.

Marathon
Marathon marks the central point along the chain between Key Largo and Key West. It’s here that you’ll find the historical Crane Point Hammock and the eye-opening Dolphin Research Centre. This rest home for sick and injured dolphins offers the unforgettable experience of swimming and interacting with these beautiful, intelligent, and curious marine mammals.

Key West
Quirky and idyllic, you can’t help but fall in love with Key West, the ‘southernmost’ city in the USA, which is in fact closer to Cuba than it is to Miami. Around four hours drive from Miami, it offers a laid-back Caribbean feel, pristine white sand beaches and blue turquoise waters. Full of character the city is bursting with cultural attractions, museums and fantastic eateries particularly on bustling Duval Street. Take time to visit the former house of Ernest Hemmingway that was restored during the 1930’s, the tour gives access to the house, gardens, and his writing studio.

• Getting around the Florida Keys
  Hiring a car is the best way to explore the Florida Keys as there is no public transport that connects each of the different resorts and islands. Key West is a walkable town and direct flights are available from Miami to Key West, so this is the perfect holiday spot for non-drivers.
  
• Sunset at Mallory Square, Key West
  Every evening, a variety of performing artists from street entertainers to live musicians fill up the square for the nightly sunset celebration. Enjoy the flaming sunset, cocktail in hand, as the sun goes down.
  
• Beaches at Bahia Honda State Park
  Across the Seven Mile Bridge from Marathon, Bahia Honda State Park is the location of the finest beach in the Florida Keys. Here you will find brilliant white sand – the finest in the Keys – backed by tropical forest made up of exotic West Indian trees like silver palms and yellow satinwoods. With the option to rent kayaks and boats on the shore, it’s not surprising that this beach regular features in lists of the most beautiful beaches in America.
  
• Marathon Turtle Hospital
  Kids and adults alike will enjoy the uniquely interactive learning experience at The Turtle Hospital, the world’s only licensed veterinary hospital dedicated to treating sea turtles. Guided 90 minutes tours are available and prebooking is recommended.
  
• Dry Tortugas National Park
  Take a daytrip from Key West to the remote Dry Tortugas National Park 70 miles west. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands, accessible only by boat or seaplane. It is known for the magnificent 19th century Fort Jefferson, crystal blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast number of bird species that frequent the area.