The why, what, and how?

Key Largo is the largest and northernmost island of a group of island called the Florida Keys. It is located off the southern coast of Florida, about 60 miles from Miami. Thousands of tourists come for a Miami to Key Largo tour every year to enjoy the varied adventures of nature.

Why come for a tour to Key Largo?

The Key Largo waters are home to many shipwreck sites, numerous coral reefs, and other fantastic aqua escapades. No wonder, it is referred to as the diving capital of the world!

Most adventure seekers come to Key Largo to enjoy the eclectic marine life and the diverse animal and bird life inhabiting the island and the surrounding waters.

How to get there?

There are many ways to come for a Key Largo tour. Tourists can rent a car in Miami and drive across the picturesque Overseas Highway to come to Key Largo.

You may also avail of public or private bus services. They are comfortable and inexpensive. It may however be noted that unlike private bus services, public buses often do not run all the way to Key Largo. Hence, tourists may need to change a few buses before reaching the island town.

Tourists can also hire a cab, or avail the services of private boaters or ferries. The most comfortable option is however a Miami to Key Largo shuttle. The shuttles ply between the Miami airports and Key Largo on a daily basis.

What to do in Key Largo?

v       Tourists can go scuba diving and explore the mysteries of the sunken vessels. Tourists will also come across a variety of fish species and other marine life such as barracudas, sharks, manta rays, eels, groupers, and turtles during the diving excursion.

v        An overnight stay at an underwater hotel is an experience of a lifetime. The Jules Undersea lodge is a major Key Largo attraction. Sleeping amongst the colorful fishes, the vibrant sea life, and the lush underwater foliage will make you want to stay there forever.

v        There are several wildlife parks in Key Largo such as the wild bird rehabilitation center and the crocodile refuge. Do not miss an excursion to these places.

v        Tourists can also take a relaxing cruise aboard the African Queen. It is the same boat which was used during the filming of the Bogart/Hepburn movie. Enjoy a delightful ride and relive a piece of film history

      Tourists can also go snorkeling in Key Largo and check out the beauty of the colorful coral reefs. Both novice as well as experienced snorkelers can enjoy this adventure.

      Tourists who do not want to dive into the waters, but still want to thrill themselves with sights of the underwater treasures can go for a glass bottom Key Largo boat tour. The bottoms of these boats are fitted with clear glass that offer stunning views of the life occurring beneath the Key Largo waters.

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Most Interesting Attractions in Key West

While its picturesque beaches and super fun activities like snorkeling in Key West, the island has been known to draw tourists from all over the world. The Conch Republic has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the most interesting attractions to check out on the island of Key West. 

East Martello Museum

The East Martello Museum houses Robert the Doll, a life-sized doll who is named after his master Robert Gene Otto. Gene claimed that Robert was possessed and was causing the bouts of anger that he was famous for. Even today, museum caretakers will tell you that Robert the doll has special paranormal powers. He doesn't like it when his picture is taken and is known to move his toy lion from one knee to the other. If you listen closely, you might even hear him tap on his display case.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas is one of the most isolated and remote parks in the world. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, there are only three ways to get to here – by seaplane, by private boat and by ferry. It is so remote that it has no facilities or amenities like freshwater, fuel or groceries. When you travel here, you will have to carry all your supplies with you. Dry Tortugas National Park is home to many species of wildlife, bird life and coral. Here, you may across animals like the Florida panther, the Florida deer, the grey fox, the river otter, and the Florida King Snake to name a few. You can explore the park by going on a nature trail or a bike tour.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum exhibits some of the treasure that was lost on one of the world's most famous shipwrecks of all time – the Nuestra Senora de Atocha. A hurricane sank the ship in 1622 which was laden with treasure. Since then, many explorers have tried to locate but have been unsuccessful. In 1985 treasure hunter Mel Fisher discovered $450 million worth of treasure like Columbian emeralds, Spanish silver coins, gold coins, artifacts and more, buried under the ocean. The museum houses many exhibits and offers an insight into the story.   

Mallory Square

Key West is known to have one of the most scenic sunsets in the world and where better to see it than the iconic Mallory Square? While you're here you can watch the procession of artists and street performers celebrate the beginning of yet another Key West evening. The celebrations offer you a good view of the setting sun, a chance to get your fortune read, and watch the fire dancers.

Key West's Southernmost Point

Key West is home to the Southernmost point in the continental United States. There is a concrete buoy that is used to mark the spot. It was built in 1983. Don't miss the opportunity to take loads of touristy pictures here.

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Best Ways to Escape from the Hustle and Bustle of City Life in Key West

 

With its spectacular sunsets, its tropical beauty and fun activities like snorkeling in Key West, the island has so much potential to be the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you're looking to spend a peaceful vacation away from it all, Key West is the place to be. Here are some ways to escape from reality in Key West.

Get a rejuvenating treatment at the Caribbean Spa at the Pier House Resort & Spa

The Caribbean Spa at the Pier House Resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The spa offers a respite against aching sore muscles, and a chance to replenish of your body and soul and a stress-busting experience. This is the only full-day spa service in Key West which offers a wide range of treatments that are designed specially to restore feelings of well-being, balance, tranquility of spirit, and renewed energy. The spa is equipped with massage services, facials, soothing whirlpools, exercise facilities, steam rooms, and nail services.   

Camp at Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is made from sand and coral reefs and is considered to be one of the most isolated parks in the world. It is famous for its bird and marine life as well as legends of pirates and hidden treasure. Camping in Dry Tortugas offers you the opportunity to truly get away from it all and have a great outdoor experience. The camping opportunities in Dry Tortugas are in the Garden Key campground.

There are eight campsites where you can have a primitive camping experience. Be fully prepared before you head there as there are no facilities for groceries, fuel, freshwater etc. at the park. Basic items like water, food, camping equipment, first-aid kits, and other essentials will need to be brought along when you arrive.

Walk among the butterflies at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

You can find many species of butterflies and exotic birds from many parts of the world at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Walking through the cascading waterfalls and lush tropical vegetation is an amazing, tranquil experience. Don't miss the Gallery or the gift shops to purchase many unique gifting items.

Take a relaxing stroll on the beach

With its spectacular sunsets, its tropical beauty, and great weather almost all-year round, Key West is perfect to enjoy a wonderful fun day in the sun on the beach. The sunny shores, silver sands, and emerald waters make Key West a much sought-after holiday destination, especially if you want to escape from hectic city life. Go for a stroll along the natural vegetation and soft sand at Rest Beach. You can also go fishing on the White Street Pier which offers awesome angling opportunities. The beach also has restrooms, picnic tables, and a yoga deck where classes are held.

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What is a Key West Glass Bottom Boat Tour?

 

Key West is an island city located in the southern waters of Florida. It is about 160 miles from Miami. Key West is considered as one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world.

An Island that is Connected

Key West is accessible from any part of the globe. Direct and interconnecting flights land on a daily basis at the Key West International Airport. However, most tourists tend to spend a majority of their vacations in Miami and then use various modes of road, water, or air transportation to come for a Key West tour. One of the best travel options is a Miami to Key West shuttle.

Hollywood Loves to Blow it Up

It plies on a daily basis between the Miami airports and Key West. You will enjoy a comfortable ride across the picturesque Overseas Highway (you may have seen this bridge get blown up in Mission Impossible III and the goofy True Lies movie), across the length of the Florida Keys, all the way to Key West. Along the way, tourists will come across clear blue skies and pristine waters, a variety of birds flying overhead, and amazing sunny weather.

An Island of Solitude

Key West is primarily known as a place where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the warm rays of the sun. However, a number of tourists also come to the island city to explore the colorful coral reefs and other underwater treasures. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two ways in which you can check out the beauty of the coral reefs. It may also be noted that there are many tourists, such as families with young kids, who wish to check out the underwater life without actually diving into the waters. This is where a Key West glass bottom boat tour comes in.

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Glass bottom boats are special boats whose bottoms are fitted with clear glass. Tourists can look through such glass bottoms and get enamored by the immense beauty lying underneath the Key West waters. Glass bottom boat tours are available on a daily basis from varied locations in Key West. They commence in the mornings and continue till late evening.

A Place to Relax

Tourists need to board the glass bottom boats from their docking places. The boats will sail out into the ocean at the scheduled time. Tourists can travel on the upper deck and enjoy the pleasant weather as well as the gorgeous surroundings. You may also relax in the comforts of the air-conditioned room located below. This room is especially useful during the hot summer months.

Mother Nature's Finest

Once the boats arrive at a particular coral reef site, all tourists need to go to the lower deck to check out the underwater life. Sights of the kaleidoscopic coral reefs; the eclectic variety of fishes such as red fish, parrot fishes, and more; and the thriving marine life such as shrimps, manta rays, turtles, and more, will simply take your breath away! Friendly and knowledgeable guides will offer narration about the different species of sea life encountered during the tour. They will also share information about how coral reefs are formed, the needs of the ecosystem, and so on.

Tourists can stay-put in the lower deck during the journey back and become mesmerized by the water passing below. This is another world right next to humanity.

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The Best Restaurants and Bars of Key West

 

The island of Key West is situated about 160 miles from Miami, off the southern coast of Florida. It is the last island of a group of islands known as the Florida Keys. Tourists can take a Miami to Key West shuttle and come for a Key West tour.

Key West is a pristine island city that is home to gorgeous sandy beaches, amazing sunny weather, and tranquil blue waters. It is also one of the best places to indulge your taste buds. The cuisine of Key West is quite unique and has the characteristic taste of the island paradise. The culinary delights offered at the varied restaurants consist of a mild blend of Caribbean spices and flavors, tropical vegetables and fruits, and the freshest seafood comprising of delectable lobsters and fishes.

Duval Street – The Best Place for Culinary Delights

Duval Street has the highest concentration of bars and restaurants in Key West. Food aficionados can go for a delicious lunch at any one of the restaurants and simultaneously enjoy the company of musicians, writers, artists, and other creative people who frequent these joints. You may also enjoy a pleasant moonlight dinner with family and friends.

Sloppy Joe's

One of most famous and popular bars in Key West is Sloppy Joe's. Tourists have been reveling in the delights offered at this place since 1937. Even the legendary author Ernest Hemingway used to spend a majority of his leisure time enjoying the casual and laidback ambiance at the bar. Tourists visiting the bar will come across a variety of memorabilia hung up on its walls. There is also a Tap Room which serves crafted tap beer and has satellite TV for your entertainment. Every year, thousands of tourists come to Sloppy Joe's to get their world famous t-shirts and enjoy the live entertainment, ample drinks and beverages, and scrumptious menu items.

Smokin' Tuna Saloon

Tourists who love eating outdoors should not miss out on a fine dining experience at the Smokin' Tuna Saloon. It is a restaurant and bar that serves some of the most delectable and flavorful cuisines in the island city. Its grounds are canopied by lush Fichus and Banyan trees. Take your family to this fabulous restaurant and enjoy a tasty meal in the illuminated gardens under a starlit sky. To top it all, the place also has a gift shop, live entertainment, a boutique, and various brands of cigars.

Grand Café

Lose yourself in the grandeur of the spectacular restaurant called Grand Café. It is located in a magnificent Victorian mansion and operates till late in the night. Tourists can go all out and enjoy the finest wines, perfectly blended martinis, the freshest seafood, and various kinds of meats. You can spend a sunny afternoon at this restaurant and thrill your taste buds with varied menu items; or you may idle in a wraparound at the porch under a moonlit sky while sipping on mouth-watering beverages and delicious tit-bits. You can have some of the best cocktails at the bar, including the finest mojito available outside of Havana. Enjoy!

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Reasons to Visit Key West with Your Pet

 

It is the spectacular coral reef and the snorkeling in Key West that is known to attract people from all over the world.  The stunning beaches and perfect weather throughout the year makes the island a haven for travelers the world over. If you are traveling to the island with your pet, you will be happy to know that almost all the island is pet-friendly. Here are just some reasons to visit Key West with your pet.

You will never have to compromise on where you stay

Some of the best hotels in Key West are pet-friendly. The Casa Marina - A Waldorf Astoria Resort, which is walking distance from Duval Street and Atlantic Beach, is a pet-friendly hotel that allows up to 2 dogs (25lbs or less) per room for an additional fee. At the Westin Key West Resort & Marine, you can bring up to two dogs per guest room at no extra charge. The rooms are pet-friendly and offer many excellent services. The Sheraton Suites Key West allows up to two pets with a total weight of 80lbs or less free of charge. At Banana Bay Resort your pet can stay with you at no extra cost.

You can dine with your pet at some of the island's best restaurants

Who says you have to compromise on meals when you are traveling with your pet? Key West has many great restaurants where you can dine alongside your kitty or pooch. Salute! On the Beach on Atlantic Boulevard is a quaint little pet-friendly beach-side cafe that serves Italian cuisine fused with island influences. At Blue Haven, you can dine with your pet on the private courtyard which has live music playing, cats lounging in the sun and chickens running about.

The outdoor seating at Schooner Wharf Bar's makes it an amazing place to unwind and sip on a tropical cocktail by the water, with your pet in tow. When you're at Louie's, you can soak up the balmy, outdoorsy ocean-view setup and dine literally on the aquamarine waters of Key West.

Key West is home to Dog Beach

If you are travelling to Key West with your canine companion, both of you should definitely check out Dog Beach which is a great place to unwind and watch your pup go bonkers in the water. Located at the corner of Waddell and Vernon streets, Dog Beach is known to be a bit rocky, and slippery. All they ask at Dog Beach is that you remember to clean up after your pooch. So don't forget a baggie and a scooper.

You can partake in the Mallory Square Sunset Celebrations with you pooch

People from all over the world visit the tropical island of Key West to witness one of the most spectacular sunsets at the iconic Mallory Square. While you're here, you can watch the crazy procession of artists and street performers celebrate the beginning of another Key West night. Pets are more than welcome to join in the madness!

           

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Reasons to Go Camping in Key West

 

As you step off the Miami to Key West shuttle, you are transported to a completely different place, a tropical paradise, if you will. There is so much to do here, bask in the laidback vibe, explore the Old Town or even go snorkeling in Key West.

Camping in Key West is another activity that is popular with adventure lovers the world over. The campgrounds here are open all year through and offer tourists unbeatable outdoor experiences. Here are just some reasons to go camping in Key West.

Key West Enjoys Great Tropical Weather Almost All Year Round

The tropical island of Key West enjoys spectacular weather almost all year round. The balmy climate with its cool salty breezes from the Atlantic Ocean and its sunny skies are some of the main reasons thousands of tourists are lured here every year. You may experience rain showers occasionally but they will pass relatively quickly. While Key West is swarming with visitors all year through, the best time to visit is between November to May where the weather is magnificent, the crowds are fewer and the prices are reasonable. This incredible weather makes camping in Key West an enjoyable experience.

Key West is Home to some really Popular Campgrounds

The tropical island of Key West is home to some amazing camping grounds. Boyd's Campground in Key West has been named by the Travel Channel as one of the top RV campgrounds in the United States. It is located just a short bus ride away from the hustle and bustle of Key West. Boyd's have RV sites and waterfront tents along with amenities like a heated pool, modern bathrooms, a swimming beach and a marina.

El Mar RV Resort has interior as well as oceanfront RV sites that are equipped with phones and television. The sites are side by side along gravel pathways with palm trees and patios that loom overhead. Leo's Campground offers budget-conscious travellers tent and RV sites a bike or bus ride away from the main island of Key West. The RV and tent sites have waterfront tent sites that sit on a charming little lake. Most are equipped with barbecues, picnic tables and some have provisions for electric at a nominal rate.

Dry Tortugas in Key West Offers a Challenging Camping Experience

If a fully-equipped campsite is not your cup of tea and you would rather rough it, head to Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas lies around 70 miles from Key West and comprises the Coast Guard Station and Loggerhead Lighthouse, the Garden Key Harbor Light, Fort Jefferson, more than 200 shipwrecks and a massive cannon collection. You can reach the eight-site campground by ferry but be prepared to rough it out as there is no water or electricity. Visitors are not allowed to carry more than 60 to 70 lbs of gear and charge extra for transporting kayaks.     

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