Key Largo Activities
The Florida Keys is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. Millions of visitors from all over the world come to visit and discover the beauty and wonders of these magical islands in South Florida. A key is a small flat island and starting just south of Miami the Florida Keys are an archipelago of 1700 small sized islands that travels 120 miles south-southwest into the Gulf of Mexico. There are five main areas of the Keys; Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, the Lower Keys, and Key West. These five areas are where most of the visitors to the Florida Keys stay and play!
Key Largo is the northern most area of the Florida Keys and is the first of the Florida Keys. There are many attractions and activities to do here in Key Largo. Key Largo is home to two of the most beautiful parks both above the water and below.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park
The only living coral reef in the Continental United States and the very first National Marine Sanctuary. The coral reefs and fish that make the reefs home have been protected since the 1960's and divers and snorkelers of all expertise come to dive and swim in the crystal clear water that offers perfect visibility to see the magnificently beautiful reefs teeming with over 500 different species of fish. Everglades National Park: Key Largo is located adjacent to the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, the Everglades National Park. Boasting rare and endangered species not seen anywhere else in America. Take a day trip or plan a whole week exploring one of the most beautiful, fascinating and educational and dangerous places on the planet. There are many guided Eco-tours through this ecosystem as well as canoeing, kayaking and fishing.
Key Largo is known as one of the diving capitals of the world and has some of the best wreck and reef diving for all scuba divers. There are beginner and advanced level dives and the dive boats, crew and captains are some of the best in the business and will ensure your trip is safe and fun and will be a dive experience of your life.
Statue of Christ of the Abyss
a shallow water dive for snorkelers and divers alike located in John Pennekamp Park is one of the most famous and popular underwater sites in the world.
Molasses Reef
a beautiful collection of reefs and home to hundreds of species of fish and huge brain coral. This is the one of the most visited dive sites in the Florida Keys because of the beauty of this natural coral reef.
Spiegel Grove
This is an advanced dive in depths up to 130 feet. The Spiegel Grove was a 510-foot landing ship, and is the largest ship intentionally sunk and now houses the largest and one of the most beautiful artificial reefs. This is a dive spot not to miss by anyone with advanced dive experience.
The Duane and The Bibb
two 327 foot Coast Guard Cutters that were sunk in 18987 and have become two of the most incredible wreck dives. The Duane is a little easier a dive because The Bibb is located in water at depth of 135' but both are only for the advanced divers. Many large fish make these artificial reefs there home including schools of large barracuda, reef and bull sharks and even the occasional whale shark.
There are many other dive sites and snorkel sites located here in Key Largo and many qualified dive shops and captains to take you to them.
If you do not want to go deep you there are many other activities to do here in Key Largo.
Glass Bottom Boats
See the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park without getting wet by climbing aboard one of the glass bottom boats that cruises through this beautiful undersea wonder so that even if you are not the adventurous diver you can still experience the wonder and beauty of this national treasure.
The African Queen
This movie boat from the classic movie of the same name is on free public display at the Holiday Inn Docks. Tours are available on this old classic for those that want to try to imagine themselves as Bogie and Hepburn.
Dolphin Plus
This is a must for children and really for every one of all ages. Key Largo's original swim with the dolphins' program and marine mammal research and educational facility. Swim with dolphins and seal lions and learn all about these and the other marine mammals of the area. A great day of fun and education for all.
There are many other activities to do when you visit Key Largo for the entire family
Sailing and Yachting
there are many different sailing vessels and yachts to rent for a wonderful day trip on the crystal clear waters. For the more adventurous spend a week or more on the water exploring the islands, fishing, diving and just relaxing.
Fishing
While not as famous as the neighboring Islamorada the fish and fishing here in Key Largo is world class. Fish offshore or go into the back country and even into the Everglades national park to catch all types of trophy sport fish.
Water Sports
Key Largo and the entire Florid Keys are surrounded by water so there are many activities to do on the water here. Rent jet skis and wave runners, windsurfing and kite surfing, parasailing, kayaking and canoeing are just a few of the ventures to be had here in Key Largo.
Eco-Tours
Take tours into the Everglades National Park, visit the mangrove islands off the coast, and take island tours looking for manatees, dolphins, and the many birds that make Key Largo home. There are many different and diverse tours that will take you on incredible trips through the beauty of the Everglades and Key Largo. Take a day trip or go on a weeklong trip through the "glades". No matter what you are looking for there is bound to be a tour for you and your family.
Art Galleries, Theatre and other Cultural Events: There are many art galleries that show both local and internationally renowned artists. There are local theaters that offer wonderful plays