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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, (MM 102.5) (305) 451-1621
Explore the only undersea park in America. Glassbottom boat tours, snorkeling and scuba tours are conducted daily by
the park's concessionaire. The park also features a camping area, kayak and boat rentals, picnic grounds, swimming beaches, and nature trails. The visitor center offers aquariums, film and interpretive
programs. Call 451-1621 for tour boat reservations. Dolphin Encounters
In the Florida Keys, where dolphins are studied year-round, visitors have an opportunity to interact with these gentle creatures
at several facilities. The various "swim with the dolphins" programs are extremely popular, and reservations should be made well in advance. Prices range from $75 to $90, and the length of the encounters
vary, depending on the facility. Dolphins Plus: MM 100.5, Key Largo, (305) 451-1993
Dolphin Interactions: MM 61 at Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key, (205) 743-7000
Theater of the Sea: MM 84.5, Islamorada, (305) 664-2431 Island Excursions Strike Zone Charters, Inc., (MM 29.5) 1-800-654-9560
Offers five-hour tours aboard a custom glass-bottom catamaran. Tours include three snorkeling stops to view reef life, some light-tackle fishing, an introduction to the history and ecology of the Islands, all
ending with a fish cookout. Price is $45/person, all-inclusive and reservations are suggested. What a great way to spend a day in the Keys! Robbie's Boat Rentals, (MM 77.5) (305) 664-9814
Feed
the tarpon from the docks at Robbie's! It's only $1, plus $2 for a bucket of tarpon food. Actually more thrilling than it sounds! H2O Adventures, (305) 853-0600
Offers GPS-guided "Total Freedom
Tours" on all watercraft. Jet boats, power boats and waverunners are available to snorkel Pennekamp, visit secluded islands, and see dolphin and manatee. Your be the captain! Family fun; no experience
necessary. Exclusive service. Reservations required. Equipment rentals available. Key Largo Princess, (MM 100) (305) 451-4655
Don't want to dive or snorkel, but still want to visit
the reef? A glass-bottom boat is not a bad alternative. This one is air-conditioned and offers cocktails and food, plus a narrated tour. Cruises on their 70-foot, 125-passenger boat leave at 10 a.m., 1
p.m. and 4 p.m. Get your tickets at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort at mm 100. And, while you're there, you can visit the "African Queen," the original boat used in the film classic.
Diving and Fishing the Keys
Just about anywhere you turn, you'll find dive trips and fishing trips offered. It's one of the reasons people come to the Keys in the first place. Listing them all would
take several pages, but I'll be happy to help you find a diver's outlet or fishing charter...just ask! Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, (MM 93.6) (305) 852-4486
The center rescues and rehabilitates injured
birds and releases them to the wild. Drop by for a visit and you'll usually find a variety of species recovering in the cages along their boardwalk. They also offer an "eco-tour." Free, but a donation
is appreciated. Largo Cargo Co., (MM 103) (305) 451-4242
Up for some shopping? Are you a Jimmy Buffett fan? This is the place! You'll find Jimmy Buffett tapes, CDs, books, t-shirts,
etc., plus neat Keysy gifts and toys, swimwear, sportswear, jewelry, hats, and more. Sunset cocktails at the Lorelei, (MM 82, bayside) (305) 664-4656
The Cabana bar is a great local hang-out where you
can watch the sun set from your bayfront table. You can even bring your dog! Holiday Isle, (MM 84) (305) 664-2321
Reggae at the Tiki Bar, island music every weekend at the Kokomo, or dinner
dancing at The Horizon Restaurant. Plus souvernir shops. A mecca for the "spring break" crowd. The Rain Barrel/Treasure Village, (MM 86.7)
Up for more shopping? You'll find everything from
pottery to wind chimes, Keys art to clothing and books. When you're done, you can have your picture taken next to the giant lobster. Don't be fooled from the highway...the Rain Barrel's tropical courtyard
leads back to some great shops. Rub elbows with the "locals"
Try Snapper's, oceanside around MM 95--watch for the sign. If you get bored with all the fishing talk, toss some food to the tarpon that are
hanging around, or watch the antics of the feathered moochers (egret & heron, mostly). Or, if you prefer a little more life in your night life, try The Caribbean Club at MM 106. Their claim to fame: the
Bogart epic "Key Largo" was partially filmed there, way back when. |
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