Key West may be the darling of this conch kingdom, but there’s more to America’s Caribbean than its candy-colored republic. Don’t miss clear-bottom kayaking in Key Largo, fishing charters from Islamorada, and snorkeling off Duck Key. Wherever your adventures take you, finish your days with sunset drinks and Key Lime pie—you’re on island time after all.
The Florida Keys are a string of coral cays (small islands formed on coral reefs) on the southern tip of Florida between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes referred to as America’s Caribbean, the Keys are among the best places in the United States for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and boating.
Visit the Florida Keys between March and May when the winter crowds have dissipated, the hotel rates are reasonable, and the weather’s in the 70s and 80s. For the best deal, plan your trip in the rainy, humid summer months; but keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to November.
The fastest way to travel from Miami to Key West is by flying. It takes just under an hour to fly direct from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Key West International Airport (EYW). Other options include chartering a boat or road-tripping along the Overseas Highway (US 1). If you plan on driving, allow 4–5 hours for photo stops or weekend traffic.
Yes, you can go snorkeling in the Florida Keys. The Keys are home to the world’s third-longest barrier reef—and the only living coral barrier reef in the United States. There are only a few places from which you can snorkel directly off the beach, so it’s best to join a snorkeling tour, or charter a boat with snorkeling equipment, to access the Florida Keys’ best reefs.
The Florida Keys offer some of the best deep-sea fishing in the United States—and you don’t need to travel all that far out to find a wide variety of fish species. The best time of year to go depends on what you’re looking to catch.
Biscayne National Park stretches southeast of Miami to the Florida Keys, spanning 270 square miles and encompassing several islands and mangrove forests. It’s the largest marine sanctuary in the U.S. National Park Service and it’s where you’ll find endangered species including manatees and sea turtles.
Lobster season in the Florida Keys runs August through March, and it’s always a fun time to get out with licensed charter boats to catch your own.