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DISCOVERING KEY LARGO

Key Largo is the first and the northernmost territory in the string of idyllic islands off continental USA known as the Florida Keys. As such, Key Largo serves as the gateway to a tropical paradise and a tranquil escape, just an hour’s drive and what seems like a whole world away from Miami.

Key Largo was named after the Spanish word “Cayo Largo” meaning “long key” as it spans over 30 miles (48 km). The island is renowned for its breath-taking views, diverse marine life, and with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, as the self-proclaimed “Diving Capital of the World.”

The backpacking husband and I travelled from Miami to Key West on US Highway One by Greyhound Bus, stopping off at Key Largo for a couple of nights, to see what Key Largo had to offer us.

I was particularly looking forward to discovering Key Largo and relaxing at our resort hotel, exploring the local cuisine and all the visitor attractions – I was very excited about seeing the original African Queen – the original boat from the classic 1951!

For the backpacking husband, a stop off in Key Largo meant scuba diving and a much-anticipated shopping trip to the vast Diver’s Direct warehouse in Key Largo!

But whether you’re seeking relaxation and rejuvenation or drawn to natural beauty, underwater adventures, or serene beaches, Key Largo has something for everyone.

Let’s dive into the best of Key Largo and discover why it’s a must-visit destination.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• DISCOVERING KEY LARGO
• WHERE TO STAY IN KEY LARGO
• 10 REASONS TO VISIT KEY LARGO
• BEST TIME TO VISIT KEY LARGO
• DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF KEY LARGO

WHERE TO STAY IN KEY LARGO

Key Largo offers a wide variety of hotels, motels, resorts, guest houses, inns, BB’s and vacation rentals. We stayed at The Holiday Inn Key Largo. It’s located on Key Largo Marina which hosts fishing, dive boats, and the Key Largo Princess glass bottom boat. Also it’s conveniently located for the prementioned boat trip on the African Queen!

I really enjoyed our room at Holiday Inn Key Largo with a balcony overlooking the marina. There’s also two really nice swimming pools and lots of outdoor places to relax.

FIND YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY USING THIS INTERACTIVE MAP

10 REASONS TO VISIT KEY LARGO

1. Scuba Diving: Key Largo claims to be one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving. So a visit to Key Largo would be incomplete without exploring the renowned John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – the first underseas park in the USA – together with the neighbouring Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that together cover around 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps.

If you’re new to scuba diving then you can take a Discover Scuba Course or get your PADI Open Water Qualification at one of the many dive centres. Advanced divers and those who already have dive qualifications can enjoy guided tours of the reef and get to see the iconic Christ of the Abyss statue that is submerged 25 feet underwater.

Find out more Key Largo Scuba Diving.

2. Reef Snorkelling:  Another way to experience the park’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life is to take a snorkelling tour. Delight in the vibrant coral, reef fish, and diverse marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, a half-day adventure is a must. You will be supplied with snorkelling equipment and reef-safe sunscreen. Just bring your towel and snacks for an unforgettable underwater experience.

Find out more Key Largo Snorkelling.

3. Visit the African Queen Canal Cruise: Step aboard the historic African Queen, the original vessel from the classic 1951 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. The vessel was built in 1912 in Lytham England and was originally named The S/V Livingston. She was shipped to the British East Africa Railway Company to work on the Victoria Nile and Lake Albert carrying cargo, missionaries and hunting parties.

In 1951 John Huston saw the vessel and commissioned her for the movie he was directing – The African Queen. In 1968 the boat was brought to the USA for charter operations by a San Francisco restaurant owner. In 1970 Hal Bailey bought the vessel for the price of her boatyard bill and chartered her in Oregon before bringing her to Florida for a year round charter operation.

In 1982 Jim Henricks Snr. purchased and brought the vessel to Key Largo where he restored her to be historically correct. Her boiler is custom made and historically correct and her steam engine is from 1896. The vessel is now on the American Historic Register. He showed her all over the world, taking her to London, Sydney and New York amongst many other places. He enjoyed a constant correspondence with Katherine Hepburn who was happy that ‘The Old Queen’ had been saved again.

She has to be meticulously maintained in order to preserve her. She was restored in 2012 by Suzanne and Lance Holmquist in conjunction with Jim Hendricks Jnr. For her centennial year celebration she received a new boiler while her steel hull and engine were rebuilt.

The canal cruise provides a unique opportunity to explore Key Largo’s waterways while learning about the boat’s fascinating history. It’s a memorable experience that combines Hollywood glamor with the island’s natural charm.

Find out more African Queen Boat Tour.

4. Enjoy A Floating Tiki-Bar Experience! This is a one-of-a-kind fun discovering Key Largo experience and is perfect for creating unforgettable memories with friends and loved ones as you cruise for 90 minutes across the glistening crystal blue waters of the Florida Keys on a floating Tiki Bar. Choose between private and shared cruise options on a floating tiki bar during a daytime or sunset cruise. Only 6 people per boat. Ice and bottled water provided. Bring your own drinks (BYOB). Swim in the warm waters. Groove to your favourite tunes.

Find out more Key Largo Cruisin’ Tikis.

5. Take a Sunset Cruise: Experience the enchanting beauty of a Key Largo sunset by embarking on a sunset cruise. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colours, providing the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening or a peaceful moment of reflection. Many local operators offer sunset cruises from Key Largo with options for dining and live music and some will take you out onto the bay in search of marine wildlife like dolphins and manatees.

Find out more Key Largo Sunset Cruise.

6) Glass Bottom Boat Adventure: A relaxing trip out onto the water is a great way for discovering Key Largo. Aboard the luxury 75-foot glass-bottom yacht – The Key Largo Princess – you’ll enjoy excellent views of the Florida Keys and the Atlantic Ocean as you sail toward a coral reef. Large windows provide excellent views of the reef as your tour guide points out all kinds of sea creatures which may include sea fans, sea plumes and hundreds of fish.

Find out more Key Largo Princess.

7. Do A Professional Photoshoot. Up your photo game and get ready for an unforgettable photographic journey through Key Largo’s iconic destinations on a relaxed exploration of the town most photogenic landmarks all while capturing the unforgettable moments of your vacation. Choose between a 30-minute or 1-hour photoshoot.

Find out more Key Largo Professional Photoshoot.

8. The Bar Scene and Local Cuisine: Key Largo’s bar scene often means live music and the culinary scene is a delightful fusion of fresh seafood and Caribbean flavours. Be sure to try local specialties on the menu such as conch fritters, stone crab, and Key lime pie. Many Key Largo bars and restaurants on the water offer stunning sunset views.

Snook’s Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar offers live music, happy hour and sunsets. Jimmy Johnsons Big Chill is the winner of the Key Largo Cook Off and so a great place to eat burgers, steaks, and seafood, while your enjoying your famous sunsets.

Another restaurant that has featured on TV and Food Network is Key Largo Conch House Restaurant & Coffee Bar specialising in fresh seafood and local produce. We particularly enjoyed Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill on Caribbean Drive for food and music and a great atmosphere. Checkout more places to eat and drink in Key Largo.

9. Go Fishing: Take a private fishing trip and your host will provide everything you need to get you started regarding all permits, fishing equipment, bait, tackle, snorkel gear, sandwiches, drinks, towels and will even offer to fillet and store your catch. Your experience can be customised, so if you want to fish, snorkel or just hang out, plan the day however you like.

Find out more Key Largo Fishing Charters.

10. Kayak Eco Tour: Paddle through the mangrove ecosystem of Tavernier Creek on a single or double kayak on this guided tour. Paddle to nearby mangroves, deserted islands, or a hidden lagoon. Ideal for first-time paddlers, glide in shallow, clear water over sponges, grass beds, and sandy patches. Marine life like turtles, stingrays, dolphins, and manatees can sometimes be spotted nearby.

Find out about Key Largo Eco Boat Trip.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Best Overall Time: December to May: This is dry season with warm weather (70s–80s °F), low humidity, and minimal rain. A perfect time for snorkelling, diving, boating, and beach lounging. The downside is that it’s peak tourist season so expect higher prices and more crowds especially around holidays. We travelled at the end of May just after Memorial Weekend.

Best for Fewer Crowds & Deals: September to November: This is the tail end of hurricane season so prices drop and the crowds thin out. The weather is still warm but there’s a higher chance of rain or storms. I recommend you get travel insurance just in case and watch the weather forecasts closely.

Best for Diving & Snorkelling: June to August: The summer months bring calm clear waters with excellent visibility. You’ll see tons of marine life. It’s hot and humid. Also, be aware, it’s the beginning of hurricane season.

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF KEY LARGO

Key Largo is a destination that captivates its visitors with its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and so many opportunities for discovering Key Largo’s fun and adventure and relaxation.

Whether you’re exploring vibrant coral reefs, savouring local delicacies, taking a boat trip, or simply basking in the sun on a pristine beach or at your resort hotel, the island offers you a unique and unforgettable experience.

I hope this post has inspired you as you plan your trip so you can consider what aspects of Key Largo will interest and excite you the most. How will you make the most of your time in the best of Key Largo?

RECOMMENDED READING

Read about my experiences travelling from Key Largo to Key West and the best things to do in Key West!

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