The Keys are the southernmost part of the American continent. Constituées of a string of islands, they extend over 290 km, from Key Largo in the north to the Dry Tortugas in the south. These islands are all connected by bridges that can be crossed by car with the magical feeling of being suspended on the water. Welcome to paradise!
Key Largo, the diving capital of the world
From Miami, it will take you 1h15 to reach Key Largo by road. As time goes by, the landscapes become more natural, with mangrove swamps revealing themselves and pretty beaches appearing
The island was named Cayo Largo (the long island) by the Spaniards upon their arrival because it is the longest of the Keys, with nearly 50 km long. Immortalized by the famous movie Key Largo,
The island is above all known for its magnificent dive sites. It is not by chance that Key Largo is the diving capital of the world. The must is to take a snorkeling trip to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, 30 minutes by boat. One then dives into translucent, relatively shallow water to discover the seabed. Founded in 1963, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first marine park in the United States. It was created to protect a long living coral reef and many endemic marine species such as rays and sea turtles
Islamorada, the island of fishing and chill-out
After leaving Key Largo, it will take you just 20 minutes drive to reach Islamorada, one of the most popular Keys. Here you are this time in the sport fishing capital of the world! And the star of the fishes is the tarpon, which can be seen drawn all over the island. Direction the famous Robbie's Marina where, for a few dollars, you can go on a pontoon over dozens of hungry tarpons to which you throw pieces of fish. The spectacle is all the more impressive because tarpons are really big fish. They can reach up to 2.50 m and weigh up to 80 kilos! Then all you have to do is enjoy a good fish meal right next door at the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant on the waterfront terrace
It will then be time to meet the dolphins at the Theatre of the Sea! This park of marine animals, installed in the mangrove, in a 100% natural setting, has nothing to do with the usual parks. Here, all the species are in semi-liberty (rays, sharks, turtles, sea lions...) and the highlight of the show are two dolphins that have survived, who have become brothers in misfortune, very close to man and ultra affectionate
In the evening, don't miss Morada Bay, a sublime restaurant complex with multicoloured wooden chairs set on the beach, right in front of the sea and coconut palms. It's a real dream setting where you really feel like you're on holiday. There, the sunset at aperitif time is an unforgettable moment
Marathon and Big Pine Key, the island of sea turtles and fallow deer
Starting from Islamorada, you must drive 45 minutes to get to Marathon Key. Arriving at Mile Marker 60, you are in the heart of the Keys. It is named after a Seven Mile Bridge construction worker who exclaimed, "But it's a marathon! "Marathon Key was long deserted; it had only 17 souls in 1926 and now has nearly 13,000. So it is in Marathon that the famous Seven Mile Bridge begins, the longest bridge in the Keys and which gives the feeling of riding on water because it is in the middle of the sea, with no land around it. Magic!
Marathon is a popular key for diving fans. Divers' favourite dive sites are concentrated around several wrecks (including those of a slave ship that is believed to have sunk in 1853), the beautiful Sombrero Reef, near a lighthouse, not forgetting the artificial Marathon Reef formed by part of the old Seven Mile Bridge, which is all the more appreciated as it is of historical value. Don't forget to go swimming at Sombrero Beach, a beautiful sandy beach.
The other particularity of Marathon Key is that it has a hospital for... sea turtles. At the Turtle Hospital, where real "turtle special" ambulances are parked, guided tours are organized to raise public awareness about the protection of sea turtles. Accompanied by a guide, you will see dozens of turtles currently in hospital care and learn all about this animal. The part of the visit where you can see the turtles in remission evolving in different basins is the most impressive. Exciting!
Then you can continue the wonder on another Key: Big Pine Key. Located about twenty minutes away by car, this island is inhabited by a little-known protected species: mini deer. The Key Deer National Refuge, an open-air park, is home to three hundred miniature deer whose species is threatened. To observe them, it is best to come at dawn or dusk. But if you drive slowly in broad daylight, and keep your eyes open, you're likely to spot a few of them by the side of the road. If so, pull over and approach slowly... You'll probably be able to take some very nice pictures
Key West, in the footsteps of Hemingway and the party people..
A 40-minute drive away is the most famous of all, the famous Key West. So many miles and bridges travelled to reach Key West, which boasts the Southernmost City, the southernmost city in the United States (except Hawaii). A true haven of peace, Key West retains the charm of the old Caribbean cities built by pirates, sponge fishermen and smugglers. It owes its fame to the many celebrities who came to live there: Tennessee Williams, Elisabeth Bishop, John Hersey, Joseph Lash, President Truman and even the Beatles who came to rest there as early as 1964. But Ernest Hemingway was the most emblematic personality of Key West and he lived there for a long time. His beautiful house has been turned into a museum
Generally speaking in Key West, the activities are more or less the same as in the other Keys, between diving, fishing and idleness. Thus, dozens of boats leave every day for excursions. One of the most famous outings is the Sunset Cruise, a mini-cruise that allows you to admire the sunset at sea while enjoying a good wine and a piece of cheese. But it is also possible to watch the sunset from the mainland at Key West, just sit by the water's edge in Mallory Square and wait for the sun to set
Key West is also an extraordinary place of tolerance, the city is home to a very diverse population and has long had a large gay and transgender community. The more out of the ordinary people in Key West, the better! It is also the island of party people because in the evening, its main street, Duval Street, which is the longest street in downtown United States, is very lively thanks to its many bars. If you feel like partying, you'll soon run out of things to think about
Finally, it is in Dry Tortugas, 112 kmfrom Key West, that you will discover one of the most beautiful corners of America. It's the last of the Florida islands. It is surrounded by a series of seven coral reefs and its waters are translucent. Dry Tortugas is home to a large, perfectly restored fort: Fort Jefferson, a national monument. A day trip will be a good way to end your trip.
Smart info
When? The Floridian climate is hot and humid. Temperatures in the Keys range from 25°C in winter to 35°C in summer
Getting there. Direct flights to Miami take an average of 9 hours. Once at the airport, it is best to rent a car
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