Discover the only living coral reef in the U.S. in “The Diving Capital of the World”. Florida Keys’ northern island is also known for its wildlife and eco-tourism.
Key Largo is an exciting destination for wildlife lovers, divers and keen fishermen. The island is surrounded by the Everglades National Park to the west, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to the east, as well as the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Key Largo is the largest and most accessible island in the Florida Keys archipelago, a collection of narrow islands stretching for 53 kilometres (33 miles). Located at the northern tip, Key Largo can be reached from the mainland via the Card Sound Bridge or U.S. Route 1. The latter is the island’s main street, where you’ll find hotels, restaurants and bars.
Go on a kayaking tour in the Everglades National Park through secluded waters teeming with wildlife. Sea turtles, alligators, crocodiles and manatees inhabit these brackish waters where the freshwater of the Everglades meets the salty waters of the Florida Bay.
East of Key Largo is the underwater wonderland of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Go diving through fragile reefs. Look for the eerie bronze statue of Jesus known as Christ of the Abyss that gazes up from the seabed. Pick up a hiking map and check out the huge saltwater aquarium at the visitors centre. Enjoy a day on the water with kayak and boat rentals and then camp out under the stars at the park’s powered sites.
There are more diving and snorkelling opportunities in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary located about 10 kilometres (6 miles) offshore. The sanctuary features numerous shipwrecks, diverse reef fish, huge rays, sea stars and urchins. Operators run regular tours through the park.
Back on dry land, take a boardwalk tour through the Florida Keys Wild Bird Centre to see rescued wild birds. Look out for hawks, egrets and spoonbills, all native to Florida.
