The Florida Keys' proximity to the Gulf Stream means that there is an abundance of fish in the local waters. The fast-flowing current supports a vibrant ecosystem, meaning fishermen can expect to find, among others, marlin, barracuda, sailfish, grouper and snapper. Certain famous fishermen have been drawn to the Florida Keys because of the quality of its waters, including Ernest Hemingway and President Harry Truman. Those with an interest in deep-sea fishing can charter a sports boat to try and catch some trophy fish.
The clear waters around the Florida Keys mean it is frequented by divers and snorkelers. The town of Marathon in the Florida Keys is situated close to the largest coral reef in the United States. Those looking to learn to dive will find a number of schools in the vicinity; Captain Hook's Marina and Dive Center (captainhooks.com) offers a comprehensive diving course that takes three days to complete. Equipment and charter boats are available to rent.
Dolphins are one of the Florida Keys' main visitor attractions. Naturally plentiful in the local waters, there are many tourist centers that give people the chance to swim with dolphins in controlled environments; because of their generally placid nature, they are an ideal animal for children to experience and are completely safe. As well as seeing domesticated dolphins, some companies offer dolphin safaris, which take passengers into the sea to watch groups of wild dolphins swimming together.
The steady, temperate climate of the Florida Keys and the gentle landscape make it a perfect environment for golfing. The area has a number of well-known courses, one of which is the Key West Golf Club (keywestgolf.com), designed by Rees Jones and officially the most southerly golf course in the United States. The 18-hole course covers 200 acres and is the country's only Caribbean golf course. It offers a two-day training program for beginners, as well as cart and club rental.
