Key Largo is the largest of the Florida Keys as well as the first one you will reach if you are traversing the Keys by car. While many visitors may whiz by this area on the bustling route US 1 that passes through the center, you will find many activities that make Key Largo well worth a stop on your Keys vacation.
The shallow reefs of Key Largo offer ample opportunities for intriguing snorkeling tours. For those who are interested in an affordable water activity that requires relatively little training, this is the way to go. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park contains 260 types of fish and 80 types of coral for snorkelers to explore. You can also view the Christ of the Deep statue and the wreck of the cargo vessel known as the Benwood through various snorkeling trips in Key Largo.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or a first-time explorer in the world of scuba diving, Key Largo will have a tour to cater to your needs. This island, at the gateway to the Florida Keys, is an ideal stop for beginner's courses, which will help you gear up for more difficult dives further south. You can view the reefs of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, explore the sunken Bibb and Duane and visit the artificial reef surrounding the sunken Spiegel Grove. Equipment is widely available for purchase or rental throughout the Key Largo area.
If you want to witness the stunning wildlife of the reefs surrounding Key Largo without getting wet, a boat tour is the perfect solution. The Spirit of Pennekamp is a glass-bottom boat owned by the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which offers tours lasting two and a half hours. Myriad other local companies offer similar tours. Many resorts in the area also provide kayaks and paddleboats for those who want to explore the waters on their own.
The distinct wildlife of Key Largo isn’t limited to its aquatic inhabitants. Many of the species on land are worth seeking out as well. The Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park has several miles of trails for biking and hiking where you can find butterflies such as the Schaus swallowtail. Bird watching is a popular activity in the area as well, with species including the mangrove cuckoo and white-crowned pigeon in evidence. For more bird-watching activities, you can also visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center.
