The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Key Largo Top Activities and Attractions

• Far Beach - Located within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Far Beach is praised for its peaceful environment surrounded by mangroves, making it ideal for snorkeling and enjoying the natural habitat. It's a public beach and is recommended for those seeking a state park experience with a focus on natural appeal.
• Cannon Beach - Also part of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Cannon Beach is known for its shallow and calm lagoon area, which is particularly safe for families with children. It offers a picturesque setting with a sandy shoreline and clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• Harry Harris Beach and Park - This beach offers a variety of amenities including picnic tables, BBQs, and shallow swimming areas suitable for children. It's a public beach that is free on weekdays, with a small fee on weekends, and is known for its nice environment.
• Rowell's Waterfront Park - With a 4.4 rating, this park offers a waterfront experience with a quiet environment, making it a hidden gem for those looking to escape the more crowded tourist spots. It's a good place for lap swimming and enjoying breathtaking views.
• Sunset Point Park - This park has a 3.8 rating and offers a serene setting for visitors to enjoy the sunset. It's a public beach with a natural vibe.

When planning a visit to these beaches, it's important to consider the type of experience you're looking for, whether it's a natural and peaceful setting or a beach with more amenities and activities. Additionally, checking the latest reviews and any potential entrance fees or restrictions is advisable before heading out.

There are a couple of beaches in Key Largo that are suitable for snorkeling:

• Cannon Beach at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a popular spot for snorkeling right off the beach. It has a variety of tropical fish and marine life within reach, and there are remnants of an old Spanish shipwreck about 100 feet offshore that can be explored.
• Far Beach also within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, offers a more peaceful environment for snorkeling. While it may not have the extensive coral formations found further offshore, it still provides opportunities to see fish and other marine life in a natural setting.

It's important to note that while these beaches offer some snorkeling opportunities, the best snorkeling experiences in Key Largo typically require a boat trip to the coral reefs located offshore. The coral reef lies 3 to 5 miles offshore, and snorkeling from the beach may only provide views of sand, sea grass, and perhaps a few fish.

For a more extensive snorkeling experience, it is recommended to take a snorkel tour or charter a boat to visit the coral reefs and other popular snorkeling spots such as Molasses Reef, Dry Rocks, and the Christ of the Abyss

The best time of day to snorkel in Key Largo is generally in the morning. This is when the water conditions tend to be calmer and the visibility is often better. Morning snorkeling trips are recommended to avoid the winds that typically pick up later in the day, which can affect water clarity and overall snorkeling conditions.

Additionally, snorkeling earlier in the day can help you avoid the afternoon rain showers that are common in the summer months.

It's also suggested to be flexible with your planning and check the weather conditions before setting out.

Key Largo, often referred to as the "Diving Capital of the World," offers a wide array of water activities that cater to both adventure seekers and those looking to relax by the water. Here are some of the most popular water activities in Key Largo:

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: This park is a prime destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, offering access to the only living coral barrier reef in the United States. It's a haven for marine life and underwater photography.
• Christ of the Abyss: An underwater statue located in the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary, this site is a must-visit for divers and snorkelers.
• Wreck Diving: Key Largo is home to several famous wrecks, including the Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot Navy ship intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

• Mangrove Tours: Explore the serene mangrove forests of Key Largo by kayak or paddleboard. These tours offer a peaceful way to connect with nature and observe local wildlife.
• Eco Tours: Companies like Florida Bay Outfitters and Aquaholic Adventures offer guided eco-tours that allow you to learn about the local ecosystem while paddling through the clear waters of the Florida Keys.

Fishing

• Deep-Sea Fishing: With access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Key Largo offers excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities. Anglers can target a variety of species, including marlin, sailfish, and mahi-mahi.
• Backcountry Fishing: The shallow waters around Key Largo are perfect for backcountry fishing, where you can catch tarpon, bonefish, and permit.

Dolphin Encounters

• Dolphin Tours: Several operators in Key Largo offer dolphin watching tours, where you can see these playful creatures in their natural habitat. Some tours even offer the opportunity to swim with dolphins.

Boat Tours and Cruises

• Sunset Cruises: Enjoy the stunning Key Largo sunset from the water on a relaxing boat cruise. Many operators offer evening tours that include music and refreshments.
• Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: For those who prefer to stay dry, glass-bottom boat tours offer a glimpse into the underwater world of the coral reef without getting wet.

Water Sports

• Jet Skiing and Parasailing: For adrenaline junkies, jet skiing and parasailing are popular activities in Key Largo. These water sports offer a thrilling way to experience the beauty of the Florida Keys from a different perspective.

Key Largo's dive sites are mostly within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, including popular spots like Grecian Rocks, French Reef, and Molasses Reef. These sites are known for their clear waters, abundant fish, and shallow waters suitable for snorkeling.

Yes, Everglades National Park is a short drive away and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead is the closest entrance to Key Largo.

Key Largo offers a variety of dining options. Some top recommendations include Calusa, Italian Food Company, Sol by the Sea, and The Buzzard's Roost. These restaurants offer a range of cuisines from Creole-Caribbean-inspired dishes to authentic Italian and seafood.

Pack like you're going to the beach. Bring a bag with a towel, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Avoid "spray-on" sunscreen as it makes the deck slippery; lotions or pre-application of spray sunscreen are fine.

There is free parking all around the marina for those going on snorkeling trips or visiting the area.