Destination Key Largo Guide

Soaking Up Sun and Fun in Key Largo

If you are more of a thrill seeker, try soaring about the bay attached to a parasail. Once you are strapped into a harness, the motorboat pulls forward, your chute begins to fill, and then you climb into the air, way above the surface of the bay. While soaring overhead, you will be treated to a view of Key Largo, something you will never forget. If you’re looking for other adventures, hire one of our fishing guides, or just drop in a line from the shore. Rent a personal watercraft, a paddleboat, or a sailing catamaran – they are all readily available around town. For details on equipment purchasing or rentals, sunrise or sunset guided tours, scuba or snorkeling lessons, check the “On the Water” section in this issue. Also, we have direct links to all Key Largo offers so many ways to get out on the water and enjoy an extended summer. Come to Key Largo, and just add water! our chamber members at www.keylargochamber.org.

Key Largo is known for its laid-back lifestyle with a cozy impression of a summer vacation between the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay, all through the year. Get ready to plunge yourself into our slice of Paradise. Key Largo is recognized as the Diving Capital of the World and offers dive and snorkel services to the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, the Spiegel Grove shipwreck, and much more. We have many experienced dive companies to take you on memorable dive trips to the reef. They can also teach you to dive and help get you certified. There are also many other ways to appreciate and partake in water sports here in Key Largo and the fabulous Florida Keys... Snorkeling is a magnificent way to unite with the aquatic underworld. As you float gently on the surface, you may see snappers, parrotfish, starfish, tarpon, and schools of silversides swim among colorful corals and sponges. You don’t have to be a world-class swimmer to enjoy snorkeling in the Keys. The water surrounding the Florida Keys is shallow and normally calm,

even on the reef, even rookie snorkelers can quickly and safely get the hang of the sport. Our dive and water sports companies know the best places to go for the most dramatic viewing of marine life in the sparkling clear ocean waters surrounding the reef system. If you would like to venture out on your own, rental shops can point out the best spots for snorkeling from shore, and the best views of the most stupendous undersea life at the reef. Paddleboarding is another way to add water to your vacation. Being on a paddleboard is like walking on water. The shallow, calm waters off Key Largo make this an ideal place to take up this easy to learn sport. Our local waters are so clear, you can see right down to the bottom and watch fish swimming by. Just like paddleboarding, Kayaking is another easy, peaceful way to get out on the water. For a simpler, gentler paddle, explore the narrow, winding mangrove trails of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or those off Garden Cove Park. Watch herons, egrets, and ibis take flight as you round the

“S” curves in another twist in the mangrove trails. Being on the open bay waters and having the opportunity to see manatees and playful dolphins splashing around is a wonderful experience. You can even dock at one of our waterfront restaurants for a bite to eat. Next up is swimming. Swimming in warm waters around Key Largo is a year-round delight. Most of the waterfront hotels have small swimming beaches. Also, John Pennekamp and Harry Harris parks have beaches as well. The best thing to do —And a locals’ favorite form of swimming— is jump into the ocean (or bay) from the deck of an anchored boat. But before you do, make sure you have a swim ladder over the side of the boat for easy access back aboard. And always be mindful of currents that could take you away from the boat. If a pool is your idea of a good place to swim, Jacobs Aquatic Center in Key Largo has a lap pool, low and high dive boards, and a kiddie pool with a pirate ship and waterfalls. Many hotels also have their own swimming pools, fresh and saltwater.

Originally written by Donna Dietrich, revised by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce

Destination Key Largo

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