Ocean lovers who enjoy diving, snorkeling and kayaking eco-tours can explore and learn about the latest in Florida Keys marine conservation during the annual REEF Fest Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 19-22, in Key Largo. Ocean conservation, education initiatives and demonstrating positive impacts of citizen science in the Florida Keys and around the world are at the core … Read more
Key Largo and Islamorada are beautiful destinations in the Florida Keys. Here are some things to do in both places in September 2023. Things To Do In Key Largo John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Explore the underwater world through snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tours. It’s a fantastic place for marine life and coral reef … Read more
The third land-based Keys coral nursery operated by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Key Largo is now open for free public visits for up to 12 people. Fridays at 10 a.m., tours at Reefhouse Resort & Marina are scheduled. You can make reservations at mote.org/KeyLargo. Mote outplants coral along the whole Florida Keys reef … Read more
The Florida Keys are a popular vacation destination year-round, but there are plenty of special events and activities to enjoy in December. Here are a few ideas for things to do in the Florida Keys this month: Celebrate the holiday season at the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Key West. This annual event takes place … Read more
On Tuesday, Feb. 1, the Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort will be reimagined as Reefhouse Resort & Marina (103800 Overseas Highway, MM 103.8), becoming the latest property to join the award-winning Opal Collection. The addition of the newly named Reefhouse Resort & Marina will increase Opal Collection’s portfolio to 17 luxury resorts in Florida, joining such notable properties … Read more
For over 20 years the Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge has combined community and families with fishing and fundraising. Presented by the Rotary Club of Key Largo, the 2021 tournament is to test anglers of all ages Friday through Sunday, Sept. 24-26. The popular catch-and-release tournament raises money for scholarships awarded to Florida … Read more
Over the past year, Key Largo and Islamorada are two of the Top Vacation Searches for destinations in Florida.
For travelers seeking “voluntourism” opportunities to help sustain the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, the “Florida Keys Superfan” eco-adventure giveaway offers an enticing prize. One entrant is to win a five-night vacation that includes accommodations, eco-attractions and diving experiences to plant corals. The winner is to discover how divers can serve as … Read more
George Poveromo and Chris Hanson fishing Key Largo shallow Atlantic patch reefs and backcountry waters. On light Penn tackle, they encounter fish on the patches the likes of Bonefish, AfricanPompano, Snappers, Cero and Spanish Mackerel, Barracuda, Groupers, Ladyfish and Sharks. Snook Regulations Then, in the back country, the duo scores Snook, Redfish, Tripletail and Goliath groupers. … Read more
Runners of all ages are attracted to a unique scenic bridge race above the Upper Florida Keys and the eastern edges of the Florida Everglades. The annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. The 2019 event features a half-marathon and a 4-mile run/walk. The USA Track & Field–certified course is to start at the access road at Gilbert’s Resort, mile marker … Read more
Florida Keys residents headed to Harry Harris Park may be asked for address information beginning Saturday. A gatehouse at the entrance to the popular oceanfront park is expected to be staffed Oct. 5, with out-of-county residents charged for admission. Non-residents will be charged $5 per person. Boaters living outside the Keys will be charged $30 to … Read more
As you head south to Key Largo, Dagny Johnson Hammock Botanical State Park sits along the east coast — boasting stunning jungle-like views and coastal sightlines; but if you venture to the right spots, you can find some cool abandoned buildings to explore. In order to explore some of these locations, you’ll have to acquire … Read more
REEF Fest 2019 registration is now available! Book diving and snorkeling, register for events, and purchase your ticket to ‘For the Love of the Sea’ banquet online today! REEF Fest is an annual, four-day celebration to acknowledge the success of marine conservation and education initiatives in the Florida Keys. Events include educational seminars, social gatherings, diving and eco-adventures … Read more
This October 6th, a group of scuba divers submerged in the Atlantic Ocean at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to compete in the Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest. The annual contest is held every October near a shallow coral reef off Key Largo. Divers of all ages used their carving skills to transform the pumpkin … Read more
No live-aboards should be allowed to dock at the future redeveloped Rowell’s Waterfront Park, but a splash pad for children would be widely welcomed. Those were two main takeaways from a county-hosted public input meeting held last week. Neighboring residents asked Monroe County officials to implement the same ban on live-aboards accessing the park that … Read more
In Key Largo, the Florida Keys’ first-ever “all-inclusive” resort — the adults-only 12-acre, 135-unit Bungalows Key Largo — opened in late December. Located at mile marker 99 bayside, the property features 1,000 feet of shoreline, the Zen Garden Spa, two in-ground pools, a fitness Tiki hut, three piers for 40-foot-long boats, 800-square-foot individual bungalows and 4,000 … Read more
Hundreds of foot racers are to experience the panorama above the Upper Keys and the eastern edges of the Florida Everglades in the annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run set for Saturday, Nov. 10. Runners of all ages can enjoy the scenic race that for 2018 is to be a revamped 10k and … Read more
Divers can compete to wow judges with jolly jack-o-lanterns during the lighthearted 2018 Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest scheduled Saturday, Oct. 6, in waters off Key Largo. Strapped with dive knives as tools and creative ideas in their heads, crafty carvers are to descend 30 feet beneath the surface in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, … Read more
The Monroe County Master Gardeners are holding 13 plant clinics at three locations this spring to help you with plant problems or insect identification. The Master Gardeners are part of the University of Florida/ IFAS/Monroe County Extension Service. All of the following plant clinics run from 9 a.m. to noon. KEY WEST: Gato Building, 1100 … Read more
The Florida Keys: a tropical island paradise known for incredible snorkeling, fresh seafood dining, and laid-back luxury. While a few areas throughout the Florida Keys are still making minor repairs and improvements post-Hurricane Irma, rest assured Key Largo is open for business and eager to welcome guests. I started my Florida Keys vacation in Key Largo—the … Read more