5 Tips for Visiting the Florida Keys
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The first step to visiting the Florida Keys is getting to Miami International Airport. Most visitors begin their trip from here and rent a car to drive down. But be prepared for long lines and logistics that can make getting from the airport to the Keys a difficult experience. Here are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable and stress-free.
Bahia Honda State Park
The Bahia Honda island is located in the lower Florida Keys. The island is accessible by boat, and it has a number of hiking trails to explore. Its stunning natural setting makes it a favorite with visitors from all over the world. The park also provides visitors with ample opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling.
Bahia Honda State Park offers several beachfront experiences, including Loggerhead Beach, which faces the Atlantic Ocean, and Calusa Beach, which is located near the Florida Bay. There is a pavilion for visitors to rent kayaks. There are also kayaking and snorkeling tours that take place daily. Visitors can also explore the island’s natural beauty at the Sand and Sea Nature Center, which offers educational displays, a natural history museum, and fun activities for children.
Visitors to Bahia Honda State Park can enjoy the stunning natural scenery, and see wildlife up close. Its beaches are marked by Warning Flag signs so that visitors can know the water temperature before swimming. In addition, visitors can check out the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, which was once used to connect lands across the water. This bridge is now only partially open and closed, but it still provides a glimpse of the past.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
If you’re in the mood for some maritime history, head to the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, Florida, located at 200 Greene Street. The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts from shipwrecks dating back to the 17th century. There are pieces from ships such as the Henrietta Marie, Nuestra Seora de Atocha, and Santa Margarita on display.
The museum features ship models, diving equipment, and other exhibits. Its focus is on the undersea exploration of sunken ships, including Spanish galleons. The museum also features artifacts from Fisher’s career. You can even take a guided tour to learn more about the artifacts on display.
The museum is located at 200 Greene Street, close to Mallory Square and Mile Marker Zero. Parking is limited, but there is a free Duval Loop shuttle nearby.
Islamorada
If you want to see more than just the reefs, Islamorada is the place to go. While staying in the Keys, you can visit the Theater of the Sea, which is where you can interact with dolphins. You can also check out the History of Diving Museum, which has a 16th century treasure chest on display. Other attractions include Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, a former quarry, the Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, and the Indian Key Historic State Park, which has 1800s ruins.
Islamorada is a popular destination between Key West and Miami. This village is close to the airport, so many visitors fly in and out of the Florida Keys to visit the islands. Private helicopter charters are also a popular way to get to Islamorada. The island is known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” and it is a great place to go if you’re looking for some water adventure. While you’re there, make sure to check out the Islamorada Sandbar, one of the most popular attractions in the area.
Islamorada has an excellent fishing experience, whether you’re an experienced fisherman or a first-timer. You can hire a guide to take you out to the waters, and there’s a great chance you’ll catch mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna! There’s so much to see and do in Islamorada, so make sure you plan plenty of time to do it.
Duval Street in Key West
Duval Street is a commercial zoned street located in downtown Key West, Florida. It is about one-and-a-half miles long, and runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. It is named for William Pope Duval, the first territorial governor of Florida.
Duval Street features an array of restaurants, shops, and galleries. The SeaSister Island Gallery, Wyland Gallery of the Florida Keys, and Indigo Boutique feature local artists. There are also souvenir shops like Key West Shells & Gifts. Many of the restaurants on Duval Street are delicious, including Pincher’s for seafood and Caroline’s for regional cuisine. There is also a famous bed-and-breakfast on Duval Street, the Wicker Guesthouse.
While in Key West, you can find live music on Duval Street. There are also many street performers. And during the day, you can see the sun set. You can also find cruise ships docked here. If you plan to travel by sea, be sure to book a hotel near Duval St. The timetable for the cruise ships is available online.
Deep sea fishing
The Florida Keys offer some of the most excellent deep sea fishing opportunities in the world. The fishing season runs from late spring to summer, and you can catch red, black, and gag grouper during these months. The best bait for deep sea fishing in the Keys is squid. Remember to get a fishing license before you go.
Mahi-mahi, also called dolphinfish, is a popular sport fish that can weigh between 15 and 30 pounds. Mahi-mahi can be caught offshore from May to September. Sailfish can also be caught during these months. If you’re interested in fishing for mahi-mahi, a deep-sea charter in Islamorada can provide the ideal opportunity.
When you’re fishing for hulks, bait fish are the most efficient way to ensure your success. You can use live or recently-dead squid. This type of bait typically produces quick bites. Another popular technique is deep drop fishing. For this, you’ll need a heavy electric reel that has plenty of line.
Exploring mangroves
Mangroves are a fascinating part of Florida’s ecosystem, and they are vital to the health of surrounding waters and the reef. You can experience these fascinating forests on an eco tour with a knowledgeable guide. These tours typically last two to four hours and cover a variety of topics. You’ll also have the chance to see wildlife like manatees, dolphins, tarpon, and many different types of birds.
If you’re interested in exploring the mangroves on a deeper level, try mangrove kayaking. You can take your dog on a guided tour or take your own kayaking trip. You can also watch a variety of birds that live in the mangroves. These birds use these forests as a resting and feeding area, and their number increases dramatically during winter migration months. There are several options for mangrove exploration in Islamorada, including self-guided tours and guided eco-tours. There’s a mangrove tour suitable for just about every type of traveler.
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