The Florida Keys are famously one of the most stunning parts of Florida and one of the nation's top destinations. Florida is famous for its beach life and the Keys have stunning seas and even more perfect beaches. But what else is there to do in the Florida Keys besides lazying around on the beach? Even a 10-day ultimate Florida Key trip is likely to get a little boring if there aren't some activities to enjoy.
The Florida Keys are a coral cay archipelago and are the southernmost part of the continental United States. The westernmost of the islands are inhabited and at the other end is the uninhabited Dry Tortugas. The Florida Keys divide the Gulf of Mexico from the Atlantic Ocean and extend to around 90 miles from Cuba.
Explore Dry Tortugas National Park
At the extremity of the Florida Keys is the Dry Tortugas National Park. It preserves seven breathtaking Dry Tortugas Islands and most notably the historic and massive Fort Jefferson. The coral reefs of these islands are the least disturbed of Florida Key's reefs and are famous for their abundant sea life and picturesque setting.
In the National Park are also legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures and ghostly tails of the Civil War and the legacies of the pirates of the Caribbean.
- UNSECO Listed: Park Of The 1976 UNESCO Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve
- Third Largest American Fort: Only Fort Monroe And Fort Adams Are Larger
Cost Of Visiting (Including The Ferry):
- Day Trips Adult: $190.00
- Day Trips Child: (4-16) $135.00
- Camping Trips Adult: $210.00
Some of the activities include exploring Fort Jefferson, snorkeling, birdwatching, scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking. It is also possible to camp on the island by the fort and to get there one will need to take a ferry. The campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis, but still, the National Park Service guarantees a place to camp.
Go Sailing In The Gulf
One of the top activities in the Florida Keys is to go sailing and one tour company offering exciting sailing tours is Danger Charters. They offer a selection of sunset tours, day tours, and more.
"Danger Charters sets sail where others can't, and without the huge crowds. Our daily sunset sails, sail/snorkel/kayak trips are limited to 25 guests, and our captains and staff go above and beyond to make sure your trip is the highlight of your Key West adventure."
Sail off into the setting sun on Danger Charter's Wind & Wine Sunset Cruise while savoring fine wines (usually parings of 4 red, 3 white, & a champenoise with Havarti Dill, Smoked Gouda and Summer Sausage, Caprese Skewers, and more) On this tour, one will experience the spectacular Key West sunset while enjoying fine wines, premium beers, and delicious appetizers. The cruise is on a 65-foot skipjack sailing schooner and offers a very romantic adventure ideal for couples.
- The Ship: The Skipjack Is A Custom Built Schooner - Replica of the Classic Skipjacks Used By 19th-century Florida Keys wreckers and fishermen
There are plenty of other activities offered by Danger Charters. Choose from a range of activities including scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, and more. Tours are half-day, full-day, or private charter.
Shark And Eco Wildlife Tours
Another option is to discover the stunning marine wildlife around the Keys. Key West Extreme Adventures offers eco-tours to see sharks and other marine wildlife. Their tours are tour two hours and one will see the mighty sharks come all the way up to the boat - drawn in by scent. Watch them as they swarm and gorge themselves on the food tangled in the waters.
- Duration: The Tours Are 2 Hours
- Main Attraction: Sharks
- Other Wildlife: Turtles, Stingrays, Seabirds, Dolphins
It's not only sharks that one may get to see, keep one's eyes peeled for other marine life like turtles, stingrays, birds, and dolphins.
The captains of the boats have more than 30 years of experience in the Florida Keys waters - so one will be in experienced and knowledgable hands. The vessel is the “Tiger Cat" - a 34-foot catamaran and the company claims to operate with a view to sustainability and conversation.
- Adults: $89.00
- Children: (6 years – 16 years old) - $49.00
- Location: Pier B behind the Opal Key Resort