Key Largo, the northernmost island of the Florida Keys island chain, lies only an hour’s drive from South Florida’s
two major airports, yet is a world away! Know as the boating and diving capital of the world!
Key Largo is sandwiched between the watery wilderness of the Everglades to the west and the fish-covered coral
formations of North America’s only living coral barrier reef to the east. Locals consider their home the Diving
Capital of the World but the island is nearly as famous as a sport fishing destination. Some of the best charter
captains and fishing guides in the world work out of Key Largo!. You can go after sailfish offshore, bonefish along
the Atlantic shallows, or redfish and tarpon in Florida Bay.
It's not just Hollywood producers who are drawn to the wildlife here. Even Fantasy Fest revelers have been known
to relax in Key Largo before, during or after enjoying Key West's famously outlandish costume festival. Six miles
offshore in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary you will find the wreck of the Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot
Navy ship intentionally scuttled in June 2002 as the backbone for a new coral reef.
Key Largo’s proximity to the Everglades makes it a premier destination for kayakers, birders and other eco-tourists.
All this beauty, not to mention the island’s rich history, has inspired a vibrant community of artists who show their
work at several local galleries.
KEY LARGO’S MAIN WATER ATTRACTIONS
JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK Established in 1963, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
was the first undersea park created in the United States. The park, combined with the adjacent Florida
Keys National Marine Sanctuary, encompasses 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. These areas were established to protect and preserve the only living coral reef in the
continental United States.
Snorkeling: The living, shallow-water coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are vibrant with color and activity. Diving: Divers from around the world visit John
Pennekamp State Park to explore the spectacular living reefs of the Florida Keys. Their PADI 5-Star Gold
Palm IDC facility offers two-location, two-tank dives twice daily. Glass Bottom Boats, Camping, Picnicking
and more.
FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY An integral portion of the ,800-squarenautical-
mile, Key Largo features six unique Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPA's) where even hook and
line fishing is prohibited. Nowhere on earth has more friendly fish than Key Largo, creating an absolute
paradise for underwater photographers!
SPIEGEL GROVE This 510-foot Navy transport ship was sunk in
June 2002 as the latest addition to the Key Largo area's impressive shipwreck portfolio.
MOLASSES REEF High profile coral heads and massive congregates of tropical marine life define this popular reef.
BENWOOD WRECK A casualty of World War II, this shipwreck is now home to huge schools of grunt and
porkfish.
THE ELBOW This reef offers several historic shipwrecks, as well as the thrill of face-to-face
encounters with friendly moray eels and barracuda.
THEATER BY THE SEA - is an educational and
entertaining marine animal park where performances are up close and personal and marine animals live
in natural saltwater lagoons. Offers several animal interaction programs enabling guests to get up close
and personal with the dolphins, sea lions and stingrays.
DOLPHINS PLUS is an educational and research
facility located in sunny Key Largo, Florida. Dolphins Plus houses 10 Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and 2
California Sea Lions. Their focus is to educate the public about dolphins and their environment, and to
give guests the opportunity to join their world. Swimmers can go in the water and interact with dolphins “up close and personal.” Dolphins Plus is at the forefront of dolphin assisted therapy, run by Island
Dolphin Care, and is an active member of the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
FISHING The waters of Key Largo are teeming with some of the worlds most sought after game fish, making it a
mecca for sport fishermen from around the globe. More than 10% of the IGFA saltwater line class and fly
fishing world records have been set in the Florida Keys - no other destination even comes close. From the
big game fish of the deep sea to the elusive tarpon and bonefish of the backcountry to the tasty grouper
and yellowtail snapper of the reef system, Key Largo delivers.
When the day is done, you can trade stories at any of a full-range of restaurants, bars, hotels, motels, inns,
and resorts. Each is as unique as Key Largo itself.
Come Visit Key Largo! Like all the Keys, you’ll find it is rich in history!
No warranty or representation, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy of the information contained herein and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of
price, rental or other conditions, or withdrawal without notice. Prices, plans, products and availability are subject to change without notice. Illustrations are artist’s depictions
only and may differ from completed improvements, and scenes may include locations or activities not on the property. This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to
buy real estate in any country or state where prohibited by law.
