According to many who have spent time there, paradise isn’t hard to find; it’s just off the coast of mainland Florida in the form of the Florida Keys. And Islamorada boat rentals is the best way to explore it!
Though most people immediately think of Key West when you mention the Florida Keys, and it is an amazing town, there is a great deal more to this unique coral cay archipelago than that. In all, there are over 1,700 islands making up the archipelago, although most are very small and only a small percentage of them are populated.
So you see, fun in the Florida Keys is not limited to Key West and there really is something for everyone. A weekend – or a long weekend perhaps – can offer a great introduction to this tropical playground and, as shuttle service is available to The Keys from both Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, it’s pretty easy to get to from anywhere. But what can you do in a weekend? What should you do? Here are just a few suggestions and ideas.
Get Out onto the Water
If there is one thing there is an awful lot of in the Florida Keys it’s water. And while it’s beautiful to look at from the vantage of a sandy beach, or from the heights of the world famous Seven Mile Bridge, it can be even more rewarding to get out there and enjoy it in person, and as you might imagine, there are lots of ways to do that.
Fish the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World”
As a first time visitor will quickly see boats are everywhere in the Florida Keys. And renting a boat on your trip here is essential! Whether you are into fishing and therefore Islamorada boat rentals would be of great interest to you (more about that in a moment) or your want to hit the water right where the action is and rent a boat in Key West you’ll find plenty to choose from at BOAT.ME. Just make sure you do it upfront to get the best rates!
Why would a fishing fanatic be interested in Islamorada boat rentals you might ask? Because the village – Islamorada is an incorporated village made up of six of the Keys; Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key – is considered by many to be “Sport Fishing Capital of the World”.
The waters around Islamorada have been immortalized in literature, and fished, by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey. And there are all kinds of fishing choices available, from back country fishing to offshore sportsfishing, shark fishing, patch reef fishing and even party boat fishing. And of course, even if your day with an Islamorada boat rentals and your favorite fishing rod ends up not being as productive as you’d like you’ll still have a marvelous day and back onshore there are a number of fabulous restaurants that serve, as you might have guessed, some truly delicious seafood and more.
Cruise the Keys
If you rent a boat in Key West doing so can be a great way to set off on a little cruise of The Keys of your own, taking in other great spots like Key Largo, Tavernier and much more. There are many kinds of boats available too and offerings to suit most budgets.
The one thing first timers do need to realize is that navigating the waters of the Florida Keys is not always easy for those who are less experienced boaters, and they can even be bit challenging for those who are. Many boaters new to the often shallow waters have had the inconvenient and unpleasant experience of running aground. That’s why when choosing to rent a boat in Key West you may want to inquire about hiring its captain as well!
See the Sights with Islamorada boat rentals
Both on land and at sea there is a lot to see, and a great many amazing places to visit that will entertain, inform or just simply delight you. Some of our personal favorites include the following:
Islamorada’s Theater of the Sea
This is one of the oldest marine life centers in the world and it’s home to all kinds of animals, some rescued and some born there, all living in safety and surrounded by care. It’s both an educational and entertaining trip and kids love it.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
The great novelist and the Florida Keys are inextricably linked. For ten years he occupied this grand home in Old Town Key West, writing, relaxing and reveling in all that the turquoise waters surrounding the island had to offer him.
The home remains pretty much as he left it, and a trip there is a must for any literature buff or fans of Americana and architecture. But there’s another little bonus too; spending time with “Hemingway’s Cats”. More than 40 cats live on the property, many of whom are descendants of a six toed cat named Snow White, a personal pet beloved by the man himself. All of the cats are polydactyl – meaning they have six toes – and they are cared for by a personal staff of veterinarians and volunteers. Many of them like the visitors a lot too and are not afraid to show it!
Dry Tortugas National Park
Despite its name this stunningly beautiful park is made up of 99% water and is a hot-spot for scuba divers. Its also a world renowned haven for birds of more than 300 different species and their are plenty of very knowledgeable guides to help you spot them as many as you can. And finally, no trip here would be complete without heading to Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, located in the heart of the park.
Head to the Beach
Did we mention that there is also a great beach at the Dry Tortugas National Park? There is and it’s far from the only one. Some of our favorites include the very family friendly Sandspur Beach on Big Pine Key, the lively Zachary Taylor State Park Beach on Key West, the very relaxing Rest Beach which offers a quiet respite nearby and the dog friendly Higgs Beach is close too. To get the most out of your beach time do a little beach hopping, it’s fun and there’s lots to do, or not to do, depending on your preference.
Eat!
Yes, if you don’t try at least one slice of Key Lime Pie while you are down in the Florida Keys we think you’ll really be missing out. But as the whole area is something of a foodie’s paradise as well there is lots more to try. Incredible locally caught seafood – conch fritters are a must and if you’re in Key West for Lobster Festival you’re in for a treat. Because there is such a Caribbean vibe to life in the Keys there are lots of other dishes to try too and you should, even if you’re not too familiar with them, it’s all part of the experience!
