All About Key Largo

Key Largo is the northern most key in the island chain known as the Florida Keys as well as the name of an unincorporated town on that Key. The island stretches for 33 miles and is the longest in the Keys chain.

The north end of the island hosts an area known as Ocean Reef, an exclusive gated community with some famous residents and visitors.

Mangrove tree islands, clear water, and blue sky weather

Further down the island you'll find the unincorporated town of Key Largo. This area was formerly known as Rock Harbor until a name change followed the success of a 1948 Bogart and Bacall film named—you guessed it—Key Largo.

Families will enjoy the opportunity to visit a variety of federal, state, and community parks located on or near the island. At the north end of the island you will find the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park calling you to see its hidden treasures.

Vacationers will find plenty of hotels, motels, and restaurants to serve your needs. You can even see the historic riverboat African Queen here.

The Upper Keys are not generally known for spectacular beaches, though you will find a few around town.

Visitors come to the Key Largo for many reasons, some simply to enjoy the weather and others for some the many water related activities like snorkeling, diving, sailing, or fishing. Some others travel south to paradise for the wedding of a lifetime.

Playing golf is not a big pastime in the Upper Keys but a few manage to get on the green.

One truly unique experience available here in the Upper Keys is the chance to trade in your typical hotel accommodations for your very own houseboat rental. This option can be a budget buy and a close to nature experience not found everywhere.

For another perspective on the area have a look at Key Largo Sunsets.

Boating

If you travel to the Keys on your own boat you may choose to seek dockage at one of the many marinas dotted along the coast of the island.

One way to see the Upper Keys coastal areas up close and personal is on your very own kayak trip or tour.

If paddling a guided tour is not your cup of tea look into renting your own boat for a fishing or snorkeling adventure.

Diving and Snorkeling

With some of the clearest water in the Keys and several large wrecks to explore, the Key Largo area has earned a reputation as The Dive Capitol of the World.

The Upper Keys has many beautiful inshore reef areas the are best seen by snorkeling the surface above and around the coral outcroppings. You can take your vacation to the next level by contacting one of a number of local dive shops to inquire about diving the area.

Divers flock to the area to see Carysfort Reef, Elbow Reef, and Molasses Reef. A pair of retired USCG cutters, Bibb and Duane, located just a few miles offshore are also popular dive destinations.

In May 2002 members of the local dive community saw a long and tumultuous effort finally come to fruition with the sinking of the 510' Spiegel Grove, at that time the largest man-made reef in the world.

Fishing

The waters off here offer world class sportfishing for a variety of species. Most popular in winter is the aerobatic sailfish. To catch and release one of these game fish you’ll need to charter a boat locally or have your own boat.

Numerous other species, like black grouper, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper are available most times during the year. The variety of offshore fish you could catch here is unsurpassed anywhere in the U.S. and equaled only by other areas of the Florida Keys.

Anglers who favor more tranquil inshore waters will find plenty of opportunity too. Oceanside flats in the area are a favorite for those in pursuit of bonefish, the grey ghost of flats.

Bayside you'll find abundant opportunities to catch resident tarpon, snook, and trout.

Tavernier

At the southwest end of the island is an area called Tavernier. It is a small community with its own unique flavor and numerous buildings dating back to the turn of the century, some of which have been restored to their former splendor.

Our list of Tavernier restaurants will get you headed in the right direction to enjoy a vareity of local cuisine.