KEY LARGO

Key Largo is the first of the fabulous Florida Keys archipelago, and the largest of its islands. Key Largo is sandwiched between the wilderness of the Everglades National Park to the west and the fish-covered coral formations of North America's only living coral barrier reef to the east. And it is a magical place that many residents are happy to call home--relaxing and living in a friendly and casual island environment surrounded by the beauty of the seas.

Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland but yet still be afforded great schools, medical care, parks, restaurants and shopping while maintain an easy driving distance to the Miami International Airport. Then Key Largo is for you. The lifestyle is one of casual grace and the residents always welcome new neighbors.

Being so close to the mainland yet so isolated from the amenities of "civilization", has given Key Largo residents a strong sense of self reliance. Today, water, electricity and most supplies come from the mainland. Most of businesses are locally and/or family owned and operated. Charter boats, dive shops, restaurants, lodging and some of the local media are but a few examples... If you want to carve out your own piece of the pie, Key Largo is the place for you.

Want fish for dinner? Select one of many famous Key Largo eating establishments for your freshly prepared catch or simply throw a line from your boat and catch your own dinner.

Key Largo was one of the first areas in the world to dive into conservation of its marine habitat. John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park was founded in 1960 and the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary was created 1975. As a result, the reef has been protected for more than four decades. This protection has provided a uniquely rich coral environment where the 600 species of tropical fish are numerous and friendly - a veritable paradise for diver and snorkeler.

Key Largo is best known for its shallow reefs and deep wrecks. The shallow reefs provide world class diving for scuba divers of all ages and skills. The deep wrecks offer the some of the best wreck diving found anywhere.

In addition to diving and fishing here, you can swim with the dolphins, shake the flipper of a sea lion, take an airboat tour of the Everglades or an ecology tour around the neighborhood. Stop in the local wild bird sanctuary, visit an alligator farm close by, rent a houseboat or take a glass bottom boat ride.

Fly above the water on a parasail, walk nature trails or relax and enjoy the wonderful birds and other wildlife that await you as you kayak through John Pennekamp State Park or the Florida Bay. Parks, both underwater and above, offer even more water-related activities in Key Largo. The new Jacobs Aquatic Center in the Key Largo Community Park will even keep land-lovers very busy.

Key Largo has a wide variety of live and local entertainment, Karaoke nights, ladies nights, dinning and dancing as well. Indeed, much of the famous movie "Key Largo" was filmed here in 1948 at what is today the Caribbean Club, a local watering hole. Sunset cruises are fun too or, just go native - dig your toes in the sand and relax watching the most gorgeous sunsets in the world. End your evening while listening to live entertainment offered at our resorts, restaurants and lounges. Just remember, in Key Largo, it's all up to you.