This site contains dozens of original and instructive pictures from the Florida Keys.
This information is based on my research and personal experience from Key Largo to Key West. I hope it helps you safely travel and enjoy your time in the Florida Keys.
Don't leave without downloading some Florida Keys Wallpaper for your computer's Windows Desktop!
The Best Route For Driving To The Florida Keys
Which is the best route to the Florida Keys from The Palm Beaches?
I-95 may be free, but it is congested and has a lot of construction.
It is far easier to use the Florida Turnpike, especially if you are towing a boat. Even better is to get a SunPass. This is an electronic box (cost $26.50) that attaches to your windshield. It allows you to use �SunPass Only� lanes. You can go through toll plazas at 25 MPH rather than having to stop and fork over change every few miles. There are a lot of nickel-and-dime toll plazas in the Miami area and it is a pain to stop. Click here for Florida Turnpike SunPass information.
Once the Turnpike comes to an end, there is about 20 miles of two-lane U.S. 1 until you get to Key Largo. Expect heavy traffic and delays in this area. The bascule bridge at Jewfish Creek may also cause a traffic back-up just prior to arriving in Key Largo.
The Basics Of Boating In The Florida Keys
Getting around the Florida Keys is a matter of navigating Florida Bay, Hawk Channel and the pass-through creeks/channels between the two. Fast-speed boating is allowed in much of the Intracoastal Waterway and Hawk Channel. There are some slow zones in pass-throughs.
The Intracoastal Waterway is found mostly in Florida Bay. The channel runs through deep sounds and narrow channels between various keys. It is reasonably well marked. Watch for shallow water on either side of the channel. There is some confusion as to whether the Intracoastal Waterway actually runs all the way to Key West on the Florida Bay side. Regardless, it appears wisest to leave the Intracoastal in lower Marathon and use Hawk Channel for the remaining trip to Key West. The Bay side of the lower keys is very shallow and undeveloped. It�s a lousy place to get stuck.
Hawk Channel is the �ocean� side of the keys. In reality, it is a channel that runs east/south of the keys and west/north of the reefs. Generally seas in Hawk Channel are less than in the open water beyond the reefs, but higher than in Florida Bay. If weather conditions are nice I like the idea of running in Hawk Channel better than the Intracoastal Waterway. Hawk Channel is not as clearly marked, but it is much deeper and more forgiving if you fall off course. It�s a lot harder to run aground.
In Key Largo there are few pass-throughs between the Intracoastal Waterway and Hawk Channel. It�s best to choose a ramp/marina on the side where you plan to boat.
It�s imperative that you have charts, a GPS and a depth sounder. The name of the game is not running aground. Mark your route ahead of time. Have a navigator aboard to help you spot marks, visually spot water depth and keep you on course. Plan to spend a lot of time and energy navigating.
Mind the current. It can be strong in Florida Bay and in pass-throughs between the ocean and the Bay. It can easily cause you to track out of channel and into shallow water.
Launching Your Boat In The Florida Keys
Getting your boat in the water is the first step in your Florida Keys boating getaway.
Warning--the overall feeling among boaters is that Keys boat ramps suck.
Many people will trailer to Key Largo and boat south. This allows you to avoid towing on US 1. Others will trailer to Marathon. This better allows travel to both the upper and lower keys from one central location.
In Key Largo investigate the ramps at John Pennekamp State Park (mile marker 102.) There is a fee. It may be best to launch there and rent a campsite where you can leave your truck/trailer overnight.
Be informed if you choose to use the single ramp at American Outdoor campground / RV resort (mile marker 97.5). These observations were made using the ramp in June of 2002. I had heard that it is one of the deepest bayside ramps. The ramp pavement ended just after the waterline. The grade is uneven and caused my trailer may bottom out. When retrieving, the uneven grade can also make it hard to �float on� your trailer. There were rocks just off the end of the dock, which were easy to hit when backing out (I did, ruining my propeller� not a great start to my trip.) Push your boat well beyond these rocks before lowering your propeller. The dock length was short with few cleats on which to tie off. Space was limited in which to move your truck and trailer. There can be a lot of traffic and loose children around the ramp. The charge is $10 for each launch/retrieve cycle. There is a dollar charge to use a hose to rinse off your boat (coin operated.) Flushing engines are not allowed. The water pressure was extremely low when I attempted to use the wash-down station. There is no overnight parking (unless you�re camping there.) Experiences with this ramp might be better for those with shallower-draft boats and smaller trailers.
The two ocean-side ramps at Harry Harris County Park (mile marker 92.5 in Tavernier) look nice. There are only 20 spaces where you can park with a trailer. No overnight parking. Fees are charged on weekends.
Overall�don�t assume that there will be quality day use ramps available or places to park overnight. Know exactly where you will launch and park ahead of time. It�s ideal to find a hotel that has its own ramp, dock and overnight truck parking.
Nice Marinas To Investigate While Boating The Florida Keys
These marinas are family and cruise-group friendly. They have nice facilities, but may cost a little more.
Click on each location to see their web site.
Key Largo: Marina Del Mar
Marathon (upper): Hawk�s Cay*
Marathon (lower): Faro Blanco
Key West: The Galleon Resort
*Hawk's Cay offers a substantial discount to BoatU.S. members.
Of course the Keys are loaded with marinas. This is not an all-inclusive list of favorites� only a few of the more popular choices.
Two �Must See� Snorkeling Sites Are In The Upper Florida Keys
Click the links below for more information.
Dry Rocks (Christ Of The Abyss) off Key Largo (John Pennekamp Park)
Hen and Chickens off Islamorada
Other snorkeling information:
Snorkeling & Diving Waypoints
Why Image And Reality Don't Match-Up In The Florida Keys
Having The Proper Expectations Will Make All The Difference
Like many boaters I dreamed about a boat trip to the Keys. I pictured turquoise blue water, flat seas, white sandy beaches, beautiful facilities and stress-free pleasure cruising. I knew this �postcard� image of the Keys was too ideal to come true� but reality was even harsher than I imaged.
This was my �reality check� from my first visit to the Keys:
> When driving in, US 1 is overcrowded and dangerous. I saw a lot of aggressiveness, driver inattention and drunk driving. Drivers entering the highway from side roads are the worst. Be prepared to make emergency stops.
> Keys boat ramps are poor. Given the large number of boats and the area�s reliance on tourists, this just doesn�t make sense. The facilities do not compare with the quality of ramps available in the Palm Beaches.
> The water is shallow and unpredictable. You can have all of the best information available (charts, local knowledge and a depth sounder.) Even so, there is something unnerving about watching rocks pass within inches of your propeller. The bottom is always changing, which causes you to question the charts. It�s not a relaxing condition in which to operate your boat.
> Beaches are not abundant.
> Overall one gets a rural (almost third world) impression of the stores, restaurants, roads and hotels.
Please understand that I�m not trying to slam the Keys. It is a beautiful place with interesting wildlife. It�s a great place to escape, party and fish. However it is not the American Riviera. In tone it�s more akin to Atlantic City or Ensenada, Mexico.
My Keys expectations where built too high by movies, post cards and travel brochures. Coming in with realistic expectations is the best bet.