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. The reality of the Keys is very different.
This was my �reality check� from my first visit to the Keys:
> When driving down, 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. Further north the toll road had stops every couple of miles to ding you for more pocket change. The drive got old quickly.
> The "Overseas Highway" is really mostly over land. Trees block the water view for most of the drive.
> 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, especially on the Florida Bay side. The water is very clear, so it's hard to judge depth.
Even with the best information available (charts, chart plotter, local knowledge and a depth sounder) it's unnerving about watching rocks pass just below your propeller.
The bottom is always changing, which causes you to question the charts. It�s not necessarily a relaxing condition in which to operate your boat.
> Currents can be be strong, especially under the bridges.
> Beaches are almost nonexistent. It's hard to find any kind of beach. The Keys are simply old coral reef that are overgrown with mangroves. There are a few small beaches in Islamorada. Key West has the biggest (but still small) beach on its south side.
> Overall one gets a rural (almost third world) impression of the stores, restaurants, roads and hotels. This is especially true in Key Largo. Key West is by far the best developed.
The Keys can be beautiful with interesting wildlife. It�s a great place to escape, party and fish. However it is not the American Riviera. In tone it can be more akin to Atlantic City or Ensenada, Mexico.
For my first Key trip, my expectations where built too high by movies, post cards and travel brochures. Subsequent trips have been better because my expectations are more down-to-earth.
Coming in with realistic expectations is the best bet.
