Secluded amongst a row of islands stretched far and beyond the reaches of the state Florida itself. In fact Key West, the Florida Keys most distant island, is only 90 miles from Cuba. On the gulf side you can go offshore for miles, stop your vessel and stand in knee deep still water and not see shore anywhere around you. It's an true surreal trek for an ocean lover and nature loving person. I've encountered many a sting ray and whales while there.

Nestled away from the rest of the world, the Florida Keys have become a popular destination for North Americans looking for a tropical vacation without traveling far from the home country. There are many things to do for example award winning sport fishing, skin diving and snorkeling, trolling, kayaking, sailing, and species tours beyond belief. Each of our island destinations has some unique features. We invite you to visit each area individually and discover our tropical paradise in the Florida Keys.

One of the main reasons for my trips to the Florida Keys is for Lobster Sport Season. The locals call it bug hunting. It only last for about 3 days and the place is packed. If your into hunting for lobster, this is quite an exciting affair. Don't forget your snorkel, tickle stick and net! The kind of Lobster you'll find down there are the Spiny Lobster type, which have no claws and can get quite large. Spiny Lobster are larger than some Main Lobsters in cases. Don't forget, recreational harvesters are required to possess a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License with a current crawfish stamp. Consult a local tackle shop for exemptions to licensing requirements. Licenses are available through local convenient stores, tax collectors, many tackle shops and marine supply stores.

How expensive is it to travel to the Keys? I'm finally getting to that. The Florida Keys is by far the most awesome tropical vacation spot for any novice fisherman, scuba diver, or just plain traveler. But watch your pocket book! The Florida Keys is quite expensive. I shopped around extensively for the best hotel rates and by far the best we found was a small 32 unit motel right off the highway called Big Pine Key Motel. They had the best rates and the biggest rooms of every "affordable" place to stay down there which were around $70 and up! And I'm talking crazy up! Some places were asking over $500. If you've got the funds, I would highly recommend Little Palm Island. It's one of the top 10 resorts in the world and the only way you can get to it is by boat. The Big Pine Key Motel is just a 20 minute drive from Key West and is surrounded by dive shops, fishing charters and great places to eat.

I'm going to close with a fair warning. The Florida Keys is protected by many environmental laws that are specific to endangered species. If you do any hiking watch out for the poison wood. It looks as innocent as a pear tree and 10 times more dangerous than poison ivy. The locals can't cut it down because it grows a berry that an endangered species of bird eats.