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Islamorada and Key Largo
Islamorada is one of the Upper Keys, and known as the sporting fishing capital of the world. There have been more record-breaking fish caught here more than anywhere in the world. Unlike anywhere else on the Atlantic coast the waters of the Gulf Stream are only a few miles offshore. These waters carry hundreds of different species of fish, as well as all warm water game fish that swim in the Northern hemisphere.
Islamorada consists of a clutch of small islands with a concentration of marinas and Florida’s second oldest marine park. Charter boats offer half and full day expeditions to the rich Gulf stream fishing hot spots. You can also go diving with the local dive operators. You can also book a trip to the uninhabited island preserves of the Indian and Lignumvitae Keys from Lower Matecumbe Key.
Another magical place to visit in Islamorada is the “Theater of the Sea” where they have Sea Lion and Dolphin shows. The old style attraction includes Shark encounters and touch tanks, there is a Dolphin Adventure programme in place which allows visitors to swim with captive Dolphins. This is very popular and I would recommend that you book well in advance for this due to its popularity.
Key Largo is another beautiful place that you must visit when you’re in the key islands; this island is the largest of the Florida Keys. It’s a great place to go diving because of all the wonderful reefs around Largo. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is very popular with divers and the reef stretches out over 3 miles into the sea. Snorkelling and dive trips are in abundance as well as canoe rentals and a range of glass bottomed boats to take a trip on. There is a visitor centre with an Aquarium and walking trails on the land-based portion of the park.
If you like conservation and wildlife then you can also take a trip to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Centre on the island of Tavernier. This is a rescue and rehabilitation facility which has a boardwalk trail past enclosures fro hawks, ospreys, cormorants and pelicans you can also bird watch in man made hides which overlook a salt pond, here you can see herons and roseate spoonbills coming to feed.
Overall I would say that Islamorada and Key Largo are two beautiful places to visit and I would definitely go back again. The people who live and work here are also some of the most pleasant and good mannered you could wish to meet; nothing is too much trouble for them.
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