I came to Florida Keys all excited to catch some gnarly waves and impress the locals with my killer surf skills, but lo and behold, there were no waves!
Zilch, nada, nothing!
I was like, what !?
First off, the Florida Keys are a chain of islands that start south of Miami and extend about 125 miles.
That’s a lot of real estate to cover, and there are 42 bridges that connect these islands.
So, you can imagine how much water there is surrounding the Keys.
But here’s the thing – the landscape of the islands is mostly limestone.
And limestone is a pretty porous rock that can absorb water.
So, instead of waves crashing against the shore, the water seeps into the limestone, creating a more mellow and calm coastline.
The reefs break up the waves and prevent them from gaining momentum, resulting in calmer waters.
Additionally, the surrounding geography of the Keys, which includes a number of small islands and mangrove forests, also helps to block and dissipate any waves that may form.
Finally, the prevailing winds in the area are typically gentle, which further contributes to the calm water conditions.
I know, I know, it’s a bit of a bummer if you’re a surfer like me.
But hey, there are still plenty of other activities to do in the Keys.
You can go snorkeling, fishing, or even try out some jet skiing:
The Keys and Their Histories
Did you know that Key Largo is the “Dive Capital of the world?
That’s right, my friends.
It’s where the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located, making it the first underwater preserve in America.
If you’re a fan of scuba diving or snorkeling, this is the place to be.
Moving on to Islamorada, which is known as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the world”.
If you’re into backcountry sport fishing and saltwater activities, this key will make your dreams come true.
I’ve personally caught some of the biggest fish of my life here, and I guarantee you’ll have a blast too.
The bridge in Marathon is something else entirely.
It’s ranked as one of the longest segmented bridges in the world, and it’s just one of the 42 bridges that connect the islands.
When you’re driving across it, you feel like you’re on top of the world.
I’ve gotta admit, it’s a pretty cool feeling.
Now, let’s talk about Big Pine Key, which is home to the national center for the protection of miniature Key Deers.
These adorable little creatures nearly went extinct, but their population is now increasing thanks to the hard work of dedicated conservationists.
If you’re an animal lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check them out.
And last but not least, we’ve got Key West.
This island is known for its literary history, with writers like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams choosing it as their home.
It’s also a hub for LGBTQ activities, making it a diverse and inclusive place to be.
Plus, the fact that it’s only 90 miles from Cuba is pretty darn cool if you ask me.
Driving down to Key West is an adventure in itself.
The southernmost leg of U.S.
Highway 1 (The Florida Overseas Highway) is the only road that links the islands in the Florida Keys.
Some people even call it “The road that goes to the sea”.
It starts at the Miami-Dade/Monroe County line, with the green mile marker sign at “mile marker 113”, and ends at the corner of Fleming and Whitehead streets in Key West, marked “mile marker 0”.
Now, I know I’ve thrown a lot of information your way, but trust me when I say that Key West is a place you don’t want to miss.
With its beautiful hotels, mouth-watering restaurants, and historic districts, there’s something for everyone.
And the best part?
Driving from Miami to Key West only takes about four hours.
So, what are you waiting for?
Let’s hit the road and explore the Florida Keys!
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Florida Keys, Things You Should Know
What’s the deal with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary?
Well, let me tell you – it’s like a superhero protecting the waters surrounding the Keys.
It’s like Aquaman, only cooler.
It shields the shallow flats, mangrove islets, and coral reefs, and it’s also home to nine historic underwater wrecks and artificial reefs.
That’s right, folks, you can take a dive and explore “The Florida Key’s Shipwreck Trail”.
How awesome is that?
Back in the day, the people living in the Florida Keys had a bunch of ways to make a living.
They farmed, salvaged shipwrecks, went sponge fishing, did commercial fishing, and of course, they welcomed tourists with open arms.
Nowadays, commercial fishing is the second largest industry in the Florida Keys, but let’s be real – tourism is where it’s at.
Baron Henry Flagler was the OG of Florida Keys tourism.
In 1912, he built a railroad that used to bring tourists to the south.
Can you imagine?
A railroad that takes you right to paradise?
But sadly, a hurricane destroyed some sections of it in 1935, and they were abandoned.
But don’t worry, my friends, a new hero emerged in 1938.
The overseas highway came to the rescue, becoming the only way to travel from one key to the other by land.
Who needs a railroad when you can take a drive with the ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other?
The Florida Keys have always had a cultural blend with the Caribbean, and that’s reflected in their mouth-watering dishes.
Think spicy conch chowder, Cuban classics like ropa vieja and pork marinated in mojo sauce, Key West pink shrimp, and of course, the pièce de résistance – Key lime pie.
I don’t know about you, but just thinking about those flavors is making me drool.
But wait, there’s more!
The Florida Keys are a haven for fishing enthusiasts.
You can find fresh seafood like yellowtail, grouper, mutton, snapper, mahi-mahi, spiny lobster, and stone crab.
Catching your own dinner?
Now that’s what I call a vacation.
So there you have it, folks.
The Florida Keys are a treasure trove of culture, history, and flavor.
Whether you’re exploring shipwrecks, chowing down on some Cuban food, or reeling in a big catch.
Getting Around in Florida Keys
Shuttles from Miami International Airport (MIA):
From Miami International Airport, I can employ the services of Keys Shuttle and Florida Keys Express Shuttle which will take me directly to where I am going.
Bus Service from Miami
From the Miami bus station, I can engage the service of Greyhound Keys Shuttle connects that will take me as far as Key West.
From Miami’s West Palm Drive/3rd Avenue you can engage the service of Miami-Dade Transit Route 301 Dade-Monroe Express which will take you as far as Mile Marker 50 in Marathon.
Key West’s Lower Key Shuttle offer services from Marathon to different places in Key West.
Within the Keys
There are islands within the Key’s that have their transportation services.
Transportation Services in the four islands that make up the Islamorada are provided by Freebee Islamabad’ on-call electric vehicles.
There is a free bus service in Key West known as the Duvall Loop which has 18 stopping points in the old town.
Taxis
Various local taxi companies run transportation services on every island.
Make inquiries about them from people around.
There is a taxi stand that serves passengers coming in at Key West International Airport (EYW).
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FAQs
Why is there no surf in the Florida Keys?
Surfing in Florida Key is not possible because of the presence of coral reefs, marine geography, and the absence of waves.
The great Florida reef is the third-largest barrier reef in the world.
It is this reef that protects Florida Key.
Can you still surf in the Keys?
While you may not find traditional surf spots in the Keys, there are a few places where you can catch some waves.
One of the best spots is Anne’s Beach in Islamorada, which is a popular spot for
kiteboarding and windsurfing.
You can also try your luck at riding some waves during a windy day in Key West, but be aware that the conditions may not always be favorable for surfing.
Are there any dangerous sea creatures in the calm waters of the Keys?
While the waters of the Keys are generally calm and safe for swimming, it’s always a good idea to be aware of potential dangers.
The most common danger in the Keys is the Portuguese man-of-war, a jellyfish-like creature with long tentacles that can deliver a painful sting.
There are also some species of sharks in the waters, but attacks are extremely rare.
Just be sure to follow any posted warning signs and be mindful of your surroundings.
Why are there no waves in the Keys?
The job of the barrier reef is to protect the Florida Key from waves coming from the Ocean.
The absence of surf in Key West makes surfing impossible.
As long as the waves are not hitting the Keys, there is no way sand can be gathered naturally.
This is the reason many of the beaches in Florida Key are man-made.
Does Key Largo have waves?
Key Largo, like the rest of the Florida Keys, typically has calm waters with little to no waves due to the surrounding coral reefs and shallow waters.
However, it’s important to note that weather patterns and wind conditions can affect the water conditions in any given day.
So, while it’s unlikely to find consistent waves in Key Largo, it’s possible to experience some wave action during certain weather conditions.
But if you’re specifically looking for a destination with consistent waves for surfing, Key Largo may not be the best choice.
What are some popular activities to do in the Florida Keys?
There are many popular activities to do in the Florida Keys, including snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating.
You can also enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring the many parks and nature reserves in the area.
Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to visit in the various towns and keys.
What is the best way to get around the Florida Keys?
The best way to get around the Florida Keys is by car.
The Overseas Highway connects all the keys, and there are plenty of car rental companies available.
You can also take shuttles or buses from Miami, or use taxis or ride-sharing services.
Some of the islands also have their own transportation services, such as electric vehicles or free bus services.
What are some water activities you can do in the calm waters of the Keys?
There are plenty of water activities to enjoy in the calm waters of the Keys!
Snorkeling and diving are popular options, as the reefs and marine life are truly spectacular.
You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm, shallow waters at your own pace.
Fishing is also a popular activity in the Keys, with plenty of opportunities to catch fresh seafood such as yellowtail, grouper, mutton, snapper, mahi-mahi, spiny lobster, and stone crab.
What’s the best time of year to visit the Keys?
The best time to visit the Keys depends on what you’re looking for.
Peak season is typically from December through April, when the weather is mild and dry, and the crowds are at their largest.
However, this is also the most expensive time to visit.
May through November is considered the off-season, with fewer crowds and lower prices, but also the possibility of more rain and the chance of encountering mosquitoes and other bugs.
Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences and what you’re hoping to experience during your trip.
What are some must-see attractions in the Keys?
There are so many great attractions to see in the Keys!
Some of the must-see sights include the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, and the Theater of the Sea in Islamorada.
You can also take a drive down the Overseas Highway, which offers breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities for photo ops.
And, of course, you can’t leave the Keys without trying some of the delicious local seafood and Key lime pie!
