The Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands located off the southern coast of Florida. These islands are known for their crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning sunsets. But just how many islands make up the Florida Keys?
In this article, I’ll explore the number of islands that make up this popular vacation destination and take a closer look at some of the most well-known and visited islands in the chain.
So, How Many Florida Keys Are There?
There are 800 keys in total over approximately 1,700 islands in the Florida Keys, however, only about 30 of them are inhabited. These 30 islands are connected by a series of bridges and causeways, and are commonly referred to as the “mainland” or “upper” keys and the “lower” keys.
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Why Are They Called Keys Rather Than Islands?
The Florida Keys are called “keys” because the islands are actually the exposed tops of underwater coral reefs. The word “key” comes from the Spanish word “cayo,” which means “small island.” When the Spanish explorers first encountered the islands, they resembled the keys of a piano, hence the name “cayo” was used to describe them. The term “key” has been used to describe these islands ever since, and over time the name has been anglicized to “keys.”
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The Different Islands That Make Up The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a chain of islands that extend approximately 120 miles from Key Largo in the north to Key West in the south. Some of the most well-known and visited islands in the chain include:
Key Largo
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Key Largo is the northernmost island in the Florida Keys. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located on Key Largo, is the first underwater park in the United States and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the underwater world of the Florida Keys through snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours. The park also offers a variety of other activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing.
Key Largo is also known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It has many parks like the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, and nature preserves such as the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Key Largo Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. The island also has many options for accommodation, from resorts to vacation rentals, and many restaurants and bars.
In addition to its natural attractions, Key Largo also has a rich history. It was the site of the first underwater filming for the movie “Creature from the Black Lagoon” and was a favorite destination of writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.
Overall, Key Largo offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors, from exploring the underwater world of the Florida Keys to enjoying the island’s natural beauty and rich history.
Islamorada
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Islamorada is a small village located in the Florida Keys, known for its sport fishing, and outdoor activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing. It is often referred to as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World” and is home to many charter fishing companies that offer a variety of fishing trips, including deep sea fishing, flats fishing, and backcountry fishing.
Islamorada also has a rich history, it was a major center for fishing and shipbuilding for the early settlers, and it played a significant role in the development of the Florida Keys. Visitors can learn about the history of the area at the Islander Resort and the History of Diving Museum.
Islamorada also offers a variety of other activities and attractions for visitors, such as visiting the Theater of the Sea, an attraction that offers visitors an interactive marine animal experience, and the Founders Park, a large recreational park with a variety of activities such as swimming, tennis, and basketball.
The village of Islamorada is also home to several excellent restaurants and bars that serve a variety of seafood and other local specialties. Visitors will be able to find many options for accommodation, ranging from resorts to vacation rentals, and many options for shopping.
Overall, Islamorada offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions, from sport fishing and outdoor activities to the rich history of the area and the abundance of great dining and shopping options.
Marathon
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Marathon is a city located in the Florida Keys, known for its boating and water sports. It is located in the middle of the Florida Keys chain, and its location makes it a perfect spot for boating and water activities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing. The island also offers several marinas, charter boats, and rental boats that are available for visitors to explore the surrounding waters.
Marathon is also home to the Dolphin Research Center, where visitors can interact with and learn about these intelligent marine mammals. The center offers a variety of programs, including dolphin encounters, dolphin swims, and educational presentations.
Marathon also has a rich history and visitors can learn about the history of the area at the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, which is a 63-acre natural history and environmental learning center. The island also offers a variety of other activities and attractions such as the Pigeon Key Foundation, a historic island that was once the site of a railroad construction camp, and the Sombrero Beach, a beautiful beach and park that is popular with visitors.
Marathon is also home to several excellent restaurants and bars that serve a variety of seafood and other local specialties. Visitors will be able to find many options for accommodation, ranging from resorts to vacation rentals.
Overall, Marathon offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions, from boating and water sports to the opportunity to learn about and interact with marine mammals, as well as the rich history and culture of the area, and plenty of dining and accommodation options.
Big Pine Key
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Big Pine Key is a small island located in the Florida Keys, known for its natural beauty and wildlife. The island is home to the National Key Deer Refuge, which is a protected area for the endangered Key deer, a small subspecies of white-tailed deer that is only found in the Florida Keys. Visitors can take a drive through the refuge to see the Key deer in their natural habitat, as well as other species such as the American crocodile and the West Indian manatee.
Big Pine Key is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and bird watching. The island has several nature preserves such as the Blue Hole and the Bahia Honda State Park that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the island’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Big Pine Key is also home to the No Name Key, a small island that is only accessible by boat. Visitors can take a boat tour or rent a kayak to visit the island and enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. The island is also home to the Bahia Honda Bridge, a historic bridge that is considered one of the most beautiful in the Florida Keys.
Big Pine Key offers a variety of accommodation options, from resorts to vacation rentals, and has a few restaurants and bars that serve a variety of seafood and other local specialties.
Overall, Big Pine Key offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the endangered Key deer in their natural habitat, and to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and wildlife, as well as outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and bird watching. The island is also home to some beautiful beaches and historic sites, making it a great destination for those looking for a more laid-back and natural experience.
Key West
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Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States and the southernmost island in the Florida Keys. It is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant nightlife, historic sites, and beautiful beaches.
Key West is known for its rich history and culture, visitors can explore the island’s historic sites such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, which was the home of the famous author for over 10 years, and the Harry S. Truman Little White House, a historic museum that served as the winter White House for President Truman. Visitors can also take a walking tour of the island’s historic district and see the beautiful Victorian-style homes and buildings that line the streets.
Booking.comKey West is also known for its beautiful beaches, visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The island is home to the Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, which is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and the Dry Tortugas National Park, which is a remote island that can only be accessed by boat or seaplane and offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the area.
Key West is also known for its vibrant nightlife, visitors can find a variety of bars, restaurants, and live music venues that offer a wide range of entertainment options. The island also offers a variety of accommodation options, from resorts to vacation rentals, and plenty of shopping and dining options.
Overall, Key West is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions, from exploring the island’s rich history and culture to enjoying the beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. The island is also home to the southernmost point in the continental United States, making it a unique destination for visitors.
Top Activities for Tourists Visiting the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys offer a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors, some popular activities include:
- Snorkeling and diving: The Florida Keys are known for their crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making them a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore the underwater world of the Florida Keys by snorkeling or diving at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, or take a boat tour to nearby coral reefs and shipwrecks.
- Fishing: The Florida Keys are a popular destination for sport fishing, visitors can charter a fishing boat for deep sea fishing, flats fishing, or backcountry fishing.
- Water Sports: The Florida Keys offer a wide range of water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and kiteboarding.
- Wildlife watching: The Florida Keys are home to a variety of wildlife, visitors can see the endangered Key deer at the National Key Deer Refuge, American crocodiles at the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and West Indian manatees.
- Beach activities: The Florida Keys offer a variety of beaches that are great for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach at Bahia Honda State Park, or take a boat tour to Dry Tortugas National Park to enjoy some of the best snorkeling and diving in the area.
- Historical and cultural sites: The Florida Keys offer a rich history and culture that visitors can explore by visiting historic sites such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and the Harry S. Truman Little White House.
- Food and Nightlife: The Florida Keys offer a wide range of dining and entertainment options, visitors can find a variety of bars, restaurants, and live music venues that offer a wide range of entertainment options.
Overall, The Florida Keys offer a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors, from exploring the underwater world to fishing and water sports, wildlife watching, beach activities, historical and cultural sites, and food and nightlife.
Getting Around the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are connected by a series of bridges and causeways, and visitors can easily get around the islands by car. The main road through the Keys is the Overseas Highway, also known as U.S. 1, which runs from Key Largo in the north to Key West in the south. The highway is a scenic drive that offers spectacular views of the ocean and the islands.
Visitors can also get around the Florida Keys by bike or scooter, many rental companies offer bike and scooter rentals, and many of the islands have bike paths that are perfect for exploring the area.
For those who prefer to explore the water, boats, and water taxis are also available for rent and charter. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the surrounding waters and visit nearby islands, or rent a boat or jet ski to explore on their own.
Public transportation is also available in the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys Shuttle, Keys Shuttle, and Greyhound Bus Lines provide service between the mainland and the Keys, and the Lower Keys Shuttle provides service between Key West and other Lower Keys.
Overall, visitors have a variety of options to get around the Florida Keys, including by car, bike, scooter, boat, water taxi, and public transportation. Each mode of transportation has its own advantages, whether it be the freedom of exploring on your own, or the convenience of having someone else do the driving, visitors can choose the way that best suits their needs and preferences.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit the Florida Keys
The best time to visit the Florida Keys depends on what you’re looking to do while you’re there. The peak tourist season in the Florida Keys is from December to April, when the weather is the most pleasant and the water is the warmest. This is also the best time to enjoy water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving, as well as fishing.
The summer months of May to September can be more hot, humid, and rainy, and also it is a time when the risk of hurricanes is higher, so this is not the best time to visit if you’re looking to enjoy water activities. However, the summer months are a good time to visit if you’re looking to save money on accommodations and enjoy the quieter, less crowded atmosphere.
The shoulder seasons of October and November, and April and May are also a great time to visit if you want to experience the Florida Keys while avoiding the peak tourist season. The water is still warm and the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds and lower prices.
Overall, the best time to visit the Florida Keys depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking to do while you’re there. If you’re looking to enjoy water activities and have the best weather, the peak tourist season from December to April is the best time to visit. If you’re looking for lower prices and fewer crowds, the summer months or shoulder seasons of October and November are worth considering.
Hurricane Season in the Florida Keys
The hurricane season in the Florida Keys runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak of the season being in August and September. During this time, the risk of hurricanes and tropical storms is higher, and it’s important for visitors to be aware of the potential for severe weather.
While the risk of a hurricane striking the Florida Keys is relatively low, it is still important to be prepared and to have a plan in case a hurricane does occur. Visitors should check the weather forecast and be aware of any weather alerts or evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Florida Keys are a beautiful and unique destination that offer a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Whether you’re looking to enjoy water activities, explore the island’s history and culture, or simply relax on the beach, the Florida Keys have something for everyone. However, it’s important to note that the Florida Keys are also subject to the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November, and visitors should be aware of the potential for severe weather and plan accordingly. With a little bit of planning and preparation, a visit to the Florida Keys can be an unforgettable and enjoyable experience.
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