Best things to do/visit on the Keys & Gulf - Any must-Do Dibb recommendations please?

[sam7]

Our highlight on Key West was a Reef Snorkel Tour. Its an organised boat trip out to the barrier reef where you can snorkel for a couple of hours, all equipment is provided. Seeing a barrier reef up close was absolutely amazing, like snorkeling in a fish tank - was swimming along minding my own business, look down and there was a 5ft reef shark just swimming past me, also minding his business - unforgetable
The Eco Discovery Center at Key West was also good for a visit, its free and very cool inside, so perfect for an hour or two in the middle of the day.
On the way back we drove via Shark Valley and did their tour, brilliant - lots of gators

[Cloverlady]

Originally Posted by anji

Myakka State Park is beautiful. We went on the boat trip and saw lots of alligators and other wildlife. Then we did the walk - part boardwalk, part treetops. We laughed at the signs warning you that the vultures liked to peck the rubber on windscreen wipers etc. on your car!

If you're going to Marco Island then go to Tiger Tail Beach and wade across the Lagoon to get there. Knee deep roughly and a bit squelchy but saves a long walk round.

I know you've already read my trip report below but definitely from it, for wildlife -

John Pennekamp Park near Key Largo is also excellent - you can get a glass bottomed boat, snorkelling, lots of walks, lovely little aquarium and a great cafe.

Big Pine Key and the Pub With No Name - key deer country on the Keys

Also Hemmingway's House at Key West for 6 toed cats, the Wildlife Sanctuary there, the Martello Tower gardens and the butterfly conservancy.

Glad you've got it all booked up

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Thank you Anji! It's you who have inspired us!

Thanks for these extra ideas - especially LOVING the sound of the boardwalk/treetops walk!

We've stayed at Marco Island before and loved our stay, it's heaven on earth, hence our return, but didn't know about Tiger Tail Beach!

[Cloverlady]

Originally Posted by Mqt

You are most welcome! I’d second what Anji said about Myakka. We love it there too. We also enjoy Fort de Soto, Fort de Soto Memorial, Neal Preserve and Perico Preserve. For manatees, it’s worth visiting the little harbour at Porto Sueno Park off 75th Street (just off the island)-they are often just hanging around, even in summer.

A bit like ChrisS, we spend a good chunk of the year in Florida but spread over the year (typically 5-6 weeks here, 4 weeks in Florida...repeat). Not retired but lucky enough to work remotely.

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Thanks for these!

And again, envious of your long trips! I don't want to wish my life away at all, but as soon as we can we are retiring early as said above, and will be spending, God willing, a lot more time over there too!

[Cloverlady]

Originally Posted by AhoyShipmates

We loved the bird sanctuary on Key Largo. Free but there’s a donation box. We also took a short detour on to Pine Key and saw some pine key deer. They are about the size of a medium dog.

You have probably been before but among our highlights were the Little White House and Ernest Hemingway’s house at Key West.

We also went snorkelling at the John Pennekamp Marine Park. You hire wetsuits and a (big) boat takes you out to a coral reef. We saw the most amazing coloured fish. Definitely a highlight and worth taking a sea sickness tablet for 🙂

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Thanks for your reply! Bird sanctuary and those deer sound wonderful!
And yes, maybe some sea sickness tablets are a must-purchase item!

[Cloverlady]

Originally Posted by sam7

Our highlight on Key West was a Reef Snorkel Tour. Its an organised boat trip out to the barrier reef where you can snorkel for a couple of hours, all equipment is provided. Seeing a barrier reef up close was absolutely amazing, like snorkeling in a fish tank - was swimming along minding my own business, look down and there was a 5ft reef shark just swimming past me, also minding his business - unforgetable
The Eco Discovery Center at Key West was also good for a visit, its free and very cool inside, so perfect for an hour or two in the middle of the day.
On the way back we drove via Shark Valley and did their tour, brilliant - lots of gators

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Oh that's it settled! He will HAVE to take a tablet A barrier reef is right up there on his list, THE Great Barrier Reef is on his bucket list, so to do one sooner than getting to Aus will be worth it!
And the shark!

[lcm23]

On your way from islamorada to Marco Island, stop of at Captain jacks airboat tours and take in an airboat tour through the mangroves. This was one of the highlights of our last trip. It was an amazing experience. Very envious of your trip.

[Mqt]

Originally Posted by Cloverlady

Oh that's it settled! He will HAVE to take a tablet A barrier reef is right up there on his list, THE Great Barrier Reef is on his bucket list, so to do one sooner than getting to Aus will be worth it!
And the shark!

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We did this a few years ago but without the snorkelling (one of our children was too young). We went out on a glass bottomed boat to see the reef. It was a great trip but seasick tablets definitely needed!

[Cloverlady]

Originally Posted by Mqt

We did this a few years ago but without the snorkelling (one of our children was too young). We went out on a glass bottomed boat to see the reef. It was a great trip but seasick tablets definitely needed!

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Thanks! Might be an option for me as I'm not overly keen on snorkelling myself, even bought one of those full face masks with no bit that goes inside your mouth but still not keen. I'll happily watch whilst hubby splashes about though!

[Cloverlady]

Originally Posted by lcm23

On your way from islamorada to Marco Island, stop of at Captain jacks airboat tours and take in an airboat tour through the mangroves. This was one of the highlights of our last trip. It was an amazing experience. Very envious of your trip.

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Thanks, will look that up

[Lola]

We saw a group of about 6 key deer on land behind a supermarket on one trip