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Discover what the Upper Keys has to offer. A place to relax and have fun -- with spectacular fishing and diving! Islamorada is known as the fishing capital of the world. Nearby, the Everglades will awe you with their natural habitat of salt water crocodiles, herons, egrets and roseate spoonbills. Year round you can enjoy fishing for yellowtail snapper, marlin, tarpon, snook, wahoo and sailfish.
"When Key Largo's Jewfish Creek bridge is raised on a sunny weekend afternoon during the 'season,' traffic on both sides of U.S. 1 can back up for miles. Heatwaves shimmer across the long thin line of cars, motor homes, trailered boats, asphalt, and humanity. The scent is repeated a few miles south at the entrance to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where visitors are sometimes turned away because the park is full. Jet skis whine over shallow water flats surrounding the island, and cigarette racing boats roar across Blackwater Sound. Boats of every description filled with divers, snorkelers, fishermen, and landlubbers content to just peer over the side bob over the reefs of the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. Tourists crown into tiki bars, and motels proudly flash NO VACANCY in bright neon all along U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West. If the Keys are 'Paradise,' then Key Largo is the first port of call. More than four million people visit here or pass through on their way to Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West each year. Visitors to the Keys want to dive, snorkel, fish, eat, recreate, and vegetate. The may stay a day, a week, a month; some never leave. Gentle tropical breezes and bright sunshine are more than just the weather; they area a way of life. . ."
by Jeff Ripple, author, The Florida Keys - The Natural Wonders of an Island Paradise.
Key Largo is both an island and a town in the Florida Keys, located off of the southern coast of Florida. The population of this town is just 11,886, but its size can swell considerably when tourists visit the area during popular vacation periods. The island of Key Largo is 33 miles in length, but the town known by the same name is only 12.2 square miles. Relocating to Key Largo is often the dream of many retirees looking to get away from it all – this is evident in the median age of the residents, which is 43.1 years old...read more »
Key Largo, the northernmost island, is a great place to start your tour of the Keys. Known as the Diving Capital of the World, this area of land and sea will provide underwater explorers access to North America’s only living coral barrier reef, as well as Spiegel Grove, a 510 foot sunken navy ship. Sport fishing is also a popular attraction, so arrange for an experienced captain to take you out for a spin if you have your heart set on reeling in an exotic catch. Key Largo’s close proximity to the Everglades make eco-tours exciting prospects, and kayakers with a love for the environment can be seen paddling all around the lush marshland.
Next in line is Islamorada. Though ocean fishing is an activity common in all the Keys, Islamorada claims the title of Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Reel in a sailfish, tuna, tarpon, or bonefish, or just watch the saltwater hunters do their thing. Diving, too, is popular here, as the coral reef winds its way all around this enchanting string of islands. Islamorada has a few state parks for your enjoyment, and plenty of shops and galleries that surely contain the perfect souvenir....read more
UPPER FLORIDA KEYS EVENTS
October 12 to October 17 - Mercury Outboards Bonefishing World Championship/Islamorada All-Tackle Bonefish Tournament - Islamorada
Some of the best bonefish anglers are to compete to catch and release the ghost of the flats. Proceeds are to be donated to local charities.
Contact: (305) 664-2444
Email: csasun@aol.com
October 27 - Key Largo
Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest
Scuba divers participate in a unique jack o'lantern carving contest, complete with a coral reef backdrop. Take the plunge, and set out to try to carve the winning pumpkin in under thirty feet of water.
Contact: 1-800-426-6729
December 4 - 7, 2008 ~ 45th Annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament ~ Islamorada
The first leg of the triple crown Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series. The tournament is one of the oldest in the Florida Keys, and primary fundraiser for the Islamorada Charterboat Association.
Contact: Dianne Harbaugh 305-852-2102
Email: ditournaments@aol.com
December 12 - 14, 2008 ~ 9th Annual Captain Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic - Islamorada
This all-release tournament offers anglers a chance to pursue sailfish in honor of Captain Don’s memory.
Contact: (305) 852-9337
Email: fishnbully@msn.com
December 13, 2008 ~ Key Largo Holiday Boat Parade
Enter your boat, watch from your boat, or watch from land! Parade begins 7:30 p.m., at Blackwater Sound, Mile Marker 104. Check web site for details.
Contact: Bob Stoky (305) 451-4502
December 31, 2008 ~ New Year's Eve Fireworks on Blackwater Sound Key Largo
The back bay is the setting for the annual New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza hosted by Sundowners, Senor Frijoles, Cactus Jacks, Gus' Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club, MM 103-104.
Contact: (305) 451-4502
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