The Florida Keys.

The Florida Keys are a chain of coral and limestone islands curving southwest from Virginia Key south of Miami to Loggerhead Key at the Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico 355 kilometres further south and are surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on the western side and the Atlantic Ocean to the eastern side.

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary contains the world’s third-largest barrier reef and the only barrier reef in the continental U.S.A, and it is home to more than 6,000 species of animals.

One of America’s most unique motor journeys, the scenic 190-kilometre Overseas Highway often referred to as the “Highway that Goes to Sea”, combines ocean views and includes 42 bridges running from the mainland to Key West, connects all the main islands and is one of the longest overwater roads in the world, including a bridge that spans 11-km. The highway was built in 1938.

Hurricane Ernesto is not far away

Each region of the Keys has its own unique character, worlds away from big cities and theme parks.

The Florida Keys are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. Mangroves, sea grasses, and coral reefs are abundant. Animals such as alligators, sea turtles, and the endangered manatee can be found here, and more than 600 species of fish live in the reefs. After the beaches in the Florida Panhandle and the Western Florida Coast we were disappointed by the beaches at Key west.

Key Largo, is the largest Key about 50 km long and formerly known for its plantations of key limes. We camped at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which contains large living coral formations, and is the first undersea park in the USA.

Many of the Florida Keys fall within the boundaries of three National Parks: Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Everglades National Park.

Biscayne National Park is an area of coral reefs and other marine features in the Atlantic Ocean off the southeastern coast of Florida, about 32 km south of Miami. It consists of (from west to east) a mangrove-covered shoreline and about 33 Islands (keys) that form a north-south chain separating the bay from the Atlantic Ocean. The shoreline is covered by an almost unbroken, impenetrable mangrove swamp which provides shelter for birds, mammals, and marine life.

In the Atlantic Ocean to the east of John Pennekamp lie the shallow reefs known for both their variety of corals—elkhorn, brain, and staghorn—and their brilliantly coloured tropical fishes.

Dry Tortugas are the last seven in a long string of coral islands (keys) and sandbars that extend westward from Key West. This part of the keys can only be reached by boat or seaplane. Its waters contain abundant and varied marine life, including three species of sea turtles.

As mentioned before, we disliked the beaches as they were full of stinking seagrass. We booked at Bahia Honda State Park mentioned as the best beach on the Florida Keys, but we were disappointed. However, the sunsets were amazing.

The keys are an oasis of islands with intriguing names such as Summerland Key, Big Torch and Little Torch Keys, Cudjoe Key, Sugarloaf Key, Big Cop Pitt Key and Stock Island.

Big Pine Key is the jumping off point for numerous snorkel and dive excursions to the 210-foot wreck of the Adolphus Busch.

Looe Key Reef, part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, has a yearly underwater music festival that promotes the preservation of Keys coral reefs.

The uninhabited Saddle Bunch Keys are a network of shallow sandy lagoons and mangrove islands that make the jaunt by boat or paddle craft a memorable one, especially at sunset.

Stock Island is defined by a rustic authenticity that flavors its colourful marinas, art studios and waterfront bars and restaurants. It is the hub of the Florida Keys commercial shrimping industry.

Key West, the cruise hot spot in the lower keys, is also the end of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. This 19^th century town has a laid-back atmosphere with palm shaded streets, picturesque streets, historic homes, the home of Ernest Hemmingway and the holiday home of former US President Harry Truman, a multiculture culinary scene, nightly sunset celebration, and a flourishing nightlife.