‘Santiago’ Scores a Swordfish
Daytime swordfishing, or catching a broadbill in broad daylight, was pioneered off the Florida Keys’ Islamorada — an area known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World” and the home of the largest offshore charterboat fleet in the entire Keys island chain. So how difficult is it to battle and catch a prized swordfish?
Bill Keogh: Steward of the Lower Keys’ Natural World
Naturalist, eco-guide, photographer-writer and paddling guidebook author Bill Keogh, a 44-year resident of Big Pine Key, operates Big Pine Kayak Adventures. He provides kayak and low-impact motorboat excursions and private motorboat trips to the Lower Florida Keys’ remote wilderness of the National Key Deer Refuge and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.
Escape to Key West
Visitors to Key West will find palm-shaded streets, picturesque historic homes, a lively multicultural culinary scene and a flourishing arts community. But perhaps the most appealing aspect is the mellow, easygoing pace of life — a pace that inspires new arrivals to release everyday pressures, breathe deeply and absorb the island’s revitalizing rhythm.
Escape to the Lower Keys
Big Pine & the Lower Keys, home to two national wildlife refuges, part of a national marine sanctuary and a stunning state park, is an ideal place to unwind, recharge and reconnect with nature’s beauty. And no visit is complete without encountering the tiny endangered Key deer, found only in the Lower Keys.
Escape to Marathon
The Middle Keys’ Marathon is an easygoing, laid-back area for family and couples’ vacations that include sun, fun and nature exploration. From snorkeling a shallow reef to strolling the Old Seven Mile Bridge, options abound that enable individuals, couples, families and friends to dedicate time to the pursuit of relaxation and personal renewal.
Escape to Islamorada
Called the Sport Fishing Capital of the World because of its stunning angling diversity, the Upper Keys’ Islamorada is also known for its eco-tours, variety of watersports, historic state parks, artistic culture and galleries, fine dining and enticing boutiques. Overall, Islamorada offers an unparalleled blend of satisfying activities and opportunities for downtime.
Escape to Key Largo
Key Largo, the northernmost island in the Florida Keys, offers a friendly, welcoming vibe and vast natural beauty both on land and underwater. Known as the Diving Capital of the World, the area includes many extraordinary sites where divers and snorkelers can immerse themselves in the profound, quiet wonders of the marine ecosystem.