Captain Samantha Zeher, owner of Islamorada's KeyZ Charters, earned her license at just 18 while still a college freshman. Today she offers sightseeing charters that include snorkeling and sunset cruises, paddleboard, eco-tours and Everglades excursions. She’s also happy to treat passengers to island trips exploring Indian Key, Lignumvitae Key and Alligator Lighthouse -- each with a history dating back to the 1800s.
Each year on Memorial Day Weekend, fans of the fast-growing minimalist trend cheer teams powering boats made of bare-bones materials in the annual Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta. Now in its 26th year, the quirky regatta is an undisputed tradition in the Florida Keys -- featuring minimally constructed vessels, plucky mariners displaying a “sink or swim” spirit, and maximum fun for spectators.
In the waters off Key Largo, divers have installed a bronze plaque that names and honors the final 250 of 1,000 contributors to a project that sank a former U.S. Naval ship — exactly 15 years ago — to become an artificial reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The panel was attached to the side of the Spiegel Grove, the third-largest ship ever scuttled to create a new reef for divers, as another milestone in a story that proves sometimes truth IS stranger than fiction.
Diners can benefit the ocean environment by ordering lionfish at Keys restaurants, helping to decrease the invasive species' population and minimize its negative impacts. Delicate and delicious, the light white meat of the lionfish tastes much like snapper.
The Florida Keys may be known for their subtropical landscapes, crystal-clear waters and sunny blue-sky days — but with an array of after-dark adventures waiting to tempt visitors, the action really intensifies when the sun goes down. Discover five memorable nighttime activities, from diving to ghost hunting, that just can’t be missed.
Avid divers have a rare opportunity in the Florida Keys this year — the chance to celebrate two major Key Largo shipwreck anniversaries (including the 15th "sink anniversary" of the world-renowned Spiegel Grove) with unforgettable dives.
Lately I’ve been reminiscing about my childhood years growing up […]
No Key West visit is complete without experiencing the incredibly beautiful blue-green water, vivid coral reef -- the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States -- and (last but not least) sunsets that will knock your socks off.
Vacationing in the Florida Keys with extended family members, girlfriends and/or guy pals, or a multi-generational group of kids and adults? The inviting island chain offers intriguing activities and bucket-list adventures for travelers of just about every mindset.
The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum in Islamorada is a unique 3,000-square-foot showcase of interactive exhibits. It’s also a valuable educational resource through its free “Immerse Yourself!” and “Dive Into History!” public programs — starring maritime and dive experts who help tell the story of people’s attempts to explore, understand and venture under the sea.