As chilly weather begins to invade northern realms (and the shade of Hurricane Irma’s September visit to Florida continues to fade), the Florida Keys’ strength and spirit can be seen in a variety of new and enhanced attractions designed to intrigue and delight visitors.
During a survey dive at the Benwood wreck after Hurricane Irma, divers discovered a recently unearthed anchor, for decades buried in the sand. (Photo by Jack Fishman)
For example, lovers of the underwater world can dive into a new experience and, shortly, an expanded environmental attraction.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, encompassing more than 2,900 square nautical miles of marine life surrounding the Florida Keys, has launched a virtual dive gallery.
Five Keys dive sites can be viewed on a personal laptop or smartphone — and viewers can immerse themselves more fully by using a virtual reality headset or goggles. The gallery includes the majestic Christ of the Abyss off Key Largo, Cheeca Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area with soft and brain corals, a coral nursery and the Benwood Wreck. (FYI, the Benwood sank in 1942 after colliding with another ship, and is located between French Reef and Dixie Shoals.)
In December Key Largo’s Reef Environmental Education Foundation, dedicated to conserving marine ecosystems worldwide, will open a new interpretive center next to its existing headquarters at 98300 Overseas Highway (mile marker 98).
The new center highlights marine ecosystems through self-guided exhibits, and engages visitors through firsthand discovery and displays. Exhibits highlight Keys ecology; fish, invertebrates and plants in marine habitats; invasive and endangered species; conservation actions and much more.
The lovely Lady Susan, Calypso Sailing’s newest luxury catamaran, is now available for private charters. (Photo courtesy of Calypso Sailing)
For sailing fans Calypso Sailing, a Key Largo–based luxury charter sailing operator with a variety of appealing vessels, has launched a new custom-built flagship catamaran.
The Lady Susan, a 58-foot Leopard billed as the only one of its kind in the Keys, is available for private charters from Key Largo to Key West.
Owner-captains Suzanne and Lance Holmquist also operate the iconic African Queen steamboat, cruising daily out of Key Largo and made famous in the 1951 movie, “The African Queen,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.
For those seeking a great way to journey between Key West’s most popular spots, the complimentary hop-on, hop-off Duval Loop bus service is the answer.
The Duval Loop makes it easy to travel around the island’s Historic Seaport and downtown Duval Street districts without a car (which means no parking woes!).
The route includes 16 stops — so riders can get on and off near Key West attractions, hotels, museums, boutiques and eateries.
The Duval Loop bus proceeds down Whitehead Street in Key West. Transportation is free and the route features 16 stops near island attractions, hotels, museums, boutiques and eateries. (Photo by Rob O’Neal, Florida Keys News Bureau)
The Duval Loop’s colorful pink and blue buses run every half-hour from 6 to 10 a.m. — and after 10 a.m., they run every 15 minutes until midnight. The service operates daily December through April. From May through November, Duval Loop runs Thursday through Sunday.
And for those who just want to “escape” (who doesn’t?), a Key West Room Escape recently debuted at Casa Antigua, 314 Simonton St.
Now a private residence, the lovely Casa Antigua was built in 1919. Author Ernest Hemingway and his wife Pauline stayed at the building once known as the Trev-Mor Hotel in the late 1920s while waiting for an automobile to be delivered.
The escape room experience, “Escape the Study,” is offered for groups of two to eight. The 60-minute adventure requires participants to communicate and work together to escape the room — by figuring out clues and solving puzzles in a fun, themed environment.
Want to know what else is new in the Florida Keys? For a roster of upcoming Keys events, click here.
