Island Life At Its Best
With its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, warm weather and varied activities, the Florida Keys offer something for every individual. This mile-long group of islands is located on the southern tip of Florida, is connected by roads, bridges and causeways and encompasses more than 1,700 islands in an arch-like shape across the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
With relaxing beaches, superb shopping and natural and educational sightseeing, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy for all ages and interests.
The Dolphin Research Centre – Grassy Key
A must for animal lovers is The Dolphin Research Centre located in Grassy Key. This is a small peaceful Key just minutes from the heart of Marathon. The the facility provides a safe and nurturing environment for Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. As one of the oldest facilities in Florida dedicated to looking after dolphins, the Dolphin Research Centre cares for animals that are injured or unable to care for themselves in the wild. Here you can get close to the dolphins at the centre, swim with them, or even become a trainer for a day to learn about the techniques used to teach these incredible, intelligent animals.
Tip: If you’re a devoted dolphin lover, then The Dolphin Research Centre offers four week volunteer programs, allowing you to spend time helping with the care of all the animals in the facility.
Scuba Dive at Spiegel Grove, Key Largo 
Spiegel Grove offers a unique sea adventure – 134-feet beneath the ocean, near Dixie Shoals in Key Largo, lies the largest ship in the world to be intentionally sunk! At 510-foot vessel is equivalent in length to a couple of football fields. The ship dock was sunk in 2002 to create an artificial reef. Algae, sponges and coral provide foot and shelter for some 130 species of fish and it also provides a fascinating sight for sea bed explorers.
Tip: Spiegel Grove is a dive centre, suited to intermediate and advanced divers.
Coco Plum Beach, Marathon
If you’re looking for a quieter spot to get away from it all, the lesser known Coco Plum Beach is perfect for you. Here you can take a stroll along the long, narrow shoreline or enjoy a romantic picnic on this beautiful stretch of beach. The clear blue waters and white sand make this the perfect place for tropical relaxation in the Florida Key.
Tip: Coco Plum is also a turtle nesting beach, so keep an eye out in nesting season (between May and October) for any signs and be careful not to disturb any you may find.
The Turtle Hospital, Marathon
Five species of sea turtles inhabit Florida’s waters during various times of the year and the beaches are home to 80% of Loggerhead turtles in the U.S. As the most important nesting area in the United States, there are thought to be 50,000 sea turtles inhabiting the area in the summer months! Sadly, many of these majestic animals are injured or killed by boats, fishing lines and human interventions. The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, in the heart of the Keys, works hard to rehabilitate injured or sick turtles and return them to their natural sea environment. Visitors to the centre can learn about the important work that goes on at the Hospital and can even feed some of the permanent residents.
Tip: If you spot a sick or injured turtle when visiting the Keys, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as they have a wide network of resources to aid in their rescue. Sea turtles are endangered so, as much as you may want to help, don’t try to touch or handle them yourself.
You can access the Florida Keys by plane, road and sea so its really easy to get to. There are plenty of holiday firms who offer a wide range of affordable, quality holiday packages. Try and spend a few days in the Upper Keys, Middle Keys and Lower Keys – each area is so diverse, it would be a shame to miss out!