Dive The Shipwreck Trek
Day Note:
I's likely you are flying into Miami or Ft Lauderdale (rates are best at these airports), so after a quick rental car counter stop, you'll be in the gateway to the Keys in about an hour.
-
1 hide detail
Holiday Inn Key Largo
Contact:
- +1 305 451 2121
- visit website
Location:
- 99701 Overseas Hwy
- Key Largo,FL33037
-
Map
Description:
This lively resort keeps things moving non-stop. It is also the home of the African Queen, which you can sail in, and Bogie's, an outdoor tiki bar complete with piano music. The resort has two pools, a playground and some very lively activity in its bars and restaurants. Folks come here to play for a week or more, park the car, and never look at it again. A two-story property, the Holiday Inn has a marina, gift shop and all kinds of recreation.
Author note:
Stay and dive logistics are easy and affordable here. Dive boat for Sea Dwellers is steps away.
-
2 hide detail
Snappers Waterfront Saloon & Raw Bar
Contact:
- 305 852 5956
- visit website
Location:
- Mile Marker 94.5
- Oceanside
- Key Largo,FL33037
-
Map
Description:
Tucked in alongside the ocean, Snappers is both bar and restaurant but the live entertainment on weekends is the primary draw for nightlife fans who crowd The Turtle Bar, one of three watering holes here. If you are hungry, try fresh seafood, which changes depending on the day's catch. The Key Largo Crab Cakes are the house specialty, or try Coconut Crusted Shrimp or a Smoked Fish Salad. The Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch is very popular.
Author note:
Divers want casual‚ good food and prices easy on the wallet. Snappers delivers on its promises.
Day Note:
Divers, this is seriously great wreck diving! But advanced divers are best suited for the Duane and/or the Bibb, but notably the Spiegel Grove. you don't want to miss her, believe me. Leave any preconceived notions about deep diving home, and listen closely to your dive briefing. Sea Dwellers Dive Center is convenient and friendly.
-
3 hide detail
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Contact:
- +1 305 451 6300
- visit website
Location:
- Mile Marker 102.5
- Overseas Highway
- Key Largo,FL33037
-
Map
Description:
Kudos to the late "Miami Herald" editor John Pennekamp for helping to create the first undersea park in the United States.
Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, established by the state legislature in 1961 to protect the miracle of America's only living coral reef, allows access to abundant underwater wildlife, large brain, staghorn and elkhorn coral formations and a four-foot barracuda who likes to be photographed.
Only a 90-minute drive from Miami, Pennekamp is incorporated in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a 2,800 square nautical mile span of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamp on both sides of the Keys island chain, Florida Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
One of the park's most popular dive sites is the nine-foot bronze statue that rests in 20 feet of water. The statue is a replica of the "Christ of the Abyss" statue in the Mediterranean Sea and was donated to the Underwater Society of America in 1961 by industrialist Egidi Cressi. It is also referred to as "Christ of the Deep."
Underwater enthusiasts can take a reef adventure on a glass bottom boat, snorkeling or scuba diving. If you're not into the underwater scene, John Pennekamp offers two manmade beaches, canoe, kayak and boat rentals and nature trails, a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive exhibits at the visitor center as well as 47 campsites, all with electrical hookups and water.
In 2010, the Park celebrated its 50th anniversary as America's first undersea park.Author note:
Just in case you have a snorkeler in the bunch‚ who wants to see the first underwater state park developed. Pennekamp was an editor with the Miami Herald at one time. Snorkel trips leave right from the Park. Meet up after a morning trip for lunch at Gus' Grill!
-
4 hide detail
Jules Undersea Lodge
Contact:
- +1 305 451 2353
- visit website
Location:
- 51 Shoreland Drive
- Key Largo,FL33037
-
Map
Description:
For the ultimate adventure vacation, spend a day or two at this resort. Formerly an underwater research laboratory, its one unit consists of a single bedroom and a galley, room for up to six people. Sitting atop pillars in the ocean floor, guests swim under the structure and through a four-foot-by-six-foot "moon pool." Room service delivers breakfast, lunch, and daily newspapers in waterproof containers. It is advised to book reservations early.
Author note:
You might as well maintain the diving vacation theme‚ by sleeping underwater! Once in a lifetime experience to get you in the 'tankhead' mentality.
-
5 hide detail
Gus' Grill
Contact:
- +1 305 453 0000
- visit website
Location:
- 103800 Overseas Highway
- Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort
- Key Largo,FL33037
-
Map
Description:
This laidback restaurant in the upper Keys serves enormous portions of delicious, fresh seafood. With a lovely view of warm Atlantic waters and relaxing tropical scenery, it is casual dining at its best. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Menu items include steamed clams, yellowtail, stone crabs in season, and filet mignon for variety. Other fresh local seafood, such as grouper, is also available.
-
6 hide detail
The Hungry Tarpon
Contact:
- +1 305 664 0535
- visit website
Location:
- 77522 Overseas Highway
- Lower Matecumbe
- Islamorada,FL33036
-
Map
Description:
A down-to-earth, efficient staff dishes up home-cooked favorites at this plain-looking, plain-talking local favorite. As is typical of the Keys, flash and glamour give way to comfort and simplicity. Breakfast starts at 6:30am, and includes fun features like Frittatas and Grits and Grunts. The house specialty 'Hungry Tarpon' is a plateful of hash browns, covered in cheese, eggs and sausage gravy. You will not leave hungry.
Try a sweet potato crab fritter with Caribbean cocktail sauce!
The atmosphere is decidedly "Keys casual" with room for 28 diners inside, another 28 on an outside deck overlooking Lignumvitae Pass and a private room that can accommodate 15 for special occasions and small parties.Author note:
At mile marker 70.5‚ This is THE BEST breakfast you will have - it will carry you most of the day‚ especially if you have the namesake "Hungry Tarpon" with eggs‚ hashbrowns and smothered in rich yummy gravy. Cheap‚ too.
-
hide detail
History of Diving Museum
Contact:
Location:
- MM 83 bayside
- Islamorada,FL33036
Description:
Another sneak-up-and-grab-you kind of entertaining museum that is chock full of everything diving. Even if you are interested in treasure, archeology, history, or scuba, the low-tech diving museum is an inexpensive and educational stop that highlights ancient and antique equipment. Anyone walking through the galleries can be heard saying, "How Did They Do That!?" Take a self-guided, "timeline of diving" tour throughout, and don't miss the wall of helmets, called the "Parade of Nations," an unparalleled collection of historic hard-hat dive helmets from around the world. Helmets from 25 nations are displayed side by side with narration as to the styles and origins. A separate gallery is dedicated to Art McKee, referred to as the father of recreational diving; he was the first underwater treasure hunter to turn his work into a tourist attraction. Galleries featuring the development of underwater lighting and communication lead into the scuba gallery, where today's divers can check out some of the earliest scuba gear. The final gallery, "Into the Abyss," features authentic deep-diving suits - some weighing up to 900 pounds, that allowed divers to work at extreme depths.
Admission $12, $6 children ages 5-12, children under five are free. Memberships only $25/year for Iron Helmet.Author note:
On your drive south to Marathon (okay‚ technically it's west)‚ stop at the Museum and spend a half hour inside - as a resident for 15 years and a diver for longer‚ I was truly impressed the first time I walked through. A must-see‚ and keeps the dive groove going.
-
7 hide detail
Gulf View Motel
Contact:
- +1 305 289 1414
- visit website
Location:
- 58743 Overseas Highway
- Marathon,FL33050
-
Map
Description:
This waterfront resort is small but significant, offering just 11 units on two acres lined with palms waving in the balmy breezes. Offering simply decorated motel rooms and one- and two-bedroom apartments, Gulf View also has a heated pool that overlooks the seam boat rental and dockage and a launch ramp. Pedal boats and canoes are available, and the resort has laundry facilities and a gas grill for barbecue nights. They'll accept pets here, too.
Author note:
Located on Grassy Key‚ it's only about 10 minutes outside the city of Marathon‚ but a quiet‚ oceanfront location that offers diver-friendly prices.
-
8 hide detail
Hurricane Grill
Contact:
- 305 743 5755
- visit website
Location:
- 4650 Overseas Highway
- Marathon,FL33050
-
Map
Description:
Seafood steamed, raw or cooked any way you want it is the watchword of this charming restaurant. You will find crabs, shrimp, lobster, clams and oysters here at quite reasonable prices. Also available are landlubber items such as chicken and steaks. There is usually something going until the wee hours. Bands play at night and satellite television sports events are the highlight of the big bar. Prices are quite reasonable.
Author note:
Locals' favorite‚ the Snapper Rachel sandwich with krinkle fries is a perfect meal to end the day‚ perhaps capped off with a little live music.
Day Note:
Today you want to seek out a dive center to take you to the Thunderbolt wreck - she's a (deep) beauty, giant Goliath grouper hang out, along with barracuda and sharks. The current to get past the mooring ball can be ripping, but a staff that handles this dive with 110% professionalism is Hall's Dive Center. You'll get a 2nd tank on a shallow reef that is loaded with life.
-
9 hide detail
Sombrero Beach
Contact:
- +1 305 292 4560
Location:
- End of Sombrero Beach Road
- Mile Marker 50
- Marathon,FL33050
-
Map
Description:
Dog-paddle in the shallows, or float lazily on a raft perfecting your enviable tan. Marathon's own Sombrero Beach - complete with playground - is a 12.6-acre beautifully landscaped beach with walkways, picnic area, and roped swimming area. And, it's free! It closes at dusk, but during weekends it's all about a pick-up game of volleyball, BBQ's, or a quiet day with a book during the week. Beaches in the Keys are a rarity because it is a chain of coral islands - with the exception of Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys, NOTHING rivals this location for sand between the toes.
Author note:
After a full morning of wreck diving‚ a an afternoon at the Keys' best beach is a good way to chill out‚ work on the tan‚ nap under a palm tree.
-
10 hide detail
Old Seven Mile Bridge
Contact:
- +1 800 352 5397
Location:
- Mile Marker 47, U.S 1
- U.S. 1
- Pigeon Key,FL33050
-
Map
Description:
When the new Seven Mile Bridge was constructed, the old bridge was left in place. It's become a favorite spot for fishing, jogging, rollerblading, cycling, sunset viewing and just general absorption of atmosphere.
It's even been used as a location for many action films, and most recently was featured as the final destination in the CBS smash hit, 'Amazing Race.' You can get to the bridge at MM 47, by Knight's Key and walk out (2.1 miles) to Pigeon Key, which is, in itself, a fascinating place to get a look at Keys history. There is no admission fee on the bridge, but if you walk over to Pigeon Key, a minimal yet well-worth-it donation is accepted for the Pigeon Key Foundation.
TRAVEL TIP: A celebration to honor the historic railroad, lauded as the most unique railway in the world upon its completion, has begun in the Keys, and is to culminate in January, 2012 when Henry Flagler first arrived in Key West on his own train, a railcar called The Rambler. Planned elements for this once-in-a-lifetime 100th anniversary celebration include history tours showcasing Flagler sites, bicycling expeditions, educational presentations and explorations of Pigeon Key.Author note:
Now that the bridge only allows foot traffic‚ it is increasingly more a place to go for a nice stroll‚ especially for sunset. Locals call this walk (which leads to Pigeon Key‚ just over 2 miles across the bridge) the 'attitude adjustment'. You cannot beat the scenery.
-
11 hide detail
Annette's Lobster & Steak House
Contact:
- 305-743-5516
- visit website
Location:
- 3660 Overseas Highway
- Marathon,FL33050
-
Map
Description:
Annette is famous for all her homemade desserts. The staff is attentive, friendly & knowledgeable, bringing many years of food service to the table. Good food and good service at a fair price. Annette's Lobster & Steakhouse is easily one of Marathon's most generously portioned, reasonably priced eateries in town. Located alongside US1 in Marathon, across from the Marathon Community Park.
Annette's also believes in helping promote others - so while you're dining, glancing at the vastly decorated walls, notice the local artisans whose works are on display. Art ranges from eclectic to quirky to just jaw-dropping beautiful and original.
Do not miss Annette's on your next trip to the Keys!
NEW: 'Not Your Mamas Treats' is a new retail venue for Annette. After thousands of requests for her dessert recipes and "How can I get more of these?", she decided her customers need to be able to get her homemade fantastic sweets at home. WHOLE. So, no more 'just another baby bump' taste of your dinner mate's dessert, now you can get the whole cake delivered freshly baked, to your doorstep. Mmm, good.Author note:
For cooking from the lady herself‚ Annette's is a HUGE value and enormous portions. Don't leave without dessert‚ even if you take it back to the hotel with you! Faves: Banan Pecan Delight‚ ANY flavor of homemade bread pudding‚ and of course‚ her very own Key Lime Pie. GREAT wine list too.
-
7 hide detail
Gulf View Motel
Contact:
- +1 305 289 1414
- visit website
Location:
- 58743 Overseas Highway
- Marathon,FL33050
-
Map
Description:
This waterfront resort is small but significant, offering just 11 units on two acres lined with palms waving in the balmy breezes. Offering simply decorated motel rooms and one- and two-bedroom apartments, Gulf View also has a heated pool that overlooks the seam boat rental and dockage and a launch ramp. Pedal boats and canoes are available, and the resort has laundry facilities and a gas grill for barbecue nights. They'll accept pets here, too.
Author note:
Located on Grassy Key‚ it's only about 10 minutes outside the city of Marathon‚ but a quiet‚ oceanfront location that offers diver-friendly prices.
-
12 hide detail
Bahia Honda State Park
Contact:
- +1 305 872 2353
- visit website
Location:
- Mile Marker 37.5
- Big Pine Key
- Key West,FL33043
-
Map
Description:
In 2008, the New York Times listed this as one of the top '31 Places To Go This Summer' and it will not disappoint. In 1992, the beach there was named among America's Top 10 Beaches, by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. Dr. Beach. Bahia Honda is a days-off dream. With 492 acres, Bahia Honda boasts three sandy beaches -- some of the best in the Florida Keys, which are rare. This one is rivaled only by Marathon's Sombrero Beach. Shallow-water snorkeling and fishing from the beach, plus an abundance of wading and shore birds, kayaking and great views of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge complement the Sand and Sea Nature Center.
-
13 hide detail
Montes Restaurant & Fish Market
Contact:
- +1 305 754 3731
Location:
- Mile Marker 25
- Summerland Key,FL33042
-
Map
Description:
When you are in the Keys with crystal-clear seas surrounding you, seafood tends to be the required cuisine, and this weathered-wood, screen-sided building is the place to fulfill the requirement in casual, tropically rustic style. Monte's is widely known for its grilled dolphin or fried grouper sandwiches, but there are other treats served under the canvas roof here. Clams and shrimp are featured in a variety of preparations, and there are a couple of items for landlubbers. Atmosphere is casual, with wood floors and picnic tables.
-
14 hide detail
Papa's Hideaway
Contact:
- +1 305 294 7709
- visit website
Location:
- 309 Louisa Street
- Key West,FL33040-7513
-
Map
Description:
Papa's Hideaway is tucked away down an Old Town side street just a block and a half from Duval Street. It is a popular destination if you are looking for a great place to relax. Studio rooms have complete kitchenette, private bathroom, king size bed, color cable tv, and a private porch OR our 2 bedroom 2 bathroom cottage house has living room, dining room and full kitchen. Our lush tropical compound has a heated pool, large Jacuzzi and we include a continental style breakfast served pool-side each day. Bicycles and a gas grill are also available.
Author note:
Don't you just love the name? Key West-ers celebrate Papa Hemingway throughout the year‚ and this is truly tucked away for a quality stay.
Day Note:
Scheduling the Vandenberg for a dive will be easy, its popularity is enormous, and puts a perfect southernmost anchor on the Shipwreck Trek. Southernmost Divers or Lost Reef will be your best bet for this long-awaited wreck dive. In over 100 feet of water, the bow is one of the most interesting starting points, with the foremast and parabolic radar dishes. This wreck usually has current, so be alert and in shape! Not for the light of heart or a new diver. Wreck...
read more-
15 hide detail
Jack Flats Bar and Restaurant
Contact:
- 305 294 7955
- visit website
Location:
- 509 and 1/2 Duval Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
Description:
Located in the Old Town of Key West, this restaurant has a unique menu that combines seafood as well as steaks. The choice is extensive just like their portions, so you are in for a feast. Don't forget to try the Lime Shrimp and the fresh catch of the day that is served with Caribbean salsa, rice and grilled vegetables. The bar is a great place to unwind. An amazing and appetizing experience for your taste buds is guaranteed out here.
Author note:
Another easy going locals' favorite‚ with tons of menu choices and a lively atmosphere for supper.
-
14 hide detail
Papa's Hideaway
Contact:
- +1 305 294 7709
- visit website
Location:
- 309 Louisa Street
- Key West,FL33040-7513
-
Map
Description:
Papa's Hideaway is tucked away down an Old Town side street just a block and a half from Duval Street. It is a popular destination if you are looking for a great place to relax. Studio rooms have complete kitchenette, private bathroom, king size bed, color cable tv, and a private porch OR our 2 bedroom 2 bathroom cottage house has living room, dining room and full kitchen. Our lush tropical compound has a heated pool, large Jacuzzi and we include a continental style breakfast served pool-side each day. Bicycles and a gas grill are also available.
Author note:
Don't you just love the name? Key West-ers celebrate Papa Hemingway throughout the year‚ and this is truly tucked away for a quality stay.
