Posted at 11:30am
PHOTO MAUDE GOYER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park
Go into a lost fortress
Known for its pirate tales and hidden treasures, Dry Tortugas National Park, sixty miles from Key West, is home to Fort Jefferson. Construction began in 1846 but was never completed. With its 16 million bricks, the fort is the most imposing masonry structure in the Americas. As well as being a stopover for more than 300 species of birds, the historic site is surrounded by crystal clear waters teeming with colorful tropical fish. The snorkeling here is fabulous. You can get there by boat (2.5 hours one way) or by seaplane (40 minutes).
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TURTLE HOSPITAL
It is possible to visit the turtle hospital in Marathon.
At the bed of sick turtles
Mutilated by boats, sickened by water pollution, or injured by marine debris, the turtles are cared for and healed at the turtle hospital before being returned to the sea.The guided tour (about an hour and a half) allows you to learn all about the five species of turtles, found in the Keys, including the fabulous and gigantic leatherback sea turtle (up to 2000lb), critically endangered. The tour of the outdoor pools allows visitors to feed the residents (43 at the time of our visit) and watch their recovery. Buying small souvenirs from the exit shop helps keep the center running.
PHOTO MAUDE GOYER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
On the way to Key West, a stop at the Florida Keys Brewery is a must.
Taste local beers
Halfway to Key West, a stop at the Florida Keys Brewery is a must. Six years ago, Toronto’s Craig McBay and his wife Cheryl opened this microbrewery, the first ever in the Keys. When he takes care of creating original beer flavors (with accents of jalapeno pepper, hibiscus, or cherry), she’s responsible for making the place warm… and festive! Local bands perform in the backyard gardens every night. This is also where the star of the place rules, the cat Purr Monster, who has his own Instagram account. A Mexican street food truck parked next to the eatery offers tacos, burritos, and quesadillas at affordable prices.
PHOTO MAUDE GOYER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
On the water and in the water
It’s a must-do in the Keys: you need to plan a ride on or in the water. Many nautical activities are available to visitors, offered by various local private companies. It is better to shop, negotiate and book well for your activity while staying flexible; Bad weather often forces a postponement. We love Key West’s Backcountry Eco Tour, a 4.5-hour adventure that tests snorkeling, kayaking through the mangroves, and paddleboarding near a sandbar in the middle of the ocean. Another great idea: Take a sunset catamaran cruise, a timeless classic to be enjoyed with a frosted margarita in hand.
Island Adventure Eco Tour
Catamaran cruise at dusk
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GET UP AND GO
Get Up and Go Kayaking offers transparent kayaks.
Three interesting stops on the way to Key West
Islamorada: Free Robbie Market and Marina Tour
Marathon: Florida Keys Aquarium Tour
Sugarloaf Island: 2-Hour Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Stand Up and Kayaking
PHOTO MAUDE GOYER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The butterfly and nature conservatory is worth a visit.
To make two visits to Key West
Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
The lighthouse and keeper’s quarters
PHOTO MAUDE GOYER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Date & Thyme Coconut Milk Smoothie Bowl
what to eat
Yellow snapper with matecumbe (shallots, tomatoes, basil, lemon and capers), a signature dish at The Fish House, Key Largo’s fizzy restaurant.
For lunch, the coconut milk smoothie bowl from Date & Thyme, a Key West coffee shop that offers an organic, vegan, and gluten-free menu.
Lime Pie Flavored Ice Cream at Flamingo Crossing, Key West, a counter stocked with frozen treats including homemade sorbets and frozen yogurts.
Chewy and delicious lobster ravioli at Cafe Marquesa, nestled in a pretty turquoise building on Fleming Street in historic Key West.
PHOTO MAUDE GOYER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The Oceans Edge Hotel is surrounded by magnificent swimming pools.
Or sleep
In Key Largo: in one of the 23 yellow houses of warm Bay Harbor and Coconut Bay Lodge (minimum two nights).
In Marathon: at the chic and luxurious Isla Bella Resort, which opened in 2019.
In Key West: at the Oceans Edge Hotel, surrounded by lush swimming pools, overlooking the marina.
how to get there
By direct flight with Air Transat, arriving in Miami (1 hour 20 minutes from the entrance to the Keys by car), Fort Lauderdale (1 hour 45 minutes) or Fort Myers (3 hours 20 minutes)
A portion of the cost of this trip was covered by the Florida Keys and Key West Tourist Board, which had no say in this report.