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If you are planning your next vacation, you should choose Key Largo, Florida. The destination is the first of the fabulous Florida Keys and widely recognized as the “Dive Capital of the World”.

A close look at the 7 best reasons to visit Key Largo, Florida

It is considered home to the biggest artificial reef in the world, the 510-foot USS Spiegel Grove, the African Queen, and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You should not miss out on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary where you can experience diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boating. When it comes to watersport activities, you have a variety of choices in Key Largo including kayaking, fishing, and swimming with the dolphins.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

As the earliest undersea park in the United States, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-see destination in your bucket list during your vacation in Key Largo. It covers around 70 nautical square miles with coral reefs along with a variety of marine life.

Enjoy the stunning view of the underwater life from a glass-floor ship tour or if you feel adventurous, go for scuba diving or even snorkeling.

Other popular activities you can engage in are canoeing and kayaking through the waters as well as fishing in selected areas. For a relaxing vibe, you can stroll through the short trails, picnicking, or enjoying a relaxing swim at the beach. Do not forget to check out the Visitor Center, especially the 30,000-gallon seawater aquarium and nature videos in its theater.

The Spiegel Grove Wreck

For those who love scuba diving, you should not miss out on investigating the Spiegel Grove wreckage. It is an expansive site covering up to two football fields that will surely give you an adventure of a lifetime. You will enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the wreck along with several fishes that call it their home.

The African Queen

The African Queen is the iconic vessel in Key Largo, Florida that you should not miss out on. It gained popularity back in the 1951 movie of the identical name that features Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.

The well-known steamboat is available for day-to-day canal trips in the Port Largo area and also for private occasions.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects more than 3,800 square miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, from south of Miami to the Dry Tortugas. During your stay, drop by at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. You can choose from several options on how to experience this area of nature. The sanctuary is home to the world’s third-biggest barrier reef and the ideal spot for snorkeling or scuba diving. Explore a series of shipwrecks which is called Shipwreck Trail. You can also rent a boat to explore the sanctuary or do some fishing.

Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

If you prefer a walk-through nature, head to Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. The park covers up to 2,500 acres of the largest remaining tracts of rock land hammock in the U.S. Check out the short paved/biking trails that will take you to the main public part of the habitat where you can find Mangrove Cuckoos, Black-whiskered Vireos, and White-crowned Pigeons and other types of wildlife.

Dolphin Plus

At Key Largo, it is known for its dolphin therapy programs at Dolphin Plus. Both children and adults can enjoy different types of dolphin therapy. If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you should not miss out on swimming with dolphins. Some of the in-water dolphin encounters include “Shallow Water Dolphin Encounter” and “Structured Swim”. There are also dockside dolphin encounters such as “Meet A Dolphin”, “Dolphin Dockside”, “Painting with a Dolphin” and many more.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It is the ideal habitat for several rare and endangered species such as the manatee, elusive Florida panthers, and the American crocodile.

Final thoughts

If you want an adventure of a lifetime that will provide you with unforgettable fun memories, Key Largo has everything that you need. With the variety of destinations to choose from in Key Largo, it will make your vacation truly worthwhile.