The Overseas Highway and Christ of the Deep: How to sell Florida Keys

What is the best way to get to your destination?

The main gateway airport for the Florida Keys is Miami International airport, and there are a number of direct flights from the UK and Ireland including with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Aer Lingus. The drive from Miami down to Key Largo, the first island, is around 60 minutes. Alternatively, customers could fly into Fort Lauderdale, which would be around two hours’ drive. We do also have Key West International airport, with connections to US gateways. Most customers tend to hire a car to drive at least one way along the Overseas Highway, but we do also have Flix Bus, which operates throughout the Florida Keys from various points in Miami.

What are the must-see sights or must-do activities?

Key Largo’s star attraction is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater preserve in the United States. Pennekamp offers a variety of water-related activities and glass-bottom boat excursions to the coral reef. Dive charter companies feature the famed underwater “Christ of the Deep” statue. 

Islamorada is the centrepiece of a group of islands sometimes referred to as the "purple isles." It is heralded for its angling diversity and features the Keys’ largest fleet of offshore charter and shallow water "backcountry" boats.

Marathon is a renowned boating and family destination and is centrally located at the heart of the Florida Keys. It is home to Crane Point, a 63-acre land tract that is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in the Keys and was once the site of an entire Native American village. Marathon also features The Turtle Hospital, while a drive across the Seven Mile Bridge, one of the world’s longest segmental bridges, leads to the Lower Keys. But visitors shouldn’t pass up the chance to tour Pigeon Key. 

Dubbed “the natural Keys”, the Lower Keys are noted for beautiful Bahia Honda State Park and Looe Key Reef, spectacular shallow-water dive sites, as well as a vast area of mangrove-rich backcountry that’s perfect for kayak nature tours. Big Pine Key also features a national refuge for miniature Key deer, tropical forest and even a few alligators. Stock Island is known for its colourful seafaring heritage. 

Key West is the final stop on the Overseas Highway. Continental America’s southernmost city, situated closer to Cuba than to Miami, is characterised by quaint palm-studded streets, century-old mansions, and a uniquely relaxing way of life. Visitors can enjoy environmental attractions and eco-experiences, a wide variety of watersports, culinary tours and classes, historic sites and an overflowing calendar of special events. Popular stops include the former holiday home of president Harry Truman, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. Nightlife is lively and varied, and at day’s end crowds gather at Mallory Square to experience the nightly sunset celebration.