Florida | Fabulous roadtrip to the Keys

Pushing yourself to the Keys, Florida, with girlfriends, without a spouse or children, is a somewhat crazy project for a first post-pandemic trip. After 600 km punctuated with discoveries about aquatic life, cultural favorites and unusual activities, we can say that it was a good idea. Narrative.

Walk in a lost fort

Renowned for its stories of pirates and hidden treasures, the Dry Tortugas National Park, a hundred kilometers off Key West, is home to Fort Jefferson. Its construction began in 1846, but was never completed. With its 16 million bricks, the fort is the most imposing work of masonry on the American continent. In addition to being a stopover for more than 300 species of birds, the historic site is surrounded by crystal clear water teeming with multicolored tropical fish. The snorkeling here is fabulous. You can get there by boat (2.5 hours one way) or by seaplane (40 minutes).

At the bedside of sick turtles

Mutilated by boats, sick from water pollution or injured by marine debris, the turtles are cared for and cured 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 present in the Keys, including the fabulous and gigantic leatherback turtle (up to 2000 lb), endangered. The tour of the outdoor pools allows visitors to feed the residents (43 at the time of our visit) and to watch their convalescence. The purchase of small souvenirs, in the shop placed at the exit, helps to maintain the activities of the center.

Taste local beers

Halfway to Key West, a stop at the Florida Keys Brewery is a must. Six years ago, Torontonian Craig McBay and his wife Cheryl opened this microbrewery, the very first in the Keys. If he takes care of creating original beer flavors (with accents of jalapeno peppers, hibiscus or cherry), she is responsible for making the place warm… and festive! Local bands perform nightly in the backyard gardens. This is also where the star of the place reigns, the cat Purr Monster, who has his own Instagram account. A Mexican street food truck, parked next to the establishment, offers tacos, burritos and quesadillas at affordable prices.

On the water and in the water

It’s a must in the Keys: you have to plan a ride on the water or in the water. Many nautical activities are available to visitors, offered by various local private companies. It is better to shop well for your activity, negotiate and book, while remaining flexible; it is not uncommon for bad weather to force the 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 sea. Another good idea: catch a catamaran ride at sunset, a timeless classic, to be enjoyed with a frosted margarita in hand.

Island Adventure Eco Tour

Catamaran ride at dusk

On the way to Key West, three interesting stops

Islamorada: Free Robbie Market and Marina Tour

Marathon: Florida Keys Aquarium Tour

Sugarloaf Island: 2-Hour Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking

In Key West, two visits to make

Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Lighthouse and the Keeper’s Quarters

What to eat

Yellow snapper with Matecumbe (shallots, tomatoes, basil, lemon and caper), signature dish of the effervescent restaurant The Fish House, in Key Largo.

At lunch, the smoothie bowl made with coconut milk from Date & Thyme, a cafe that offers an organic, vegan and gluten-free menu in Key West.

Lime pie-flavored ice cream at Flamingo Crossing, Key West, a counter of frozen treats including homemade sorbets and frozen yogurts.

Chewy and delicate lobster ravioli at Cafe Marquesa, nestled in a pretty turquoise building on Fleming Street in historic Key West.

Or sleep

In Key Largo: in one of the 23 yellow houses of the warm Bay Harbor and Coconut Bay Lodge (two nights minimum).

In Marathon: at the chic and luxurious Isla Bella resort, which opened in 2019.

In Key West: at the Oceans Edge hotel, surrounded by sumptuous swimming pools, facing the marina.

How to get there

By direct flight with Air Transat, arrival in Miami (1 h 20 min from the entrance to the Keys by car), Fort Lauderdale (1 h 45 min) or Fort Myers (3 h 20 min)

Part of the cost of this trip was paid for by the Florida Keys and Key West Tourist Board, which had no say in this report.