Day 1 – On Key Largo, snorkel or scuba dive in the waters of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where the reef teems with 260 varieties of tropical fish. Later, take a ride in the African Queen, famous for its role in the 1951 Humprey Bogart film.
Day 2/3 – Swim and play with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins during an amazing Dolphin Encounter at the nonprofit Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key.
Hike on trails through tropical forests at Crane Point Hammock Botanical Preserve and visit the museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys.
Kayak through quiet tidal lagoons and exotic mangrove forests to see wildlife on a guided eco-tour from Marathon or Big Pine Key.
Day 4/5 – Visit some of Key West's famous Museums including the Ernest Hemingway Home, Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, Audobon House and Garden, and the Key West Shipwreck Historeum.
Join the fun at Mallory Square as street performers provide fascinating entertainment, then watch the sunset and take part in the applause.
Fly on a seaplane or take the Ferry to Fort Jefferson and Dry Tortugas National Park for a fascinating day trip on these remote islands.
Dos and Don'ts
Make reservations early as the best accommodation fills up quickly and the Dolphin Encounter sells out in advance.
Don't forget that the sun is very intense, so wear a hat and sunglasses, and use plenty of sunblock.
Read the regulations for fishing and diving, which can be obtained from the Florida Marine Patrol. Florida is very serious about coral reef protection, fish management and regulation enforcement.
Getting there
The Florida Keys are a chain of islands extending 112 miles (180 km) from the southern tip of Florida in the USA. Miami has the region's largest international airport which is about an hours drive from the Upper Keys. Cars are available for rent at the airport.
Getting around
Car is the best way to travel between keys. Key West is great for walking, but parking is limited. You can take the shuttle or a taxi across town.
Weather
February is warm and sunny with occasional rain. The average high temperature is 75F dropping to around 66F at night.
Accommodations
Rock Reef Resort, Key Largo, is a beachfront resort with gardens and fishing pier; family rooms from $180
Eden House Hotel in Key West is nice and quiet; family rooms from $360
The Gardens Hotel is a small historic hotel with gardens, near Duval Street in Key West; family rooms from $580
Eating out
Seafood and Caribbean cuisine are the staples but key lime pie is the dessert to try. Blue Heaven is a local favourite, around $20, offering legendary banana pancakes for breakfast.
Price for a family of four
$480-560 per day including accommodations, food and car rental.
Further information
www.fla-keys.com
Nuestra Señora de Atocha
On July 20 1985, the legendary treasure hunter Mel Fisher discovered the treasure of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. A Spanish galleon heavily laden with New World riches, the Atocha sank off Key West during a hurricane in 1622. The ship's cargo included incredible riches from Peru, Mexico and Columbia; precious metals and stones; as well as everyday articles from the 17th century. Today hundreds of pieces from the Atocha are on display in Key West at the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society Museum.
Read more:
Sun in the fun vacations
Tips for women on travelling solo
7 reasons to visit Sanibel, Florida
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Excerpted from Where to go When, copyright 2007 by Dorling Kindersely Limited. Used by permission of Dorling Kindersley Limited.All Rights Reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher.
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