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Stephen Flint
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By Perry Mack
Discussions of where to go in Florida often revolve around a decision between choosing the Gulf coast or Atlantic. But you don’t actually have to choose - you can have both.
A seemingly endless expanse of the Atlantic reaches for Cuba to the south of the Lower Keys, while the rich Gulf of Mexico entices you to fish the shipwrecks to the north. This northern border of the Caribbean is home to two national wildlife refuges, a national marine sanctuary and a state park. Wildlife, arts, activities and culture will coax you into exploring this quiet region of small islands.
Bahia Honda State Park and Beach offers 80 campsites for both RVs and tents plus cabins for the less rustically inclined. You can kayak around the islands’ shores or take a bike ride along the five-kilometre trail. Experience some of the best fishing in the state of Florida where charter boats and guides are usually available during the tarpon fishing season. Start your day swimming and snorkeling then take a break at the concession stand, or indulge in one of the guided park tours.
The 3700 ha (9,200 ac) National Key Deer Refuge protects the endangered Key Deer, which are found nowhere else in the world. You can enjoy saltwater fishing, wildlife viewing, take guided interpretive hikes and bike rides, and come home with spectacular wildlife and landscape images.
The prolific waters accessed from the Lower Keys entice anglers from around the world with some of the most diverse and exciting angling opportunities available anywhere. Fish the Gulf of Mexico over shipwrecks in ten metres of water for cobia, permit, snapper, grouper, goliath grouper, barracuda and sharks. Or for tarpon, bonefish, permit, barracuda and sharks, which can be found in the flats between the islands.
Not to be outdone is the mighty Atlantic to the south where sailfish, dolphin, wahoo, kingfish, cero mackerel, blue or white marlin, snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack, sharks, tuna and bonita are all within forty-five minutes from the dock. And if that’s not enough, deepwater shipwrecks off Sugarloaf Key hold large schools of amberjack, and migratory sharks including the great white and mako shark.
Art and culture is as much a part of island life as terrestrial and marine wildlife. The Island Art Festival in November features unique arts and crafts along with music and food. The Nautical Flea market in January has almost 200 vendors selling everything and anything marine including fishing, boating, snorkeling and diving gear. The annual dolphin (not the mammal) fishing tournament happens in June with a $20,000 prize for the largest dolphin over 50 lbs. And if you were waiting for the quirky festival in the list from this vibrant and artistic community – here it is. The annual Underwater Music Festival happens the Saturday after July 4th.
Sun, sand and surf are reason enough to visit the Lower Keys. But it’s the fauna, flora, culture and community that will transport you away from your everyday cares, and give you reasons to keep coming back.
For more information on your Lower Florida Keys vacation visit: www.fla-keys.com/lower-keys/