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Secluded amongst a string of islands stretched far and beyond the reaches of the state Florida itself. In fact Key West, the Florida Keys most distant island, is only 90 miles from Cuba. On the gulf side you can go offshore for miles, stop your vessel and stand in knee deep still water and not see land anywhere around you. It's an absolutely surreal experience for an ocean lover and nature loving person. I've ran into many a sting ray and types of sea life while there.

Nested away from the rest of the world, the Florida Keys have become a popular destination for North Americans looking for a tropical get away vacation without traveling far from the country. There are many things to do for example record breaking sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling, boating, kayaking, sailing, and species tours beyond belief. Each of the island destinations has some special features. I invite you to visit each area individually and discover the bright tropical heaven in the Florida Keys.

One of the main reasons for my trips down to the Florida Keys is for Lobster Sport Season. The locals call it bug hunting. It only last for about 3 days and the place is packed. If your into hunting for lobster, this is quite an exciting activity. Don't leave behind your snorkel/mask, tickle stick and net! The kind of Lobster you'll find down there are the Spiny Lobster type, which have no claws and can get quite large. Spiny Lobster are larger than most Main Lobsters in cases. Remember, recreational harvesters are required to have a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License with a current crawfish stamp. Consult a local tackle shop for exemptions to licensing needs. Licenses are available through local convenient stores, tax collectors, many tackle shops and marine supply stores.

How expensive is it to travel to the Keys? I'm finally getting to that. The Florida Keys is by far the most awesome tropical vacation destination for any professional fisherman, diver, or just plain traveler. But watch your pocket book! The Florida Keys can be quite expensive. My wife and I shopped around extensively for the best motel prices and by far the best we found was a small place right off the highway called Big Pine Key Motel. They had the lowest rates and the biggest rooms of every "affordable" place to stay down there which were around $70 and up! And I do mean up. Some establishments were asking over $500. If you've got the wallet, I would highly recommend Little Palm Island. It's one of the top 10 destinations in the nation and the only way you can get to it is by boat. The Big Pine Key Motel is just a 20 minute drive from Key West and is surrounded by dive shops, fishing charters and great places to eat.

I'm going to end with a warning. The Florida Keys is protected by many environmental laws that cater to endangered species. If you do any hiking keep a watchful eye out for the poison wood. It looks as innocent as an apple tree and 10 times more dangerous than poison ivy. The locals can't chop it down because it produces a fruit that an endangered species of bird eats.