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The park is best known for its fabulous underwater reaches, providing an unforgettable glimpse of coral reef life. You can also rent canoes, dinghies, or motorboats, as well as snorkeling and scuba gear, or choose a glass-bottom boat ride. Most destinations are actually located in the neighboring Florida Keys (Key Largo) National Marine Sanctuary. The shallow waters of White Bank Dry Rocks is especially good for snorkeling, as well as nearby Molasses Reef. At Key Largo Dry Rocks, the Christ of the Deep, a submerged statue, is popular for underwater photos.

Displays about coral reefs and related themes. The exploits of various pirates are recounted, and exhibits include treasures recovered over the years. Many items on display were pulled up from the remains of the ship Concepción, which sank in a hurricane in 1715.

This marine environment research center, set on a lagoon, will literally let you swim with the dolphins – for a high fee. You can go in as a non-swimming observer for a lot less money. Other programs include guided kayaking and snorkeling tours, back country eco-tours, and crocodile tours. By contrast, there’s also a romantic champagne Sunset Cruise on the placid waters of Florida Bay.

Did you know that dolphins feel like wet inner tubes and stingrays like Jello (gelatin)? After a visit here, you’d have first-hand experience. This is the world’s second-oldest (since 1946) marine mamal facility and offers a wide variety of shows and programs. There are dolphin and sea lion shows or, if you prefer, you can swim with them here, too. For a big fee, “Swim With the Dolphins” guarantees hugs, dorsal tows, and smooches. “Swim With the Sea Lions” includes flipper tows and hugs, too. “Swim With the Stingrays” is the least expensive – a snorkeling visit to the domain of the gentle creatures.

Tiny Indian Key has a surprising amount of history for its size (10.5 acres/4.25ha). An ancient Native American site, it was settled in 1831 by Captain J. Houseman, an opportunistic wrecker. A small community flourished under his autocratic rule, but in 1840 Seminoles attacked, killing the settlers. The Key was abandoned, and today only the outlines of the village remain, overgrown by vegetation impressive for both its variety and rampant growth. These are the descendants of plants belonging to Dr. Henry Perrine, a botanist who was killed in the raid. An observation tower provides splendid views.

A not-for-profit concern, whose main function is to research dolphin behavior and provide a rest home for sick and injured dolphins, or those worn out from theme-park living. There are exhibits, regularly scheduled lagoon-side walking tours, and special programs featuring the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. “Dolphin Encounter” lets you swim and interact with the creatures. Some programs have age or height restrictions and require 30-day advance reservations.

You can see a 600-yearold dugout canoe, remnants of pirate ships, a simulated coral reef cave, and the Bellarmine jug (circa 1580), a shipwreck artifact in almost perfect condition. There’s also the Florida Keys Children’s Museum and Marathon Wild Bird Center.

This was originally the site of the work camp for those who built Henry M. Flagler’s Overseas Railroad Bridge, described as the eighth wonder of the world when it was completed in 1912. A marine research foundation is housed in the old buildings. To get to the island, you can walk or take the shuttle, which uses a section of the original bridge.

This protected area boasts the finest beaches in all the Keys – and is often voted among the best in the US. Brilliantly white sand is backed by dense, tropical forest crossed by a number of nature trails.

Rich in history and breathtaking beauty, the self-styled Conch (pronounced “conk”) Republic seems truly a world apart from the rest of the US