Better Off Wet Water Lifestyle Magazine October 2022

A Water Lover’s Play

Key Largo

52 BETTER OFF WET | OCTOBER 2022

I always get excited when it is time to visit the Keys and Key Largo is one of my favorite places to go, when headed way down South. Key Largo is the first of the magnificent Florida Keys and is the self-proclaimed diving capital of the world. Key Largo is home to the world’s largest artificial reef, the 510 foot long USS Spiegel Grove, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the African Queen. There is no shortage of underwater activities in Key Largo and that is certainly why I get excited every time I’m headed there.

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Key Largo

I would do no justice in describing the color of the water just offshore, East of Key Largo. But, I will say that just seeing that beautiful clear blue water does something to me psychologically, that I love. It is certainly hard to be in a bad mood, while being out on the water. Even more impressive yet, is what lies beneath the water, in Key Largo. Just a dive mask, snorkel, and fins are enough to get you in position to view an almost unimaginable number of different underwater species. And, if you are a scuba diver, you have the opportunity to see everything much closer up and for a prolonged amount of time. I always see new things underwater but, my favorite thing I saw on this particular trip was a huge Spotted Eagle Ray. The Spotted Eagle Ray must have been at least 8 feet across, at his widest point. As is easy to do following many beautiful species, I must have spent fifteen minutes swimming with this particular one, and he even seemed to slow his pace a little as if he were watching me in the same manner I was watching him. The sun, the water, the countless numbers of fish and sealife…what a wonderful combination in a wonderful location!

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Key Largo

If you are planning a trip to Key Largo, be prepared for the great times on the water, but also be prepared to eat (if you’re like me that is). The seafood in Key Largo is amazing and abundant. You won’t be getting any frozen fish tacos here! There are many great restaurants in Key Largo. Some are definitely pricier than others but, I do not remember having a bad meal anywhere. And, the best places we found on this trip, as usual, were a little off the beaten path. I have to make mention of my “new favorite” place in Key Largo, to eat, Shipwrecks Bar & Grill. We actually found it by exploring the creeks, just North of Largo Sound. I definitely would recommend trying them out on your next visit to Key Largo. Beautiful geography and great food, that’s always a great combination in my book and Key Largo definitely has both.

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Key Largo

56 BETTER OFF WET | OCTOBER 2022

Key Largo

I meet a lot of folks, who were born and raised in Florida and say they’ve never been to the Keys. It always boggles my mind when I hear this, especially from people who love the water. If you’ve never been, please take my advice and plan that trip soon, you will not be disappointed. Have fun out there in what is truly a water lover’s playground!

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