What you can do at Key Largo

What you can do at Key Largo, the longest and northernmost island in the Keys

By: Sorin Dutoiu | 9 May, 2026

Key Largo is the gateway to the Florida Keys and one of the most exciting destinations in South Florida. As the longest and northernmost island in the 125-mile Florida Keys island chain, Key Largo welcomes visitors with turquoise waters, tropical scenery, outdoor adventures, and some of the best diving in the United States.

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Located only about an hour from Miami International Airport, Key Largo feels like a true island escape while remaining easily accessible from mainland Florida. Bordered by Florida Bay and the Everglades backcountry on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the island offers endless opportunities for water sports, wildlife encounters, and relaxation.

If you are wondering what to do in Key Largo, here are the best attractions and experiences on this iconic Florida island.

Explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The most famous attraction in Key Largo is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America’s first underwater preserve.

Dedicated in 1960, the park protects stunning coral reefs, marine habitats, beaches, and nature trails. It welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours, kayaking, paddleboarding, and eco-cruises.

One of the park’s most famous highlights is the Christ of the Deep statue, a nine-foot bronze sculpture resting underwater at Key Largo Dry Rocks. It has become an iconic landmark for divers and snorkelers.

For many travelers, this is the best place to begin a Key Largo adventure.

Go scuba diving in the Dive Capital of the World

Key Largo is widely known as the Dive Capital of the World, thanks to its warm clear waters and exceptional reef systems.

The surrounding waters are part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which protects approximately 3,800 square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove habitats.

More than 6,000 species of marine plants and animals live in these waters, making diving here an unforgettable experience.

Beginners can take introductory dive lessons or certification courses, while experienced divers can explore world-famous offshore sites.

Dive the Spiegel Grove shipwreck

Advanced divers should not miss the Spiegel Grove, one of the largest ships ever intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef.

This retired 510-foot U.S. Navy vessel lies about six miles off Key Largo and has become home to countless fish, coral, and marine life.

It is considered one of the top wreck dives in Florida and one of the most famous dive sites in North America.

Stay at an underwater hotel

For one of the most unusual travel experiences in the world, Key Largo is home to Jules’ Undersea Lab, the world’s first and only underwater hotel.

Located beneath the surface of Emerald Lagoon, this unique two-bedroom facility allows guests to spend the night underwater in air-conditioned comfort.

It has become a legendary bucket-list experience and one of the most unique accommodations in the Florida Keys.

Cruise aboard the African Queen

Film lovers can step into Hollywood history by cruising aboard the restored African Queen vessel.

The original steam-powered boat appeared in the 1951 classic film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. It was restored and relaunched for its centennial in 2012.

Visitors can enjoy scenic 90-minute cruises along Port Largo Canal or book private charters for a memorable outing.

Visit the Caribbean Club

Another stop for movie fans is the Caribbean Club, the only Florida Keys location used during filming of the 1947 movie Key Largo.

This waterfront bar remains a popular gathering place, decorated with memorabilia celebrating the classic film and the island’s cinematic history.

It is a great place to enjoy drinks, sunset views, and local atmosphere.

Experience dolphin encounters

Key Largo is also famous for dolphin experiences, especially at Dolphins Plus Bayside.

Visitors can enjoy in-water or dockside encounters with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in a controlled educational environment.

These programs are popular with families and travelers looking for close-up marine animal experiences.

Help restore coral reefs

Travelers interested in conservation should visit the Coral Restoration Foundation Exploration Center.

The organization manages the world’s largest coral nurseries and works to restore endangered coral species throughout the Florida Keys.

Visitors can learn about reef ecosystems, marine restoration efforts, and even participate in citizen science programs that support coral recovery.

Explore Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

Nature lovers will enjoy Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, a preserved habitat once saved from development.

This peaceful natural area protects more than 80 species of native plants and animals, including rare butterflies, tree snails, orchids, pigeons, and tropical hardwood forest species.

Walking and biking trails make it one of the best land-based outdoor activities in Key Largo.

Visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

Animal lovers should stop at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, where injured, orphaned, and rescued birds are cared for.

A boardwalk winds through sanctuary habitats where visitors can observe birds that can no longer survive in the wild. The center also helps educate the public about wildlife protection.

It is a meaningful and family-friendly attraction.

Learn marine conservation at REEF

The Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is another excellent stop for eco-minded travelers.

Its visitor center includes displays about marine ecosystems, a colorful educational mural, native plant gardens, shaded picnic areas, and citizen science opportunities.

It is a great place to understand the biodiversity that makes Key Largo so special.