Having Fun for Yourself in in the Florida Keys!

Pet Friendly Florida Keys!

Getting Out there and into it in the Florida Keys!

1) Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - Gear Included!:
This shallow-water snorkeling tour in Key Largo specializes in creating great snorkeling experiences for first-time snorkelers, kids, and families. Get a fun and comfortable introduction to snorkeling on this tour in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, known for its beautiful reefs and marine life. High-quality snorkel gear is included, so you don’t need to sweat the details. Key Largo snorkeling tour Beginner-level snorkeling is perfect for first-timers Enjoy the beautiful Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary All equipment included with fins, mask, and snorkel
Read and book it!-- get a list of fun things to do in the Florida Keys to book on Viator!
 

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Get a Groupon for fun activities in the keys! This is an amazing selection of all kinds of fun activities! and... how about a spa discount?

 

 

1) Private Afternoon Charter Boat Tour in Key West

Around 3 hours. Many of our guests have described their trip with us as a highlight of their visit. We are a private custom charter tour that provides you with all the options for a fun-filled day on the water. We are laid back and flexible. We let you decide how you'd like to spend your day. We can customize times so, please give us a call if you have a longer excursion in mind. We are conscientious and keep our vessel and equipment clean and sanitized to give you the ultimate peace of mind.

2) John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. The first undersea park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. This is at the north end of the Keys in Key Largo! The coral reefs and their associated marine life are... life changing! Many enjoy the view of the reef from a glass-bottom boat tour, but visitors can get a closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. This is a must!

Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas. Visitors can enjoy walking on short trails, picnicking, or swimming at the beach. The Visitor Center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos are shown in its theater. http://pennekamppark.com/

 

3. Dolphin Research Center
This is one of my favorite places in the Keys.

Research is going on all around you in small pools filled with marine mammals of all kinds. You can pay to actually get into the water with dolphins, or feed them,... but your really only need to gain admittance to wander around and watch happy dolphins, seals, manatees up close. http://www.dolphins.org/ - map

 

Bergan Dog Auto Harness with Tether - The complete harness system comes equipped with adjustable safety tether and two high-grade aluminum carabineers
The harness is durable but lightweight and comfortable
Fully-adjustable: Large: for pets 50-80 pounds, Medium; Small; Extra Small. one-click on Amazon: $17.35 Buy it here! - see more in the store!

 

4. Sunset at a Pet Friendly Restaurant

Well, this is for both of you! Snook's is right on the beach on the bay side in Key Largo. There's a ledge where you can sit right on the water to enjoy the sunset. Surrounded by tiki torches, every seat has a sunset view. They offer local catch! And they are pet friendly-They welcome dogs at their outdoor dining area and at the bar. There is ample area to walk your dog as well. Often, bartenders will bring their dogs to work and you will see the owner walking her two pugs. Come by boat or car. map

 

5. Rent a Small Boat and...

Swim in the mangroves or get a good sea map and don't go too far offshore, but find your own place to snorkel! The mangroves are all around on the bay side of the keys, and are filled with baby fishes. It looks spooky, but it is fun and safe. We go off of Islamorada and it isn't far. But all the Keys have snorkeling spots and the local boat rental places will tell you where to go. Here's one: Robbie's, in Islamorada...http://www.robbies.com/

 

6. Rent a Small Boat (part 2) and...

Throw your anchor on a sandbank and party and drink beer! This is a time-honored tradition in the keys and it is hilarious. Every time you go over a bridge in the Keys you will see these sandbanks, caused by dredging so boats can go under the bridge. The water above the sand banks is about 2 inches, so people throw their little anchors a yard or two off. You can swim in with your dog. Paddle about and enjoy the warm water... you will still see little fishes and crabs and your dog will have a ball.

 

7. Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehab Center

The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native and migratory wild birds that have been harmed or displaced, to provide or locate a humane shelter for those birds that cannot be released, and to educate the public toward the importance of coexistence with all wild bird species.- map- https://www.missionwildbird.com/

 

Acrabros Deluxe Dog Seat Covers For Cars,Dog Car Seat Hammock Convertible,Universal Fit - Amazon One-Click. $36.99 Buy it here from Amazon -
FUNCTIONAL & COMFY PROTECTION:Our dog seat cover for car made of heavy-duty oxford with Eco-friendly waterproof stain-block PU coating,4 layer padded new version quilted,Nonslip soft rubber backing ,side flap for extra protection
UNIVERSAL FIT:Dog car seat cover perfect size--54" W x 58" L comes with length adjustable straps ,wide velcro seat belt & latch openings fit most of Cars and SUVs with headrests (Does not work for cars without headrest and big trucks). - see more in the store!

 

8. Rent a Kayak (or a Jetski)

And get out on the water! yes, your dog can get in the Kayak! Notice I keep trying to get you out on the water... it is so beautiful- the colors of blue so amazing, that I keep trying to find ways to get you out into that warm salty water. Our example: Key Largo Kayak Rental- they have mangrove groves in their purvue, which are fun to kayak thru. Their are rental agencies on all the keys.

 

9. See the Deer on Big Pine Key

The National Key Deer Refuge headquarters is located on Big Pine Key which is 100-miles south of Miami and 30-miles north of Key West on Highway US-1. So... a bit further down into the Keys, but not all the way to Key West. This is a huge preserve, but it isn't hard to see the deer.

 

 

10. Watch for a Manatee on the Docks

Watch for manatees around the docks. They come looking for fresh water, as the salinity in the Florida Bay has risen and they crave fresh water. This one was trying to catch a drink from the hose we were using to wash the boat. Don't water them on purpose or try to attract them- we need them to distrust man and stay wild. They have no defense, and even tho they are huge they are less scary than a kitten. You can see lobster peeking out from under docks too... but remember, only in season!

 

Florida Keys Eco, Paddle, and Snorkel Tour-

$275 for the group:
Overview: See Florida Keys wildlife and coastal ecosystems on a day trip from Fort Lauderdale or Miami that’s led by a marine biologist or naturalist guide. Paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard through the mangrove forests and seagrass flats, eat lunch on the water, then snorkel two reef locations in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Watch for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and much more, with an expert guide to help identify wildlife and explain the fascinating ecology of the Florida coast. Visit three marine ecosystems in the Keys Spot Florida wildlife in natural habitat Includes mangroves, sea grass flats, and coral reefs Travel with an experienced naturalist to learn more about the Keys Take home pictures from above and below water Pickup and drop-off in Miami or Fort Lauderdale Includes lunch, entrance fees, and all activities Full-day adventure (kayak or stand-up paddleboard, snorkeling) in the Keys

 

11. Hire a Captain and Go Fishing!

Dying to catch some dolphin (the mahi mahi type) and cook them up for your dinner? You can pretty much rely on success if you hire a local captain. We use Bud 'n Mary's Marina in Islamorada, but there are captains for hire at other marinas all over the keys. We went out for half a day and caught enough for several dinners' worth of dolphin and still gave 3/4 of it away. Local captains make all the difference. You have to go pretty far out, so wait for a calm day if you have a delicate sea-stomach. Most restaurants will cook up your dolphin for you.

 

12. Theatre of the Sea

Theater of the Sea provides a marine mammal adventure where you can swim with dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays in their natural salt water lagoons through our interactive swim programs. The lagoons, and lush, tropical gardens at are home to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, sea turtles, tropical and game fish, sharks, stingrays, alligators, marine invertebrates, colorful parrots, and birds-of-prey. They also offer marine performances, glass-bottom boat tours and a beach. http://www.theaterofthesea.com/ - map

 

13. Key West!

-No visit to the Florida Keys is complete without a stop on Key West. Did you read "The Old Man and the Sea" ? here is Hemingway's home...or visit the infamous Duval Street, -hotspot of partying and famous drinking establishments like Sloppy Joe's at the corner of Greene and Duval. Be forewarned: it gets pretty raucous at night!

 

14. The Dry Tortugas

1. Located 70 miles west of the tropical paradise of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of a cluster of small islands, coral reefs, and one impressive fortress.  While it’s certainly not advised to make an impulsive trip to Dry Tortugas, with a little planning you and your family can make a trip to one of America’s most unique and legendary national parks.