Marathon

Winter may bring snowy or freezing weather to many U.S. locations, but the 125-mile-long Florida Keys island chain ushers in subtropical warmth and a variety of outdoor and cultural activities for visitors.

Decorated boats of all shapes and sizes are to illuminate the sparkling waters of the Florida Keys in December. Around the island chain, visitors can view lighted boat parades from the shore or excursion boats, or even revel in the Keys’ holiday spirit by decking out their own boat in dazzling lights and eye-catching seasonal decorations.

Florida Keys fishing tournaments provide a test of skill for anglers and a chance for captains and guides to share their knowledge of the Keys’ diverse fisheries. While tournaments and other events in the Keys may undergo schedule changes or cancellations because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all tournament dates and information are accurate as of the writing of this release.

Throughout the Keys, creativity reigns in nearly every aspect of life, especially during the festive holiday season. And those spending the holidays at home can create Keys-style magic thanks to local offerings that can be ordered online and shipped to them.

Thousands of scuba divers, snorkelers, anglers and watersports enthusiasts visit the Florida Keys annually to dive or snorkel the United States’ only living coral reef and enjoy Keys waters. In November 2020 the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary marks 30 years of dedication to protecting the world’s third-largest barrier reef and the waters surrounding the island chain.

Tropical Storm Eta moved across the Florida Keys early Monday leaving impacts in some areas, but the island chain as a whole relatively unscathed.

Florida Keys officials and businesses remind visitors that carrying and wearing facial coverings and practicing social distancing continue for the island chain to protect against the spread of coronavirus, despite the easing of some statewide restrictions.

Readers of Scuba Diving magazine have named the Florida Keys & Key West among the World’s Best/Readers Choice Awards for 2020, ranking the island destination as either number one or in the top five in several dive categories.