Key Largo

For Florida Keys leisure travelers and residents, both the two-day lobster sport season in July and the traditional lobster harvesting season that begins in early August are like annual holidays.

Divers interested in viewing the underwater phenomenon of coral spawning can join Florida Keys dive operators during select coral spawning charters — twilight trips to shallow reefs on or around the full moons in August and September to watch the reproductive action along the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef.

Local parades, beach parties and on-the-water fun topped off by fireworks displays are to highlight Independence Day celebrations throughout the Florida Keys. As well as an annual salute to the United States’ freedom, some activities surrounding the July 4 holiday also illustrate the island chain’s quirky independent spirit. Highlights include:

On May 17, 2002, a retired 510-foot Navy Landing Ship Dock named Spiegel Grove was sunk off Key Largo to become the backbone of a new ecosystem 6 miles offshore, providing sanctuary to hundreds of aquatic species.

Summertime in the Florida Keys means family fishing time. Captains, mates, ladies, juniors and seniors are all eligible to fish the eighth annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament set for Friday through Sunday, June 3-5. 

In recognition of World Oceans Day promoting ocean preservation, Key Largo’s Coral Restoration Foundation is hosting its annual Coralpalooza Saturday, June 4, featuring in-person reef diving spanning from Key Largo to Key West.

The 20th anniversary of the storied intentional sinking of a retired 510-foot Navy Landing Ship Dock to create an artificial reef 6 miles off Key Largo is to be marked May 15-17 in the Florida Keys.

Continuing its dedication to community scholarships and fun fishing, the 15th annual Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo is set for Friday through Sunday, May 6-8, in Tavernier. 

In May 2002, a retired 510-foot Navy Landing Ship Dock named Spiegel Grove was sunk off Key Largo to become an artificial reef, providing sanctuary to hundreds of aquatic species. In mid-May 2022, divers and underwater enthusiasts are to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ship’s sinking with events including a dive to the wreck and a presentation on its heritage.

Every day is a reason to celebrate the beauty of the planet throughout the Florida Keys, full of natural wonders set against scenic backdrops of earth, sea and sky. The waters surrounding the island chain, including the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, are protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.