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Upper Keys Attractions in Florida Keys

Marine animal attractions and historic landmarks shouldn't be missed, but neither should {0}'s less-well-known activities. It's all about the outdoors, the sun and the water here in the Keys, slowing down the pace and living life easy, so take notice of these activities the locals like to do-and tourists would too, if only they knew about them. But, lucky you, you're plugged in. Have fun.

Outlandish events happen in the Upper Keys too that you should plan to drop in on, such as the Underwater Easter Egg Hunt, or the summertime wacky spectator event where teams test their boat-building skills during the 'Anything that Floats' regatta race; check out the spring events calendar for the Upper Keys Conch Republic Days and learn the history and cultural characteristics of Key Largo, the first and largest of the Florida Keys islands.

Known as the Sport-Fishing Capital of the World, Islamorada is where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing were pioneered. It's where legendary fishing guides Jimmy Albright, Cecil Keith and Stu Apte plied their trade.

Islamorada's unique location, lying between Florida Bay (the "backcountry") and Atlantic Ocean (the "front side"), provides an unrivaled diversity of fishing opportunities. The Gulf Stream flows past the islands from 10 to 20 miles offshore, bringing seasonal visitors like sailfish and marlin, kingfish and wahoo, dolphin and tuna close enough to shore to be targeted by small-boat anglers.

Perhaps the world's greatest density of professional offshore charter boats with tournament-grade captains can be found in Islamorada.

Scuba divers and snorkelers flock to the village to explore the extraordinary reef line and patch reefs that hold huge numbers of tropical fish, sponges, soft and hard corals, and crustaceans. Davis, Conch, Alligator and Pickles reefs, Crocker Wall and the Aquarium and Fish Bowl offer divers and snorkelers of every skill level safe and easy viewing of Islamorada's diversity of marine life.