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Key Largo!

 

 

“The Dive Capital of the World”

Anna Maria Island

Key Largo

An Unincorporated area, and Census Designated Place in Monroe County, Florida

 

Key Largo, the northernmost island in the Florida Keys, is often called the “Diving Capital of the World” thanks to its coral reefs and underwater attractions.

Known for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, world-class snorkeling, diving, and eco-adventures, Key Largo is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With its laid-back island lifestyle, rich marine life, and proximity to Everglades National Park, it has become a favorite destination for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike.

Deerfield Beach Fishing Pier

Key Largo

Photo by Franckreporter via Canva

Location & Size

Key Largo is the first and largest island of the Upper Florida Keys, located about an hour south of Miami. It stretches roughly 33 miles long and 0.5 to 2 miles wide, bordered by Florida Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Founded

Key Largo’s history begins with the Calusa and Tequesta tribes, who fished and lived along its shores long before Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s. The island remained mostly wilderness until the early 1800s, when settlers began farming pineapples, key limes, and fishing the surrounding waters.

Development accelerated with Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s, though hurricanes devastated much of it. In 1938, the Overseas Highway opened, permanently linking Key Largo to mainland Florida and sparking its transformation into a world-class destination for diving, fishing, and tourism.

KEY LARGO WEATHER

Population

As of 2023, Key Largo has an estimated population of about 13,000 residents, though the number swells with seasonal visitors.

Known For

  • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the U.S.

  • World-class snorkeling and scuba diving on coral reefs and shipwrecks

  • The famous Christ of the Abyss underwater statue

  • Sportfishing for tarpon, sailfish, and other saltwater game fish

  • Eco-tourism and wildlife tours, including kayaking through mangroves

  • Scenic drives along the Overseas Highway connecting the Keys

  • Laid-back island lifestyle with waterfront dining and tropical resorts

  • Historical connection to the 1948 film “Key Largo” starring Humphrey Bogart

Cost of living

  • Median Household Income: around $74,000

  • Median Home Price: approx. $720,000

  • Median Rent: around $2,400 per month
    The cost of living is considered high, especially for housing, due to its popularity and limited land.

 

 

Things to do

  • Explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours

  • Visit the famous Christ of the Abyss underwater statue

  • Go sportfishing or take eco-tours through mangroves and Everglades backcountry

  • Relax at waterfront restaurants and marinas

  • Take scenic drives along the Overseas Highway

Fun Facts

  • The 1948 film “Key Largo” starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall brought global attention to the island.

  • The island is home to the African Queen, the actual boat from the 1951 Bogart film of the same name, which still offers canal cruises.

  • It is nicknamed the “Diving Capital of the World” for its extensive reefs and marine life.

Nearby Cities

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