This northernmost key is best known for its diving – but only slightly less famous for its connection to the inimitable Humphrey Bogart. In 1948, John Huston directed a Bogie & Bacall noir filmed here, named after the island, and featuring a hurricane and group of grouchy gangsters. You can even float along the waterways the authentic steamship Humphrey Bogart shared with Katherine Hepburn, the African Queen, which is now docked just off US Highway 1 at the Holiday Inn marina.

Naturally, after reliving scenes for your favorite classic films, you’ll want to learn for yourself why Key Largo is known as the Diving Capital of the World. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary reefs begin here, adjacent to the tropical wonders of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the only undersea park in America. Take a charter trip to nearly anyplace in the 100+ square miles of the reefs to see over 500 species of fish and over 50 types of coral.

Photo of Carysfort Reef Lighthouse

The string of coral reefs that speckle the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida Keys archipelago comprise the only living reef off North America, and among the most beautiful, varied, and vibrant in the world. These living reefs attract brightly colored fish, stingrays, sharks, lobster, sea urchins, sponges, eels, and other species. Many reefs are shallow enough to be fully explored by a snorkeler, while scuba diving certification is required to delve into the depths at which many of the famous wrecks rest. The Christ of the Deep statue - one of the most popular sites in the Keys, where nearly 200 underwater marriages are performed each year - is accessible by both snorkeling and diving.

If the barracuda spook you, it’s easy to enjoy the sub-sea show from the safety of a glass bottom boat. Some of these excursions include snacks and libations, especially those that launch just before the sunset ignites the waters surrounding Key Largo.

Despite the fact that Key Largo’s southern neighbor, Islamorada, took the title “Sport Fishing Capital of the World,” Key Largo certainly isn’t a poor spot to drop your bait. Large numbers of tuna, tarpon, mahi mahi, wahoo, kingfish, and other prime offshore species swim along the Gulf Stream. Snook, permit, and bonefish slip through mangrove stands in the backcountry of Florida Bay, and snapper and grouper varieties swarm the many wrecks and reefs that lie just offshore. Charters are plentiful and knowledgeable, but you can bring your own boat or rent one here, too.

Pennekamp isn’t solely a sub-sea park – trails wind through the coffee and mahogany trees of the preserved hammocks. Farther north, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park houses over 80 protected species in one of the largest tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States. Either spot is the prefect place to observe indigenous wildlife and coastal and raptor birds in their natural habitat.

Stop at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Tavernier for a chance to tour the facilities, learn about the center’s objectives, and feed the pelicans. Call 305-852-4486 in advance for tour reservations. The waterpark at Dolphin Cove offers opportunities to swim with dolphins, snorkel through the nearby reefs, see native crocodiles, explore the ecology of South Florida during an eco-tour or kayak trip, or relax aboard a sunset cruise. Dolphin Cove is at MM 102; call 305-451-4060.

Photo of Dive Boat at the Elbow Reef

Comprising 12 square miles of prime tropical land, Key Largo is the largest of the Florida Keys islands and so offers the greatest diversity and density of accommodations – some of them unique. Jules’ Undersea Lodge, the world’s first underwater hotel, was once a marine research station but has been converted to accommodate couples or small groups. Located 21 feet beneath the serene surface of the Emerald Lagoon, the lodge comprises two bedrooms, a bath, and a common room with mini-kitchen. MM 103.2, Oceanside.

The atmosphere in Key Largo is always laid-back, inviting, and relaxing. Dinners of fresh-caught local seafood, tropical cocktails, and key lime pie prepare visitors for an evening of torch-lit, beachfront partying. If you’d rather recline in solitude, stake out a cabana on the beach or a chaise lounge beside the pool and listen to the distant sounds of soft drums and the endless surf.

Key Largo is situated at the northern end of the Florida Keys chain, an hour from both Miami International Airport and the Florida Keys Marathon Airport. Immediately south of Key Largo, Tavernier extends from about MM 95 to MM 90 and affords quick access to both the Gulf and the Atlantic for boaters traveling Tavernier Creek.

ID 27098: Ramada Limited Key Largo
	The Ramada Limited Key Largo is located on the Oceanside of US1 mile marker 100 at the Key Largo Resort Marina. The Ramada Limited Key Largo is 55 minutes from Miami International Airport and 2 hours from Key West. Other Attractions near this hotel are John Pennekamp State Park, Sun Cruz Casino Boat, Jacobs Aquatic Center, Homestead Motor Speed Way and Keys Gate Golf Club is a short distance from this hotel. The Ramada Limited Key Largo provides a free deluxe continental breakfast, free Sun	Stars: 3
ID 24697: Marriott Key Largo Bay Beach Resort
	Barely 55 minutes South of Miami and yet the moment you ease off the road everything is suddenly blue skies, pink drinks and guests so relaxed their only worries are suntans, fishing lines and diving our famous coral reefs!	Stars: 4
ID 111462: Hilton Key Largo Beach Resort
	Located on the Florida Bay Side of Key Largo just South of Mile Marker 97 on US 1, the Hilton Key Largo Beach Resort is only one hour south of Miami, a quick getaway to a relaxing island experience. Located at Mile Marker 97, we offer 200 spacious, contemporary newly renovated guestrooms and suites, each with private balcony views of a tropical hardwood forest or the Florida Bay. Our 12.5 acre, full service resort features a private white sandy beach, two heated pools (adults and family), whi	Stars: 3
ID 71802: Mariner's Club Key Largo
	As Key Largo's premier oceanfront resort, Mariner's Club Key Largo offers the finest in gated, luxury island getaways. From charming Key West style townhomes to upscale condominiums fitted with the latest technology and decorative options. Tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center and whirlpools, observation pier, serenity pond, and a full range of social activities provide Mariner's Club visitors with a dazzling array of amenities that define the Florida lifestyle. Our one bedroom units	Stars: 3
ID 17230: Holiday Inn Key Largo, Fl
	Experience the Florida Keys at the Holiday Inn Key Largo Hotel. Absorb yourself in all that we have to offer! Stroll along our Marina and paved pathways through lush foliage to find our two heated outdoor pools, cascading waterfall, jacuzzi and pool deck. Enjoy a tropical cocktail at our Tiki Bar, or savor a delicious meal at Bogie's Cafe and Garden Terrace. With spacious, well appointed rooms overlooking our paradise and marina, the Holiday Inn Key Largo Hotel is the perfect place for your next	Stars: 3
ID 110032: Suites @ Key Largo by Key West
	The Suites at Key Largo by Key West and marina is a 40 room all suite hotel conveniently located on picturesque Ocean Drive on the waters of John Pennekamp State Park and adjacent to the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. The newly renovated two level townhouse suites feature a private balcony overlooking the marina, queen size bedroom and living room with queen-size sleeper sofa, fully equipped kitchen with full size appliances, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, cable TV, two baths, two	Stars: 2
ID 95252: Key Largo Inn
	100 percent satisfaction guaranteed. The Key Largo Inn is the only completely smoke free hotel in the keys. The hotel is a 2 story Caribbean style hotel surrounding a tropical courtyard and pool. All rooms as well as the entire facility are deemed non-smoking areas. On-site meeting rooms are available for business travelers. Relaxing lounge areas and bars are available for guest use. No pets are permitted. Guest Check in available between 3pm and 11pm only. No show charges will be incurred i	Stars: 2
ID 96630: KEY LARGO RESORT AT MANATEE BAY
	The Key Largo Resort at Manatee Bay hotel, located one hour south of Miami International Airport (MIA) at Mile Marker 102 on the Overseas Highway, transports travelers to a world of lush, tropical waterfront relaxation in the enchanting Florida Keys. Come enjoy Doubletree hospitality in the Dive Capital of the World. Our freshly renovated, Key Largo resort-style hotel offers an array of indoor and outdoor recreational amenities including a sparkling outdoor heated pool, Bask in comfy chairs wh	Stars: 3
ID 91148: Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina
	Marina Del Mar Resort Oceanside is located on a protected deep water marina adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, and opens into John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. The resort had seventy-six rooms, forty-eight double occupancy rooms and twenty eight suites (including studio's, one, two and three bedroom suites. We also operate a 77 slip resort marina, with diving, snorkeling, deep sea and back country fishing, parasailing, glass bottom boat , casino boa	Stars: 3
ID 94413: Bayside Resort
	Centrally located in the heart of Key Largo, Bayside Resort offers some of the Keys most stunning sunsets from our private beach overlooking the beautiful Florida Bay. Guests can take a dip in the waterfront heated pool or swimming lagoon, play volleyball, or table tennis, fish from our pier or simply relax under swaying palms in a tropical breeze. All of our 56 rooms and suites are tropically decorated with modern amenities such as in-room coffee makers and hairdryers as well as wireless inte	Stars: 3
ID 88422: Dove Creek Lodge
	Dove Creek Lodge was built to be the ultimate base camp for all your Florida Keys activities. Fishing is the emphasis at Dove Creek Lodge, but there are plenty of other activities for the whole family to enjoy. Diving, snorkeling, parasailing, swimming with the dolphins, or take a guided ecological tour either by motorized boat or kayak. Just let one of our friendly staff assist you with your interests. We will be more than happy to make all the necessary arrangements for you. Or just relax and	Stars: 3