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Visiting Keys from March 30 - April 2nd...confused about how to book hotel. Should I should I book a centrally located key, book ahead of time, or book as I move through the keys by the night?
Ie should I just book a hotel in Marathon and venture out to KW or Largo depending on what day it is in a rented car? Or should I book a seperate hotel for Marathon Largo KW? any advantage to booking it ahead of TIME ? My trip begins and ends in KW sine that is where I fly into from nj and out of to Orlando.
Also any off road trails to hit in the keys? Any place I can rent a dual sport to do it?
Also we plan on renting a car/scooter to get around the keys. Any thoughts on this? Is parking easy, I heard its difficult to get around the keys without a car with the exception of KW?
Hmmm... there is a lot to say since it seems like you don't know a lot about the Keys. You will benefit from doing a search of older threads about the Keys to get more of an idea of what it's like.
It's hard to say what you should do since you gave us very little information about your plans and preferences.
First and most important: the Keys are EXPENSIVE and often booked solid, especially at this time of year. CALL NOW and start booking! Usually the best rates by far come from booking 5 or 6 months in advance at minimum. So at this point, every day that you wait the prices are just going up.
The Overseas Hwy is dangerous and often gridlocked. It is an average posted 45mph for over 100 miles, and your average speed will often be well below that. Plan to drive on it an average of 30mph, and if the traffic is moving smoothly just be happy you have extra time! NEVER speed here, you are on island time when visiting! 2 more people just died this past week in separate incidents, people are dying on this highway all the time. If you choose to scooter, which I would not recommend, WEAR A HELMET.
So with the slow roads and distance, I would not recommend booking too far away from where you plan to be. KW is going to be crazy expensive at this time, plus is very hard to park a car in, so I would say book outside of it in the Lower Keys and travel in, unless you can afford a hotel with guaranteed parking. Be advised, hotels in the Keys often will not refund if you have to cancel less than 14 or 7 days in advance. Read their cancellation policy carefully! Most require deposit paid on booking.
If you come down here without rooms books onto tiny overbooked islands at the peak season of the year, expect that it is likely you will be sleeping on the street with no legal place to park. No joke, book in advance, people end up with a place here all the time. Do NOT book a room from somebody's random house, 95% of Keys vacation rentals are below-flood and illegal. You will have no protection if the neighbors decide to call code enforcement and you end up without a place to stay for the night. Also, MANY are scams, especially in KW. Still with a real motel/hotel where you have legally enforceable rights.
If you need to save money, and there is room, book a place in Homestead or Florida City and drive from there to visit the Upper Keys, or rent a cabin or trailer at a campground throughout the Keys. There are not many and they often book fast, but they are cheaper and you might get lucky with an opening. The Keys are over 100 miles long. Try to book a place within 20-25 miles of what you want to do, because that will be 40-50 miles roundtrip each day that you'll have to drive to get there. Key Largo, Marathon, and Big Pine are good major islands to base yourself in for exploration without out of control price tags. But lesser known islands will tend to be cheaper if they have any available rooms at all, because they have no local grocery stores, restaurants, or other convenient amenities. A few specific islands though are considered very fancy and will cost $1,000 a night or more to book anywhere nearby.
If you're up to it, the Keys have taxis, and also a single public bus (2 lines that connect) that can take you all the way from Key West to Miami. But a car rental will be cheaper than a taxi for inter-island travel, and more reliable than the bus.
What are you interested in doing and seeing? What's your budget? There is a LOT to see and do throughout the entire island chain, and advice will depend on what you're into. But ordinarily, I would have recommended that you fly into Miami rather than Key West if money is a concern.
I don't know what you mean by off-road trails, nor do I know what a dual sport is. If you mean like ATVing, the Keys are not really the place for that. If you want to race around in circles, you're going to flip over and hit your head on a coral rock. We don't have mud here. We have only one road through most of the islands. Most of the Keys are very narrow. If you go "off-road," you end up in the ocean. To us, "off-roading" means boating. "Dual sport" would mean like an amphibious hovercraft, which is used in the Keys to get across sand bars and saltwater flats near the Everglades. But as far as I'm aware, you can't rent such a vehicle - you can just take a ride in one with a group.
There are trails to hike - keep in mind, the islands are very flat - within the multiple State Parks we have here. There are also hundreds of locations to snorkel, dive, paddleboard, and sail, and there are kayaking trails to follow as well as endless off-trail locations to explore. Hire a guide for your own safety. The Keys are easy to get lost or hurt in if you don't know them well.
The weather is great at this time of year, and you are coming near the Key Lime Pie Contest at mile marker 95, as well as the Islamorada Island Fest.
Your trip is very short though, at only 4 days, so you'll have to decide how you want to spend hose days ahead of time to make the most of them. Seeing all there is to see in the whole island chain (as well as near Miami if you are interested in the many things to do up there) would take a lot longer time than you have to spend.
Hmmm... there is a lot to say since it seems like you don't know a lot about the Keys. You will benefit from doing a search of older threads about the Keys to get more of an idea of what it's like.
It's hard to say what you should do since you gave us very little information about your plans and preferences.
First and most important: the Keys are EXPENSIVE and often booked solid, especially at this time of year. CALL NOW and start booking! Usually the best rates by far come from booking 5 or 6 months in advance at minimum. So at this point, every day that you wait the prices are just going up.
The Overseas Hwy is dangerous and often gridlocked. It is an average posted 45mph for over 100 miles, and your average speed will often be well below that. Plan to drive on it an average of 30mph, and if the traffic is moving smoothly just be happy you have extra time! NEVER speed here, you are on island time when visiting! 2 more people just died this past week in separate incidents, people are dying on this highway all the time. If you choose to scooter, which I would not recommend, WEAR A HELMET.
So with the slow roads and distance, I would not recommend booking too far away from where you plan to be. KW is going to be crazy expensive at this time, plus is very hard to park a car in, so I would say book outside of it in the Lower Keys and travel in, unless you can afford a hotel with guaranteed parking. Be advised, hotels in the Keys often will not refund if you have to cancel less than 14 or 7 days in advance. Read their cancellation policy carefully! Most require deposit paid on booking.
If you come down here without rooms books onto tiny overbooked islands at the peak season of the year, expect that it is likely you will be sleeping on the street with no legal place to park. No joke, book in advance, people end up with a place here all the time. Do NOT book a room from somebody's random house, 95% of Keys vacation rentals are below-flood and illegal. You will have no protection if the neighbors decide to call code enforcement and you end up without a place to stay for the night. Also, MANY are scams, especially in KW. Still with a real motel/hotel where you have legally enforceable rights.
If you need to save money, and there is room, book a place in Homestead or Florida City and drive from there to visit the Upper Keys, or rent a cabin or trailer at a campground throughout the Keys. There are not many and they often book fast, but they are cheaper and you might get lucky with an opening. The Keys are over 100 miles long. Try to book a place within 20-25 miles of what you want to do, because that will be 40-50 miles roundtrip each day that you'll have to drive to get there. Key Largo, Marathon, and Big Pine are good major islands to base yourself in for exploration without out of control price tags. But lesser known islands will tend to be cheaper if they have any available rooms at all, because they have no local grocery stores, restaurants, or other convenient amenities. A few specific islands though are considered very fancy and will cost $1,000 a night or more to book anywhere nearby.
If you're up to it, the Keys have taxis, and also a single public bus (2 lines that connect) that can take you all the way from Key West to Miami. But a car rental will be cheaper than a taxi for inter-island travel, and more reliable than the bus.
What are you interested in doing and seeing? What's your budget? There is a LOT to see and do throughout the entire island chain, and advice will depend on what you're into. But ordinarily, I would have recommended that you fly into Miami rather than Key West if money is a concern.
I don't know what you mean by off-road trails, nor do I know what a dual sport is. If you mean like ATVing, the Keys are not really the place for that. If you want to race around in circles, you're going to flip over and hit your head on a coral rock. We don't have mud here. We have only one road through most of the islands. Most of the Keys are very narrow. If you go "off-road," you end up in the ocean. To us, "off-roading" means boating. "Dual sport" would mean like an amphibious hovercraft, which is used in the Keys to get across sand bars and saltwater flats near the Everglades. But as far as I'm aware, you can't rent such a vehicle - you can just take a ride in one with a group.
There are trails to hike - keep in mind, the islands are very flat - within the multiple State Parks we have here. There are also hundreds of locations to snorkel, dive, paddleboard, and sail, and there are kayaking trails to follow as well as endless off-trail locations to explore. Hire a guide for your own safety. The Keys are easy to get lost or hurt in if you don't know them well.
The weather is great at this time of year, and you are coming near the Key Lime Pie Contest at mile marker 95, as well as the Islamorada Island Fest.
Your trip is very short though, at only 4 days, so you'll have to decide how you want to spend hose days ahead of time to make the most of them. Seeing all there is to see in the whole island chain (as well as near Miami if you are interested in the many things to do up there) would take a lot longer time than you have to spend.
Wonder if I'm going to do a lot of water sports whether its worth the investment to bring any equiptment/renting out. Wonder how expensive renting is for things like water accessories or scooters/dualsport vehicles in KW? Any Idea? great post BTW sent it to the gf
Wonder if I'm going to do a lot of water sports whether its worth the investment to bring any equiptment/renting out. Wonder how expensive renting is for things like water accessories or scooters/dualsport vehicles in KW? Any Idea? great post BTW sent it to the gf
Really depends on what you're doing, how you're getting here, and your personal lifestyle.
I mean, the average person coming down on a plane can't bring a scooter or a jetski with them! If you're driving down with a truck you could tow something, but that's up to you if it's worth it.
Prices will depend on where you are - Key West will generally be the most expensive. Look through the tourist booklet that is in hotels and at many local tourist locations for coupons and deals. Some things you can also get a deal on if you book online ahead of time. Ask the place where you're staying ahead of time for info on the specific things you want to do, and where would be best to go for the best deal. Keys motels/hotels are usually more than happy to set you up with a reliable company (not all of them are - some rent out fault equipment or overcharge - but your hotel will want you to be happy), and to find deals for you if there are any to be had. Local people get it, because they are always looking for deals themselves, so the workers you speak to will likely have personal experience or know someone who does in getting the best deal on what you want to do.
If you're going snorkeling, I would recommend that you buy your own snorkel, which usually comes in a kit with mask and fins. There are ranges, but you'll pay an average of prob. $50, and then you can use it anywhere for many years too come. It will be more sanitary (although the rentals are washed out), plus it will be more likely to fit you better and be the style that works for you personally. There are guides online about how to choose snorkel masks and fins, so I would check them out first so you know what you're looking for.
Kayak rental is going to run you somewhere around $40. Purchasing a kayak w/ is going to cost generally $400-900, depending on what you want. I'd say that's not worth it, because you'll need a lot of safety gear in addition and a rental place can provide you with the life vest and all the other stuff you'll need, plus local info.
I would definitely not recommend riding a scooter all the way down the Keys. They are too vulnerable, and offer you little protection on our dangerous highway. Many people use them to travel short distances though, and that works fine. Just remember that you won't have any protection from the heat/humidity, or from rain storms. Be cautious when parking in KW that your scooter does not get stolen - KW and Stock Island have a strong history of bicycle and scooter thefts. If you rent the company can give you tips on how best to avoid theft or driving safety issues locally.
What other sports did you have in mind? There are almost an endless variety that are possible, and popular, in the Keys. Most important is to look online for reviews (Trip Advisor has reviews for most businesses in the Keys and tends to be very reliable as a current source of info regarding what is a good company and what is not) and ask your hotel for recommendations, so you get hooked up with a good company. We have had a few instances for example lately where tourists rented boats that were not in good working condition, then tried to fix them themselves rather than taking them back to the dealer (mistake #2), and they blew up! That's not common or to be expected, but it underlines the importance of dealing with a good company to begin with, so you can have an easy and stress-free vacation focused on fun rather than on faulty equipment. For the most part, you should not have to bring your own equipment unless you are very finicky about it and want to ensure you have a specific style, color, or certain accessories. We have a tourist economy here and it is very much geared the entire 110+ miles down toward making sure tourists can get everything they need while here. Yes, there will be a markup, but it's usually not more than 10-20%, and that is going to be about the same as the cost for you to bring something down on a plane or have to hassle with packing it up for your trip. On the other hand, if you have the means to have your own stuff, it certainly makes it so that you can do things on your own schedule and not waste time in line at the rental counter.
So it's kind of an individual call. If it were me, I would rent most things, except for small items like snorkel, or things I am very picky about (for example, when I travel I will tend to bring some of my own food and minimal cooking supplies because I cook better and healthier foods than most restaurants at 1/10 the cost, and I'm vegetarian so often have few good options while traveling - this way I can eat only a few meals a week out and the rest make for myself with a simple hotel fridge/microwave). It's up to you what is worth it to you.
Really depends on what you're doing, how you're getting here, and your personal lifestyle.
I mean, the average person coming down on a plane can't bring a scooter or a jetski with them! If you're driving down with a truck you could tow something, but that's up to you if it's worth it.
Prices will depend on where you are - Key West will generally be the most expensive. Look through the tourist booklet that is in hotels and at many local tourist locations for coupons and deals. Some things you can also get a deal on if you book online ahead of time. Ask the place where you're staying ahead of time for info on the specific things you want to do, and where would be best to go for the best deal. Keys motels/hotels are usually more than happy to set you up with a reliable company (not all of them are - some rent out fault equipment or overcharge - but your hotel will want you to be happy), and to find deals for you if there are any to be had. Local people get it, because they are always looking for deals themselves, so the workers you speak to will likely have personal experience or know someone who does in getting the best deal on what you want to do.
If you're going snorkeling, I would recommend that you buy your own snorkel, which usually comes in a kit with mask and fins. There are ranges, but you'll pay an average of prob. $50, and then you can use it anywhere for many years too come. It will be more sanitary (although the rentals are washed out), plus it will be more likely to fit you better and be the style that works for you personally. There are guides online about how to choose snorkel masks and fins, so I would check them out first so you know what you're looking for.
Kayak rental is going to run you somewhere around $40. Purchasing a kayak w/ is going to cost generally $400-900, depending on what you want. I'd say that's not worth it, because you'll need a lot of safety gear in addition and a rental place can provide you with the life vest and all the other stuff you'll need, plus local info.
I would definitely not recommend riding a scooter all the way down the Keys. They are too vulnerable, and offer you little protection on our dangerous highway. Many people use them to travel short distances though, and that works fine. Just remember that you won't have any protection from the heat/humidity, or from rain storms. Be cautious when parking in KW that your scooter does not get stolen - KW and Stock Island have a strong history of bicycle and scooter thefts. If you rent the company can give you tips on how best to avoid theft or driving safety issues locally.
What other sports did you have in mind? There are almost an endless variety that are possible, and popular, in the Keys. Most important is to look online for reviews (Trip Advisor has reviews for most businesses in the Keys and tends to be very reliable as a current source of info regarding what is a good company and what is not) and ask your hotel for recommendations, so you get hooked up with a good company. We have had a few instances for example lately where tourists rented boats that were not in good working condition, then tried to fix them themselves rather than taking them back to the dealer (mistake #2), and they blew up! That's not common or to be expected, but it underlines the importance of dealing with a good company to begin with, so you can have an easy and stress-free vacation focused on fun rather than on faulty equipment. For the most part, you should not have to bring your own equipment unless you are very finicky about it and want to ensure you have a specific style, color, or certain accessories. We have a tourist economy here and it is very much geared the entire 110+ miles down toward making sure tourists can get everything they need while here. Yes, there will be a markup, but it's usually not more than 10-20%, and that is going to be about the same as the cost for you to bring something down on a plane or have to hassle with packing it up for your trip. On the other hand, if you have the means to have your own stuff, it certainly makes it so that you can do things on your own schedule and not waste time in line at the rental counter.
So it's kind of an individual call. If it were me, I would rent most things, except for small items like snorkel, or things I am very picky about (for example, when I travel I will tend to bring some of my own food and minimal cooking supplies because I cook better and healthier foods than most restaurants at 1/10 the cost, and I'm vegetarian so often have few good options while traveling - this way I can eat only a few meals a week out and the rest make for myself with a simple hotel fridge/microwave). It's up to you what is worth it to you.
too detailed lol. I was just thinking of a snorkel and an inflatable vest. i'm a good shallow wwater swimming however i don't have much experience in deeper siwmming pools (none around here). I think I should be good, but noting wrong with being safe. http://www.amazon.com/Phantom-Aquati...=snorkel+scuba
You will want a mask, not goggles for snorkel and scuba. Go with the Cressi. You will probably want fins too if you want to maximize your experience.
If you plan to use the equipment more than a few times, spend money on a good snorkel package from leisurepro or divers supply.
I'm a big guy at 250 5'10, 42 inch waste 46 inch back. Anywhere between 72 and 76 inch wingspan. Do you think its worth buying my own wetsuit for watersports? It should be mid 70s and low 80s when we go. Wonder if I'll get cold/exhausted doing kiteboarding/jetskiing etc. Or scuba (never done it before)
Thanks so much. I have been slowly building an itinirary and will ask more details/share it with you once its complete
You will want a mask, not goggles for snorkel and scuba. Go with the Cressi. You will probably want fins too if you want to maximize your experience.
If you plan to use the equipment more than a few times, spend money on a good snorkel package from leisurepro or divers supply.
Grouper a few more questions
fishing in the keys? i see a lot of charters for these sort of things...ok you catch or kill the fish, then what? i'm a tourist I can't go back and eat it all or cook it all right there, what is the fun in this?
do sharks attack scuba drivers? Is'nt that a concern?
Rough Itinerary without prioritizng the places I will go to yet, priorizing which reefs are better, just building a general roadmap per key. did I miss anything big? How about different services that might offer be a better view or bang per buck (waht I'm really looking for):
FLORIDA KEYS
-key west
Key West Eco Tours-paddle boarding through the thick, offers seeing animals
Dry Tortugas, especially by seaplane- first day
Old Seven Mile Bridge-nice walk
skydiving
Tortuga Sailing Adventure suppose to be amazing 4 hours, largo has its own alternative away from the shore
Strawhat Charters-snorkeling fishing eating fish, seeing fish at out water
food Sunset Celebration hour or two before sunset, good way to end the day
Vandenberg Wreck- 90 feet wrec, not much coral, and strong rip tide
Two optionals:
1.Geiger beach on geiger key is nice, and if you hike along it through the water to connecting beaches, you can watch the navy jets take off and land while you relax.
2.sugarloaf keyy water calm view all blue
big pine deer refuge- unarmed area cool deer refuge, not much guidance or direction though, might find yourself wandering
Looe Key (Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary) get there through Big Pine or Ramrod depending on which charter you take
food kiki's sand bar at little torch key
-marathon
sombrero beach
pigeon islandM
Sundance Watersports paragliding
turtle hospital
marathon shark scuba diving
dolphin research center
-islamorada
theatre of the sea
pelican cove
All In Watersports paddling jetski good value
key dives good training for scuba
-largo has the best coral
dolphins plus
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
underseapark kayaking and snorkeling:
come early. preferribly before 8 :00 AM. Will enjoy the peace, clear water, sea is usually calm at this time. Tne wildlife... it just beauty. Enjoy the nature
key largo adventures 4 hours
Molasses Reef
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
PRINCESS GLASS BOTTOM BOAT
Kiffney's Firearms and Indoor Range
food Key Largo conch house for breakfast or lunch, really great food.
bird rehab center
I'm a big guy at 250 5'10, 42 inch waste 46 inch back. Anywhere between 72 and 76 inch wingspan. Do you think its worth buying my own wetsuit for watersports? It should be mid 70s and low 80s when we go. Wonder if I'll get cold/exhausted doing kiteboarding/jetskiing etc. Or scuba (never done it before)
Thanks so much. I have been slowly building an itinirary and will ask more details/share it with you once its complete
I would, at least a thin skin or 3mm shorty if you will be in the water for extended periods of time. 80 doesn't sound cold, but when your 98 degree body goes into 80 degree water you will lose body heat quickly.
when you catch fish your charter usually cleans them at the dock. then you can have a local restaurant cook it for you if you don't have anyplace to cook the fish. you can also go to the UPS store in marathon and they will pack in ice/gel packs and ship the fish home for you. frozen or fresh filets or whole fish they handle all the details just drop it off to them. I myself usually bring a small locking cooler on the plane as a carry on. I will goto to winn dixie and get dry ice to freeze the fish as cold as possible. When i get to the airport i just get rid of the dry ice in the closest trash can to security walk through and take the super frozen fish in the cooler on the plane. my plane ride is only three hours and its still frozen when i get home. I have went on a dive trip where we packed three large coolers full of hog fish grouper and snapper frozen with dry ice and brought them all back to Philly via checked baggage. we showed the fish in the coolers to security, got rid of the dry ice, and then duct taped the coolers shut. it worked out well. I would only wear a 3 mil wetsuit if i was going to be scuba diving a lot of surface time out of the water kiteboarding or jet skiing
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