Secluded amongst a row of islands scattered far and beyond the reaches of the state Florida itself. In fact Key West, the Florida Keys most distant island, is only 90 miles from Cuba. On the bay side you can go offshore for miles, stop your vessel and stand in knee deep still water and not see land anywhere around you. It's an true surreal experience for an ocean lover and outdoors person. I've encountered many a sting ray and types of sea life while there.

The Florida Keys can be considered the American Caribbean and features all the same things to do and hotels as other island destinations. There are many things to do for example world class sport fishing, skin diving and snorkeling, boating, kayaking, sailing, and species tours beyond belief. Each of the island destinations has some unforgettable experiences. I invite you to visit each area individually and discover the bright tropical heaven in the Florida Keys.

One of the main reasons for my travels to the Florida Keys is for Lobster Sport Season. The locals call it bug hunting. It only last for a weekend and the place is packed. If your into fishing for lobster, this is quite an exciting affair. Don't leave behind your snorkel, tickle stick and net! The kind of Lobster you'll find down there are the Spiny Lobster type, which have no claws and can get quite large. Spiny Lobster are larger than most Main Lobsters in some cases. Remember, recreational harvesters are required to have a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License with a current crawfish stamp. Consult a local tackle shop for exemptions to licensing requirements. Licenses are available through local convenient stores, tax collectors, many tackle shops and marine supply stores.

What does it cost to travel to the Florida Keys? I'm finally getting to that. The Florida Keys is by far the most awesome tropical vacation destination for any professional fisherman, diver, or just plain traveler. But watch your wallet! The Florida Keys is quite expensive. I shopped around extensively for the best motel rates and by far the best we found was a small 32 unit motel right off the highway called Big Pine Key Motel. They had the lowest rates and the biggest rooms of every "affordable" place to stay down there which were around $70 and up! And I'm talking crazy up! Some places were asking over $400. If you've got the wallet, I would highly recommend Little Palm Island. It's one of the top 10 destinations in the world and the only way you can get to it is by boat. The Big Pine Key Motel is just a 20 minute drive from Key West and is surrounded by dive shops, fishing expeditions and great places to get your grub on.

I'm going to end with a fair warning. The Florida Keys is protected by many environmental laws that are specific to endangered species. If you do any hiking lookout for the poison wood. It looks as innocent as a pear tree and 10 times more dangerous than poison ivy. The locals can't chop it down because it produces a berry that an endangered species of bird eats.

This is a personal experience of mine during my travels to the Florida Keys and my experiences with Florida Keys Lodging. I would like to give reference to the Big Pine Key Motel 1-888-872-9191 and thank them for their hospitality. I am a travel enthusiast and work as a Technical writer for a Texas internet marketing firm located in San Antonio, TX. Enjoy your travels to the Florida Keys!