FLORIDA KEYS string of small islands (Keys) stretch into the Gulf of Mexico like a necklace of uncut bejeweled stones. A fitting description considering all the Spanish and other treasures known to have sunk off the coasts of the area! The ten Keys of the string start with Key Largo, Marathon, Tavernier, Bahia Honda, Islamorada, Big Pine, Long Key, Little Torch, Grassy and Key West are interconnected by a series of bridges including the famous ‘Seven Mile Bridge’ facilitating excellent access to the mainland.

Subject to tropical storms and hurricanes, early warning centers provide residents with ample time to make preparations or leave the area to avoid damage or discomfort. Visitors are advised to spend time touring and stopping at the upper, middle and lower keys to experience all of the best on offer. Fishing, diving and jet-skiing are encouraged under controlled conditions that will ensure ecological and practical survival of the only living coral reef off the US coast, as well as licensed commercial fishing. Apart from the mainland Everglades National Park, there are ten parks and beach sites on the Keys, where boating, swimming, viewing, hiking and sometimes camping is available, from Key Largo to the end of key West.

Travelling from Miami (US 1) naturally the fist stop would be at Key Largo, a haven for fishing, ‘diving capital of the world’ with coral reef and boating, with lots of hotels, motels and resort and camping accommodation, restaurants, attractions, tours and night life.

The central Island of Marathon is known as the ‘sports fishing and water activity Mecca’ of the Keys, where you can swim with dolphins or bask on Sombrero Beach. ‘Boatels’ are a popular accommodation experience and an airport provides flights on national carriers.

Tavernier is known for its Bird Park and as a choice to stay in a ‘quiet community’ with easy access to the rest of the islands and entertainment areas.

Islamorada Island is considered the ‘Sport Fishing Capital of the World’ with almost as many boats as fish! That can guide to the big game or numerous wrecks to explore in shallow waters. Overflowing with restaurants, entertainment and nightlife, it also offers stunning sunsets off the waterfront.

Big Pine key is home to two small State Parks, where the rare White Tailed Deer roam, and the Marine Sanctuary where you can go off shore or ‘flats’ fishing and afterwards relax to some island music in a local (Tiki) Bar.

Long Key is where the State Park accommodates campers and nature lovers who like seclusion yet easy access to neighboring keys.

Little Torch Key is known for being a quiet location, close to the corals of the marine sanctuary and its exclusive, off shore, Palm Island Resort.

Grassy Key hosts the Dolphin Research Center which offers tours and swims with these delightfully friendly ‘cousins’.

Key West has a historical significance as one of the first visited by Spanish explorers and was until more recently, a staging point for travelers to and from Cuba. Writers like Hemingway lived here, and many festivals and occasions still honor his memory. After a day of rides and attractions, visitors and locals still have big fascination to visit many of his old ‘watering holes’ that lure boaters, divers, fishermen and visitors to explore the night life, musical vibrancy or watch sunsets over the island, while listening to pipers playing “Amazing Grace”, is an emotive experience not to be missed.

PINE ISLAND is one of the largest mangrove islands off the Florida Coast – 17 by 2 miles, and quaint and secluded. Protected by three outer islands from the Gulf of Mexico it was fist settled thousands of years ago by the mysterious and ‘highly cultural’, Calusas Indians. Some of their shell mounds and archaeological sites are all that remain to intrigue and mystify modern visitors. Tourists and visitors enjoy the same views, fabulous fishing, waterways, marine, animal, bird and access to the Everglades that the ‘Ancients’ and following waves of Spanish, Europeans and Settlers that followed.

St. James City hosts most of the population with most homes on canals, while port of Bokeelia in the north is home to most of the commercial fishermen, marina, historic buildings and subtropical fruit and other agricultural production. Pine Island Center is the ‘commercial hub’ that offers the Shopping Center, School, Cultural and community Center, Sports, and Medical and Emergency Services.

Bottom line is – Pine Island is a natural place to relax, dine and wine, or to use as a stepping stone to cruise, kayak the waters of the surrounding islands, visit State Parks, and view the rare marine life, fish for that trophy or deliciously fresh meal. It’s ‘paradise found’.

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Tourists today are unaware of the thousands of years of occupation by the (now extinct) Colusa Indians, except for remnants in the local museum. The largest of the “Ten Thousand Islands of the Everglades”, modern tourist facilities have spread yet maintained much of the indigenous Everglades and pristine beaches.

As a consequence of the abundant natural resources, the Colusa Indians had the opportunity to develop a much greater social and political complexity and a larger population density than is typical of hunters and gatherers.

Tourists and holiday makers, the new breed of ‘Hunter – gatherers’ now explores, experience and enjoys the comfort and natural beauty that has been preserved. Magnificent beaches, high-rise apartments with stunning views, quaint inns, much to do – boating facilities to cruise, fish or visit the thousands of islands with their marine, birdlife and wildlife in the unique Everglades environment, laze away on the beach or compete on the golf course.

Tourists are entertained by events specific to the area – Arts and Crafts, Marine Festivals, Cultural Events and Annual National and State Festivals. Restaurants offer the finest of sea and other foods and night life entertainment.

If you want satisfying activity or simply rest and relaxation this jewel among the everglade islands will lure you back, again and again.

Longboat Key, Lido Key and St. Armand’s Key
are year round attractions. Between Sarasota Bay and the Mexican Golf, the perfect temperate weather draws tourists and mainlanders alike. The miles of beaches, sports like tennis and golf, fishing and a wide range of resorts, hotels and holiday apartments, shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues, cultural and events, parks, bird and marine life offer a fulfilling holiday vacation for all.

Houtman Abrolhos Islands is another Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. The Abrolhos Islands have some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the world, as well as deep sea fishing and (controlled) rock lobster fishing. Situated close to the west coast of Australia, they also have an exotic history of shipwrecks, bullion, mutiny and survival that have fueled both writers of history and fiction.

These 120 odd islands have 3 major island groups, Wallabi, Easter and Pelsaert. Visitors are strictly controlled as are commercial fishermen. Access to tourists is only via an invitation from a commercial fisherman or permit from the ‘Department of Fisheries, Fauna and Flora and Tourism’. No overnight facilities are available and food and liquid sustenance are not provided, needing complete self sufficiency. There is a public jetty at East Wallabi Island and an airstrip for private aircraft use.

A visit to the Abrolhos Islands is a rare and privileged experience despite the restrictions and anyone interested in marine, mammal and birdlife will find it a very fulfilling experience.