Key Largo vacation rentals

About Key Largo

Key Largo marks mile markers 91–113 on the Overseas Highway — the top of the Keys chain and the jumping-off point for America's most accessible coral reef. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park protects 70 nautical square miles of reef, including the famous Christ of the Abyss statue in 25 feet of water at Dry Rocks.

The island itself is long and low, lined with marinas, seafood spots, and dive shops rather than beaches — the swim here is on the reef, a few miles offshore. Backcountry flats on the bay side hold tarpon, bonefish, and some of the best sunset water in the Keys. Continue south to Marathon and Key West for the full Overseas Highway drive.

Vacation rentals in Key Largo

Key Largo vacation rentals are made for boaters and divers: canal-front homes with private docks, fish-cleaning stations, and quick runs to both the reef (oceanside) and the backcountry (bayside). Waterfront cottages and bayside condos round out the options around Tavernier.

Rates peak from Christmas through April and during lobster mini-season in late July — that two-day event books solid a year out. Many homes rent by the week in winter. Ask about canal depth and bridge clearance if you're trailering a boat, and check whether dockage is included.

Things to do in Key Largo

• Snorkel or dive the reef at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, including Christ of the Abyss
• Dive the Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot intentionally sunk Navy ship
• Kayak the mangrove creeks of the state park and Crocodile Lake
• Meet rescued birds at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier
• Book a backcountry flats charter for tarpon and bonefish
• Drive the Overseas Highway south — Marathon in 45 minutes, Key West in two hours

Divers, anglers, and families

Divers get the continental US's best reef access; anglers get two fisheries in one destination. Families should know the Keys have few natural beaches — plan on boat trips, the aquarium encounters in nearby Islamorada, and pool time at your rental rather than sandcastle days.