Located on the north end of Key Largo, Ocean Reef is a luxurious resort offering accommodations and amenities for the entire family. Within the club, take the kids to the nature center for a closer look at Florida wildlife, or get out on the water on a fishing charter. Enjoy water sports like snorkeling and kayaking in Ocean Reef, or take the day to explore the rest of Key Largo and the surrounding area in all its picturesque Floridian glory. Find vacation rentals in Key Largo.
1. Spend the Day at Sea on a Charter Boat
The Ocean Reef Marina offers plenty in the way of rental boats and charters. Select a half-day or full-day charter depending on what you’re hoping to catch. The local waters are ideal for a range of fishing, including deep-sea and reef fishing, with exciting species to catch for sport or dinner. Bring your own tackle or rent some equipment from the marina, and sit back as an experienced guide takes your boat out to the best fishing waters in the area.
2. Explore Local Wildlife at the Nature Center
The Ocean Reef Nature Center offers kids and adults alike a chance to interact with fascinating Florida wildlife. A touch tank with sea anemones, starfish, sea urchins, and more allows you and your kids to pet and observe tidal ocean dwellers as if they were in the wild. The center is also home to box turtles, tortoises, and iguanas that are on display in well-maintained habitats. Check out the changing exhibits any time of year.
3. Take a Kayaking Adventure
The Ocean Reef Nature Center holds kayak eco-tours every Saturday and Sunday morning. Join one of these peaceful, educational excursions to paddle around the shoreline starting from nearby Buccaneer Island, and view the mangroves and a range of exotic bird species. Tours are offered for visitors of all levels of kayak experience, with tandem kayaks available to accommodate young children.
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4. Relax on Buccaneer Island
Head from your vacation rental to Ocean Reef Club’s Buccaneer Island to enjoy a day of tailored fun in the sun. Soak up the sun on the beach, then cool off in the central salt water lagoon. The beach is outfitted with lounge chairs and cabanas so you can sit back and read a book or enjoy a cool beverage while lounging in the shade.
5. Get Underwater by Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
Head to Crystal Clear Charters in Ocean Reef’s fishing village to find all you need for an underwater excursion. Rent snorkeling equipment, and spend a few hours exploring the shallow reefs of the nearby waters. Book a guided tour to find the best spots for observing fish and other animals. If you have previous diving experience, take a scuba course to head out even deeper and see the Florida coast like you’ve never seen it before.
6. Swim With Dolphins
Located just outside of Ocean Reef resort in Key Largo, Dolphins Plus is a company specializing in marine animal interactions. Learn more about these intelligent mammals in a safe and controlled environment, while interacting directly with the dolphins under the supervision of an experienced trainer. Choose from a range of activities and levels of interaction to get your feet wet at your own pace.
7. Let the Kids Run Free at Harry Harris Park and Beach
Take a short drive from your Ocean Reef vacation rental to Harry Harris Park and Beach on Key Largo’s Ocean Drive. This park features a covered community picnic area, plenty of green space, and a toddler playground where kids can play and explore to their heart’s content. Sit back and relax in the shade, or play an energetic game of catch with the kids.
8. Experience the Reef at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of the unique state parks in the United States, due to the fact that much of it is underwater. The coral reefs that make up this 70-square-mile park are home to an incredible range of fish and other aquatic animal species. Take the plunge and view the park lands through goggles, or book a glass-bottom boat tour for a unique look at this one-of-a-kind attraction.
9. Meet Some Flying Friends at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
Just a few minutes outside Key Largo, the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a facility where injured birds of all species are cared for until they can be released back into the wild. Visit the facility during its public hours to learn more about caring for these bird species and how to help protect their natural habitats.
10. Explore Molasses Reef
If you have some experience with diving, bring your older kids and teens to Molasses Reef on the shores of Key Largo. This reef features two skeletal ships that were purposely sunk in the 1980s to create an exciting environment for divers to explore.
11. Visit Everglades National Park
A vacation rental in the Florida Keys wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Everglades. Book an Everglades tour beginning from Key Largo to experience Florida’s unique marshland. Explore the tall grasses and mangrove trees by boat with an experienced guide to point out various attractions. Spot alligators, manatees, and other quintessential Florida species in their natural habitat, and get some great photos to take home.
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