5 days in the Keys with 11-yr. old son
 

My 11-year old son and I are coming to the keys for 5-6 days in October via Ft. Lauderdale. My son is really interested in the wildlife and marine life, so we'll probably just go to Key West for the day.

I think my research has led me to the best places to be with nature, but any additional suggestions are welcome(Wild Bird Rehab Center in Key Largo, snorkeling at Pennekamp Coral Reef, Dolphin Research Center, Bahia Honda State Park).

Can you help me find the best places to:
- Rent kyaks
- Fish casually (he's only fished a few times for trout & I'm not a fishing person at all)
- Swim with the dolphins
- Are the ecotours worthwhile?
- Are any of the other boat or train tours worthwhile?

My biggest dilemma is where to stay. I am looking for reasonably priced and clean accomodations(under $150). I'd also like advice as to whether we should we stay in one central location, or spend a night here and there in different keys?

I appreciate your help!

I'm not sure of your plans. Are you going to be in FL for 5-6 days and journey into the keys for one day?

One of your stops should be the Dolphin Research Ctr which will interest him. This is where he can swim with the dolphins(reservations needed at considerable expense) Allow a couple of hours.

You don't mention the Everglades. If you've not been there you should definitely include it even if it will be a stop of just a few hours. If time is limited, focus on the Anhenga Trail. It is a unique experience - especially if you happen to be there around sunset.

There are many boat trips available. Please indicate just how much time you'll have and where you'll be.

Investigate snorkel activities out of Marathon and also Key West. I think there is also a trip from Pennekamp but it is pricey. Reservations will be needed. My personal favorite would be to snorkel Sombrero Light out of Marathon.

In October you should be able to find good rooms available at $150 per night anywhere in the keys. Key West will be the most expensive.

Not sure when you're planning your trip, but Fantasy Fest is October 19-28 in Key West and you won't want to be there during that time.

Hampton Inn in Islamorada will probably hit your target price. You are at a good midpoint for your destinations. The hotel is walking distance to good restaurants. You are also walking distance to Bud & Mary's marina, where you could charter a skiff for a half day fishing in the flats. My recommendation is that you ask about snapper fishing. Near shore, minimal boat ride. Will be lots of catching of not intimidating fish without a lot of skill required. Be sure your guide knows that you want to see wildlife, and he should get you out to see shark, tarpon, bone fish and maybe some turtles. I have often used Lonnie Shaw out of Bud & Mary's when fishing with first timers and family. You can find their phone number on a web search and request Lonnie when you make a booking.
You can take your catch to a nearby restaurant and have your fish for lunch or dinner.
Be sure and drive across the bridge W from Islamorada, take the first right, and go to Robbies. For a couple bucks you can buy a bucket of small fish and feed giant tarpon by hand.

Restaurants nearby the Hampton are Lazy Days and the Lorelei.

We did the Pennecamp boat trip a few years ago when our daughter was in middle school writing a term paper on coral reef destruction. It was not a cheap boat ride, but absolutely worth it. It was a large glass bottom boat tour and you really got to see a lot. If you go snorkeling there (we didn't), I would imagine there is also a lot to see and do. I also highly recommend the Everglades. We did an air boat ride and saw manatees and alligators, the kids really enjoyed that. If you go snorkeling in Key West, please post your experience, as we will be there in December. We have reservations at the Best Western Hibiscus in Old Town.

I second the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades! You and your son will love it: http://www.everglades-national-park....al_park_8a.htm
Also, kayaks can be rented at Bahia Honda State Park

Thanks everyone for your great suggestions. To clarify, we are spending the bulk of our time (about 6 days) in the Keys and just a day or 2 in Ft. Lauderdale. We'll be out before the festival on the 19th.

Does anyone have an opinion about Palms & Pines in Islamorada?

Thanks,
Jane

Hi Jane,

I think that you will have a great time in the Keys. Six days will pass very quickly.

I don't know Palms and Pines. Suggest that you repost with the name and Islamorada in the headline.

I can second the restaurants mentioned: Lazy Days and Lorelei. They are really good.