swimming in the Keys
 

I am going to Key Largo mid March. How is the sea-temperature then?
I'm also terribly afraid of sharks. Is it safe in the waters?
I also wonder what's fun for children (age 5) in the area? (apart from seeing their mother beeing chased by a shark...)

Hello,
All sand has been imported into the keys. You might be lucky enough to see burrowing owls, etc. The sea, hm, it is the sea, warm and cozy, rough and tough. Not a place for a 5 year old or you. Walk the beaches, swim in a pool. Nothing more need be said. Enjoy the area...

To me, the water is still chilly in March. However, if you are from northern climes, you may find it tolerable. Don't worry about the sharks (unless you swim with dead fish in your hands). The pool at your hotel will probably be heated.
Fun for the age 5 crowd. Go to Pennekamp and swim/snorkel off the little beach there. Not the best snorkelling in the world but for a 5 year old it's fine. It may work better to get a swim noodle and let him or her put it under his or her arms. He/she can then dip his/her face in the water and won't have to worry about the snorkel. The aquarium in the park is neat.
Go to Jacobs Aquatic Center (behind the Key Largo Shopper in Key Largo) - the water pirate playground is always a hit. Go feed the tarpon at mile marker 77. Go to Theatre of the Sea. If it's raining - there's a movie theatre at Tavenier Town Center.
If you want to have a nice dinner, try Morada Bay. Take sand toys for the kids. They can play in the sand while you enjoy a leisurely meal. (Morada Bay has a standard kid's menu too.)

Thanks a lot, great ideas for activities !
I was quite surprised to read that the sand is imported. I thought that all the beaches of Florida were natural...

We were surprised by the lack of sand in the Keys. You don't realize how rocky the area is until you get there. We've stayed in Miami beach just north of the keys and the sand goes on for miles. Two totally different places so close to each other.......

True, the sand on Florida beaches is natural. The trouble is most of the Florida Keys do not have natural beaches - thus no sand. It's one of the great misconceptions that first time visitors to the Keys have - they assume all those little island are surrounded by sandy beaches. Nothing is further from the truth.

Is the bottom that rocky that we need to bring swim-shoes??

The keys are coral, thus the need for imported sand. Bring water shoes!