THE ISLANDS

Almost 70 miles (112.9 km) west of Key West lies a cluster of seven islands, composed of coral reefs and sand, called

If you looked up the definition of “paradise” you could possibly find The Marquesas Keys included in the definition. They are a circular group of ten uninhabited islands that are about 30 miles (50 km) west of Key West, and are part of the Florida Keys. They were formed by a meteorite many millions of years ago; whose impact created the two-mile-wide lagoon perfectly surrounded by land. They represent the only natural atoll in the Western Hemisphere, and their name was derived from Marquis de Cadereita; a commander of the Spanish Treasure Fleet that sank in that same area in 1622. However, they are best known for their excellent scuba diving, spearfishing, fishing, and sport fishing.

The waters around the Marquesas Keys are teaming and thriving with all types of tropical fish, and some of the most pristine and beautiful reefs in the Florida Keys Marine National Sanctuary and the world. Certain areas in The Marquesas Keys also provide for safe harbor for traveling boats, and where our captains often anchor up overnight on our way to the Dry Tortugas. The advantage that Adventure Watersport Charters offers with diving and fishing in and surrounding this area is that most other boats from Key West don’t have the ability to travel out this far. With fewer operators in this area the diving and fishing is virtually pristine and untouched. It’s not unordinary to not see another boat out there all day long.

The area is truly an awe striking paradise and is rich for scuba diving, spearfishing and snorkeling with numerous different dive sites yet to be named. Large coral pinnacles are a famous site not far from the islands, and the continuation of the Marquesas reef line, is where you can find some spectacular caves and overhangs in waters between 30 and 80 feet deep, with extremely high visibility. Several wrecks, overhangs, reefs, coral bommies, huge coral heads and caves are all around these pristine crystal clear waters, and offer an incredible underwater journey.

Scattered around the Marquesas Keys, you will find some incredible wreck and reef fishing where you can enjoy fishing these productive areas for large permit, cobia, groupers, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, grouper, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and many more. The reef offers up huge catches of sailfish, whaoo, tuna, and shark, in addition to the others. Venturing a little further out to the deep reef and some deeper wrecks, and you will experience some incredible red snapper fishing and monster amber jacks.

So if you’re looking for a secluded, rich and untouched piece of paradise to dive, spearfish, or deep sea fish in, you need look no further. The Marquesas Keys is it!

For more pristine fishing & dive areas, take a look at the Dry Tortugas & the Vandenberg.

Boca Grande Key is the largest uninhibited and isolated island located between Key West and the Marquesas Keys. It lies 14 miles west of Key West and while well favored by the locals for its gorgeous white sandy shoreline and beautiful coral patch reefs, it is also part of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. This federally designated wilderness area harbors rare and endangered wildlife, including nesting sea turtles and birds, which are often spotted while visiting the island.

This island offers it all in a one-stop-package where its beautiful white beach presents you with a peaceful picturesque slice of paradise. You may find yourself strolling along the water’s edge, relaxing and soaking up some sun, having a picnic lunch, viewing the wildlife or diving, snorkeling and swimming the crystal clear blue waters surrounding this pristine island.

Boca Grande is definitely an island where there is something for everyone, from the water lovers to the sun worshippers to the eco enthusiasts; this island has it