Key Largo is a subtropical escape. The island's history has been shaped by coral reefs as well as wreckers, farmers, and fishermen. Key Largo was homesteaded by intrepid families who braved life before the modern conveniences of running water, air-conditioning, and mosquito control were introduced. Inevitably, big changes were coming. Henry Flagler's Key West Extension changed the Florida Keys; hurricanes, too, have altered life here, especially the Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, the strongest storm ever recorded in the United States. Since then, the island has been immortalized in movie and song, but modern Key Largo has been defined by fishing and diving, which led to the development of the hospitality industry that dominates today. This book reveals Key Largo's other facets: the coral castle, underwater park, pineapple farmers, and artists that carved their history onto this island.

Avid snorkelers, families, and novices will find this guide to Florida snorkeling invaluable. ""Snorkeling Florida"" identifies fifty unique snorkeling sites from Panhandle to Keys. The best public sites throughout the state are featured, including coral reefs, sea-grass beds, shipwrecks, springs, and rivers. Snorkelers will be informed on where to go, what to bring, and what to expect.Each site is described in detail and rated by difficulty (from beginner to advanced). Directions, boat ramp locations, physical characteristics of the site, likely animal life to be spotted, best times to explore, and the area's historical information are provided. Brad Bertelli also provides additional recommendations for local sightseeing at each location.Throughout the book, Bertelli addresses questions and concerns about the use of equipment, questionable creatures such as sharks, alligators, jellyfish, and stingrays, the rules and regulations regarding harvesting of lobster and scallops, Diver Down flags, spear-fishing, and manatee interaction. He also offers advice to the novice on how to choose the proper gear and appropriate precautions to take before getting in the water.From coral reefs to clear blue water, this book covers the best public sites throughout the state.

The Florida Reef is known for its brilliant corals as much as it is for sunken pirate treasure. From Carysfort Reef to Indian Key to Dry Tortugas National Park, the Florida Keys provide many excellent and diverse snorkelling opportunities. Snorkeling the Florida Keys dives into more than forty sites, including reefs, wrecks, and beaches. The third largest barrier reef system in the world runs along the east side of the Florida Keys and is fed by the nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf Stream, which support the abundant growth of bright-hued corals. These warm waters are also home to spectacular animal life. From seahorses to manatees, nature’s most intriguing wonders can be found right around an outcropping of coral or grazing in algae. While today these reefs are a playground for snorkelers, fishermen, and divers, these waters were once feared by sailors. The corals lurking just beneath the surface were ship killers, stony daggers capable of carving up a wooden hull. Today those sunken ships provide stunning backdrops for snorkelling exploits. Brad Bertelli takes the guesswork out of navigating and exploring the Florida Reef. He provides practical travel advice and GPS coordinates to easily access each site, as well as useful information such as water depth, key features, notable shipwrecks, and other engrossing historical facts. Snorkeling the Florida Keys is a great read and a useful guide for divers seeking adventure. It is also suited for armchair travellers, who, without setting a fin in the water, can enjoy the conquests and mishaps of the larger-than-life historical figures who sailed the great Florida Reef.