Really Florida!

Not everyone knows, but there is a ferry that runs between Key West and three South Florida places– Ft. Meyers, Marco Island and now Miami. If you don’t like the hassle of driving down to the Keys (especially if you live on the Gulf Coast), why not try the easy way?

Now the term ferry in this case means “ferry people” and not “also ferry cars”. These aren’t terribly large boats, from 130 to 170 feet long, but they are large enough to be comfortable, and include amenities like flat screen TVs, a galley/bar and seating either indoors or out.

The Ft. Meyers to Key West ferry is about a 4 hour trip each way. Currently, the schedule is to leave Ft. Meyers at 8:30 AM and turn around midnight.

The Marco Island ferry also takes in the vicinity of 4 hours for the trip, but you have a slightly shorter stay as you leave Marco Island at 8:30 AM and return at 8:30 PM.

The Key West ferry to and from Miami is only available during the “season” (roughly Thanksgiving to Easter), but they may be extending it to year around — have to wait and see on that one.

A round-trip ticket is in the vicinity of $110 to $150, depending on your port city (Ft. Meyers being the most expensive). But honestly, with all that Key West has to offer, you might want to spend at least one night there in a cozy bed & breakfast, so that you have time to really enjoy the island.

So the next time you’re thinking about a trip to Key West, but dread the traffic, why not consider taking the Key West ferry and enjoy the trip in comfort?

I get asked sometimes to recommend a place for a romantic Florida vacation. That’s a question that’s both easy and hard to answer! It’s easy because there are lots of places in Florida to get cozy with your loved one. It’s hard just picking a few. But tell you what, I’ll start a series on places in Florida where romance can blossom.

First up is the Florida Keys , which can be delightful for people who want luxury, those who like to be out in nature and for those in between. I won’t include Key West in this post, as it deserves one all its own!

The first thing to do on a Florida Keys romantic getaway is to take a sunset cruise . All the major cities have at least one and usually quite a few from which to choose. Pretty much any hotel or motel can recommend one — and most of the larger hotels run their own!

Speaking of hotels and motels, which ones to choose? One that I’ve stayed in and liked is the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort. First is because Marriott thoughtfully separated the resort into a “party” side and a “quiet” side. Really nice touch. The rooms are comfy and pretty good-sized. Just about anything you want to do is available — from renting beach toys (yes, Marriott has a private beach) to spa treatments to sunset cruises. They also have a water taxi to an offshore casino boat, for those so inclined.

One that I haven’t stayed in (although friends of mine have) is Hawk’s Cay near Marathon. Another large resort that has every imaginable amenity — where you don’t need to set foot outside the resort if you don’t want to.

How about Conch Key Cottages for a romantic getaway? Also near to Marathon, these cottages are on a private island. So think — tropical island, seclusion, beautiful scenery — what’s not to like? Oh, this is interesting; use of a kayak is included withe the room rate, so you can explore the local nooks and crannies of the local waterways.

Now a romantic Florida vacation in the Keys probably won’t include much in the way of beach time, as the Keys have few beaches. However, many of the hotels and motels do have a small private one.

I mentioned in a previous paragraph that a kayak was included at one resort. But even if you have to rent one on your own (and you guessed it — the hotel/motel can tell you where), do it. Especially on the bayside of the Keys, there are lots of little deserted islands. Mostly mangrove, but plenty romantic if you like the outdoors.

And for the divers with plenty of cash — stay the night at the Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo. Very secluded indeed, and it comes with a gourmet dinner and breakfast.

Want more romantic Florida vacation spots? Check out Key West and some others throughout Florida.