Queen Angel Fish, butterfly fish, moray eels, sergeant majors, blue tangs, reef shark, loggerhead turtles and porcupine fish are just a few of the multitudes of fabulous reef life you can visit while snorkeling or diving the Florida Keys. Anyone who snorkels our coral reef knows that the summer waters are spectacular. Calm, crystal clear and so warm you can snorkel for hours on end.
If you are visiting Key West soon, or would like to visit, there are numerous boats that visit the reef daily. Some trips include sailing, kayaking and snorkeling, some are just for the snorkeling. Some boats are giant catamarans and others are small sailing yachts. Feel free to give us a call and we will be happy to help you choose the perfect trip for you. And don’t forget, for the lobster hunters out there lobster season opens August 6th and you can join in on Lobster Festival Aug 6-8. http://www.keywestlobsterfest.com/
Never a dull moment in the Keys; this Monday August 9th the Key West Botanical Gardens hosts the 4th Annual Midsummers Night Dream and Spectacle. It’s a grand affair, filled with Key West artists and entertainers and fun for the whole family. Runs noon-until late night: http://www.kwbgs.org/event.asp?id=90
Hope to See you there!

Warm Regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator !

Key West has a history of intriguing people, of offering an island oasis where you can get away from the fray of the ‘real’ world and find yourself and your passions. Ernest Hemingway was one such person, he was so enchanted by the island city, not only did he live here, but Key West inspired his novel To Have and Have Not.
Key Westers love a good story and a good party too. Every year we celebrate Ernest Hemingway, his accomplishments and his life in Key West. This week July 20-25 join us in the 30th Annual Hemingway Days Festival. Scheduled events include a look-alike contest for men resembling Hemingway, readings, book signings, literary competitions, a one man play, a museum exhibit of Hemingway memorabilia, a ‘running of the bulls’ down Duval Street and a marlin tournament.
If you can’t make it down this weekend and join in the fun, don’t worry you can schedule a visit August 6-8th for the Lobster Festival in Key West. A street party, live music and lotsa Lobster!
We hope to see you soon and feel free to call the concierges, Geri or Caroline for information on summer time events in Key West.

Warm Regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator

For current information and news regarding the BP Oil Spil visit:
http://www.fla-keys.com/news/news.cfm?sid=7754

Its Mango Season in the Keys! Locals love this time of year; island life slows down, the waters are calm, the fishing and snorkeling are fabulous and local businesses offer special summer rates. This is a great time to visit the Keys and relish summer on the islands.

Fishing in the summer months is very popular. The calm, clear warm waters make for the best fishing in the continental US. Among the most popular summer catches are Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Blue Marlin, Snook and Mahi Mahi as well as many others. Fishermen can enjoy backcountry flats fishing as well as off shore blue water fishing. With the Gulf Stream just a couple miles off of our shores fishermen come from all over the world to fish the Keys waters. If you are an avid fisherman or just a beginner make sure to ask us about fishing trips and we will help you choose a fishing charter. There is nothing like eating your ‘just caught’ fresh fish that night for dinner. Many of our local restaurants will cook up your fish for you. Summer also means lobster season (mini lobster July 28-30th), so bring a tickle stick, a mask and snorkel and have a blast!

Hemingway himself was an avid fisherman and in July we celebrate the famous writer. Thursday, July 22-July 24 is the 30th Annual Hemingway Days. Look-a-like contests, pub crawls, readings and book signings are all part of the fun. We hope to see you there!

Warm regards from The Mermaid & The Alligator