Alligator Reef Lighthouse, Islamorada Boat Lime
The Florida Keys are not the Caribbean, a point we’ve stressed a time or two. Beaches, hiking, nightlife, historic attractions, food, festivals – it’s all just better in our home region. (Yeah, I’m biased.) That doesn’t mean, though, that the Keys are devoid of the type of uncommon travel pursuits we love. Alligator Reef Lighthouse, in particular, is well worth trekking down the Overseas Highway to check out.
One of six offshore lighthouses in the Florida Keys, Alligator Reef Lighthouse stands 136 feet tall. It sits four miles east of Islamorada amid water so gin-clear the area is known as the swimming pool.
Alligator Reef takes its name from the USS Alligator. A 19th century U.S. Navy schooner, the Alligator ran aground in November 1822 along the reef here, which now also shares its name.
As you might imagine, the snorkeling is pretty sweet in the shadow of the lighthouse. Exceptional visibility combines with the reef and lighthouse pilings to attract scores of sea life. More than 500 different marine species thrive in these waters.
Also thriving out here: the party scene. On holiday weekends in particular, it’s not uncommon to find several dozen boats moored up and limin’ strong.
Wish you were here…?
Related Posts
Flamingo Floating Into The Weekend In The Florida Keys
Fort Jefferson Seawalls – Walk Atop The Waves In The Florida Keys
