These two refuges feature 55 varieties of delicate corals and almost 500 different species of fish. Key Largo also features the world's only underwater hotel, where guests can spend the evening in the midst of the marine life of the Keys. Islamorada is the centrepiece of a group of islands called ' The Purple Isles' that includes Plantation Keys , Windley Key and both Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower Matecumbe Key . Known as the 'Sportfishing Capital of the World', Islamorada is famed for its angling opportunities and features the Keys' largest fleet of offshore charterboats and shallow water 'backcountry' boats. The Keys boast more sportfishing world records than any other fishing destination in the world.
Anglers can find sailfish, marlin, kingfish, snapper, barracuda and grouper.
The area contains evidence of pre-Columbian and prehistoric Bahamian artefacts and was once the site of a Native American village. At Crane Point is the Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys and the Florida Keys Children's Museum which explores the islands' rich natural history. Big Pine Key is noted for the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary , a national refuge for miniature Key deer, tropical forests and even a few alligators in the Blue Hole . In the evening, visitors gather at Mallory Square to 'call it a day'. The daily 'Sunset Celebration' is a tradition that Key Westers share with visitors.