What Attractions Are in Cudjoe Key, Florida?

Knowing the attractions in and around Cudjoe Key will help you make the most of your trip. Located about 20 miles north of Key West, Cudjoe Key is an island in the Lower Florida Keys that is only five square miles. Despite the island's small size, it offers stimulating locations and activities like beaches, fishing, boating tours and proximity to two wildlife refuges.

Beaches

Cudjoe Key, being an island, attracts travelers with its miles of beaches to enjoy. Many rental properties feature beach access because of the attraction's popularity. Visitors enjoy tanning, boogie boarding, swimming and surfing within walking distance of their hotels. If you are interested in a more adventurous activity, try snorkeling or scuba diving. Cudjoe Gardens Marina (cudjoegardensmarina.com) rents scuba equipment in addition to guiding diving tours or you can explore on your own.

Boating

Vacationers to Cudjoe Key need a boat to make the most out of their trip to the Florida Keys. Many attractions are only accessible by water and the island does not have shopping malls or a post office. Cudjoe Key is only a short boat ride from Sugarloaf, Summerland, Big Pine Keys and other islands that you may want to explore. The marina offers boat rentals and supplies so you can travel between islands even if you do not own your own vessel. If you bring a boat on your trip, you can rent a slip and have marina professionals repair it if needed.

Wildlife Refuges

Many endangered animals live in or migrate through the Florida Keys, and the government created special parks to protect their habitats. Two of these wildlife refuges are located on Big Pine Key, Cudjoe Key's neighboring island. Even if you are vacationing on Big Pine Key, the only way to get to the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge and the Key West National Wildlife Refuge is by boat. Both parks offer hiking and fishing opportunities in addition to a chance to see endangered animals such as sea turtles and Great White Herons up close. Park welcome centers offer visitors access to brochures, displays and information about the refuges, including how to limit your impact on the environment.

Fishing

Fishing is one of the greatest attractions in Cudjoe Key. The marina sells supplies and can help you plan your fishing trip with local charters. Companies near the island offer half and whole day trips around the Keys and the wildlife refuges. The varieties of fish you can catch vary, but bonefish, hogfish, tarpon and mahi-mahi are some of the most common catches around the Keys.