A Travelers Guide to Duck Key, FL
Craving a sun-soaked seaside vacation? Look no further than Florida. Specifically, a pea-sized mangrove-filled island smack dab in the center of a delicately curved chain of islands jutting off Florida’s southern tip called Duck Key.
As part of the hallowed paradise of the Florida Keys, this island is a great alternative for travelers looking to explore the breathtaking marine environment without the crowds of more popular Keys, like Key West and mainland Florida. Coco Plum Vacation Rentals are scattered throughout the Keys (including Duck Key) and make the perfect home away from home for your Sunshine State getaway.
Small in stature but large in its variety of activities, Duck Key is a hidden gem. This quick guide to all things Duck Key will help you plan the perfect visit for your next romantic or family vacation.
About Duck Key
Photo Credit: Curt Delia
Duck Key is a captivating island located in the middle of the Florida Keys, offering an idyllic blend of serene beauty, slow paced life, and water oriented activity.
This small, enchanting island is known for its crystal-clear waters, lush landscaping, and luxurious accomodations making it a favorite destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The island's unique charm lies in its tranquil canals, waterways, and the stunning Atlantic Ocean that surrounds it, providing ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. Duck Key stands out as a gem in the Keys, with its elegant, West Indies-inspired architecture and a community that warmly welcomes visitors to its slice of paradise.
Best Time to Visit
November to April is the best time to plan a trip to the Florida Keys. This is known as the dry season. Mid-August through mid-October has the usual postcard perfect weather but also a higher likelihood of tropical storms.
Getting to Duck Key
Photo Credit: Monroe County BOCC via Flickr CC2.0
The only way to reach the Florida Keys from mainland Florida’s largest tourist destinations is via the 113-mile overseas highway! This unique stretch of roadway is an attraction in itself. Duck Key sits about halfway down the highway between the mainland and Key West.
If you aren’t coming from mainland Florida, you can fly directly into one of the two Florida Keys airports.
- Key West International Airport (60 miles from Duck Key)
- Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (10 miles from Duck Key)
Where to Stay Near Duck Key
Whether you choose to stay on Duck Key or simply nearby there is no shortage of vacation rentals to choose from.
1. Duck Key Villas at Hawks Cay
These luxurious privately owned homes inside the Hawks Cay Resort area have everything you could ever want in a beachfront getaway. Including refreshing swimming pools! Even better is the location. If you plan to spend some significant time on Duck Key, this is one of the only places to stay that’s actually situated on the island itself.
2. Marathon Vacation Rentals
The city of Marathon is a favorite for international or cross-country travelers as you have access to an international airport right in your backyard. Just 10 miles from Duck Key the numerous vacation rentals in Marathon give you plenty of homes to choose from.
3. Key Colony Beach Vacation Rentals
Key Colony Beach is one of the most beautiful islands in all of the Florida Keys. If peace and quiet are the goal, any of these vacation rentals will put you in close proximity to all the best attractions of Duck Key in this guide.
Local Events Around Duck Key
Photo Credit: Chuck Wagner
Floridians love a party, and perhaps nowhere in the state indulges more than Key West. While Duck Key remains relatively quiet, the nearby events held in Key West can increase the number of visitors to all the islands. Some of Key West’s most popular events are.
- Key Lime Festival
- Mango Fest
- New Years Eve
- Fantasy Fest
- Key West Pride
Things to Do in Duck Key/Why You Should Visit
If it involves a beach, water, or a boat, it’s likely possible in Duck Key. Here’s a look at the attractions that Duck Key has to offer visitors.
Beach Hop
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Photo Credit: Paul Briden
It should be no surprise that the Florida Keys have some incredible beaches. The middle Florida keys around Duck Key have some of the best. Local favorites for lounging and swimming include...
See the Dolphin Connection
Here, you can learn about the conservation of dolphins while having an up-close encounter with the playful species.
Hire a Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Photo Credit: Main Attraction Fishing Charters
This is one of the most popular activities in Florida. There are loads of fishing charters to choose from in the area.
Keys Cable Park - Ruhm Runner
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BOOK HERE
Jump, climb, and slide your way through the twists and turns of our massive floating playground, which features everything from floating trampolines to towering climbing walls. Challenge your friends and family to a race along the course or take on the obstacles solo for an extra adrenaline rush!
Check Out Robbie’s of Islamorada
Photo Credit: Pedro Paulo
Frequently voted the number one tourist attraction in the Florida Keys, Robbie’s offers the best snorkeling tours, sunset cruises, boat excursions, boat rentals, parasailing, and more! This is the best place to try your hand at water sports. Other Robbie’s attractions include feeding the massive tarpon swimming in the Gulf of Mexico off the marina.
Learn at the Local Turtle Hospital
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Photo Credit: Andriy Blokhin
This Turtle Hospital helps to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sea turtles from its facility in the old Hidden Harbor Motel. This part of Florida is home to five of the seven kinds of sea turtles: green, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Kemp’s Ridley.
Plan your visit during one of their releases to watch the turtles crawl across the beach or just stop in to see their permanent residents who are unable to be released.
Pay a Visit to Curry Hammock State Park
Photo Credit: 4kclips
This stunning state park is located in Marathon, just a 10-minute journey from Duck Key. Known for its pristine undeveloped natural environment both for lounging and kayaking, the park is an absolute must-visit. This area is also a prime nesting location for many species of birds and an excellent wildlife habitat for animal enthusiasts.
Scuba Dive in the Keys
Photo Credit: SCUBATOO via Flickr CC2.0
With the world-renowned underwater landscape of the Dry Tortugas National Park so close by, Scuba Diving is a favorite pastime of travelers to the Keys. Dive Duck Key recently closed, but more dive centers are located in the city of Marathon, including Better Than Most SCUBA and A Deep Blue Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Center.
Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Destination
There is a ton of day trip potential when you stay around Duck Key! While the Florida Keys are a relatively remote string of islands, you can easily head to the mainland to explore the lush landscapes of the Everglades or the glitzy glamour of Miami.
Best Restaurants and Bars in Duck Key
Duck Key has plenty of diverse dining options to satisfy all appetites. Despite Duck Key’s remote and quiet location, there is also a pizzeria, Starbucks, and a market where you can satisfy all your late-night or last-minute cravings. Here are a few of our favorites.
- Angler and Ale is the most recommended of the bunch for its lovely atmosphere and oceanside location.
- Within 30 minutes, you can also find the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant and Bar at Robbie’s, Islamorada Brewery and Distillery, and Morada Bay Beach Cafe.
- Head to Marathon and Conch Key for lots of nearby additional dining options, including seafood favorites.
What to Pack To Visit the Florida Keys
Grab your highest SPF sunscreen and beach towel!
Packing for Duck Key is no different than packing for most other Floridian destinations. Expect hot, humid tropical weather with an emphasis on beachy attractions.
Here is a brief packing list with items that you shouldn’t travel to any of the Florida Keys without.
- Sunscreen SPF 50 or higher.
- Mosquito Repellent.
- Sunhat and sunglasses.
- Swimsuit.
- Beach towel.
- Dry Bag + Snorkel gear
Because of potential humidity, pack only lightweight and breathable clothes if you are planning a Caribbean vacation.
Enjoy Your Tropical Paradise Getaway!
Our vacation rentals are carefully curated and scattered around the Florida Keys. Perfect for romantic getaways, family reunions, or even solos with a flair for tropical decor. There are so many different Keys to choose from when visiting this lovely scenic island grouping from Key West to Key Largo, but this guide is designed to help you determine if Duck Key is right for your trip.
Book your stay and come savor the Sunshine State!
