I’ve always wanted to explore the Keys magical underwater world, but truthfully, the thought of snorkeling or diving scares the fins off of me.
That’s why I was thrilled to hop aboard the Key Largo Princess – a 75-foot luxury glass-bottom motor yacht. She swept me off for an eye-popping, two-hour tour of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the exciting underwater world of the adjacent Key Largo Marine Sanctuary.
The Marine Sanctuary is also home to Molasses Reef, renowned for its clear water, many fish, and numerous boulder corals. Divers often refer to Molasses Reef as the “Aquarium.” And with good reason.
Masses of fish ranging from moray eels, parrotfish, turtles, rays, and even sharks, are all residents of this awe-inspiring underwater world.
It only takes about 45 minutes to get to the reef, giving you plenty of time to kick back with a tropical cocktail in the air-conditioned main cabin or up top on the sundeck.
Once there, you’ll be able to observe the coral reef through several large flat viewing windows located along the center of the boat. The windows are big enough for everyone to observe the reef at the same time and are installed flat, so there’s no distortion other than what nature creates.
The Key Largo Princess can hold up to 140 passengers, but truthfully, it never felt crowded, and we always seemed to have plenty of elbow room. All in all, it was a great experience! I plan to take my family on a tour when they come back down for a visit.
The Key Largo Princess cruises daily at 10 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm. You can find it dockside next to the Holiday Inn at 99701 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo. FYI: You can check-in online, electronically dockside, or right in the Holiday Inn Lobby Gift Shop a half hour before your cruise. Info and reservations: 305-451-4655; keylargoprincess.com.
