Why fall is the REAL season in the Keys

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Why Fall in the Keys Shines (and what’s coming up)

Hello from warm waters & salty air,

If you think summer’s the only time to visit the Keys, you’re missing the punchline. As someone who’s spent far more time barefoot in the salt than I probably should’ve, I’ll let you in on a little secret: fall is magic here. The crowds thin, the storms mellow, the sea gets clearer — and you can have whole stretches of reef almost to yourself.

Here’s what I’m loving this season — and what you won’t want to miss:

1. Go deeper — snorkeling & diving with clarity

After hurricane season, the sea does a little reset: the water clears, the fish settle back in, and the reef shows off. Some top spots you can’t really beat:

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo — America’s first undersea park, with guided snorkeling trips and the famous Christ of the Abyss statue submerged not far out.

• Molasses Reef — a well-known reef near Key Largo, accessible by tour operators.

• Bahia Honda State Park — easier access, plus tours out to reef fingers offshore.

• Eastern Dry Rocks — near Key West, part of the sanctuary reef system.

• Davis Reef — a restoration partner site, good water quality, healthy coral.

Tip: Most snorkeling in the Keys is by boat — the healthy reefs tend to be 1–8 miles offshore. Shore or beach snorkeling is limited (but possible in a few places like Fort Zachary Taylor or Higgs Beach)

If you’re booking a tour, look for operators that run small groups, use reef‑safe practices, and know hidden pockets of reef.

2. Eat what matters: stone crabs & fresh catches

October marks the beginning of stone crab season — those claws are sweet, tender, and basically the ocean’s gift to your taste buds.

• Key Largo Fisheries, Keys Fisheries (Marathon), and The Stoned Crab (Key West) are all solid stops to get claws fresh off the boat.

• Pair with local conch fritters, ceviche, grilled snapper, or lionfish (yes, they let you eat the invasive ones).

• Pro tip: Ask your server where the fish came from that day. If they look away sheepishly, chances are your snapper spent its last week north of the border.

3. Let your freak flag fly: Fantasy Fest

Yes, Fantasy Fest is back — costumes, glitter, feathers, body paint, and all the eccentric magic that makes Key West weird in the best way.

• Dates (2025): October 17–26, with the theme “Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters.” 

• Events include the Goombay Festival, Zombie Bike Ride, Royal Coronation, the Headdress Ball, and the famed Fantasy Fest Parade (usually on the last Saturday).

• The party isn’t just flash — Fantasy Fest raises funds for local nonprofits across the Keys.

🎭 Stay tuned for this week’s special newsletter — costume ideas, insider tips (which events to skip, which to hit), where to cool off when the glitter becomes oppressive, and how to get the most out of the festival without burning out.

4. Feel the speed: November Powerboat Races

If you're wired for high energy and love your saltwater with horsepower, this is for you.

• The Key West Offshore Powerboat Racing World Championships run November 2 – November 9, 2025 at Truman Waterfront Park.

• The kick-off includes the World’s Fastest Boat Parade along Duval Street (Parade lineup at 3:30 PM, parade at 4:00 PM) on November 2. Race days with big spectacles: November 5 (Truman Waterfront Cup), November 7, and November 9.

• On land, enjoy complementary parties: welcome events, Duval Street parties, racing night parties, and more.

• Want to be in the action? Tour companies like Fury run view boats so you can watch the races from the water (getting you closer than being on shore).

5. Dive into weird & wonderful local lore

Fall is prime time for ghost stories, legends, and hidden histories.

• Ghost walks of Key West — explore haunted houses, secret alleys, and local lore after dark.

• Robert the Doll — creepier than your last bad ex, this haunted doll resides in East Martello Museum.

• Pirate tales, shipwreck lore, and underwater archaeology — e.g. the San Pedro shipwreck near Indian Key is part of the Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve.

• Use local guides or walking tour companies, because most of the best stories—and the best delivery—come from people who live it.

🔍 Local Tips & Tricks (Expanded)

• Hit the water early — mornings bring calmer seas, fewer boat wakes, and better visibility.

• Pack a lightweight rain shell & quick‑dry clothes — you’d be surprised how fast the clouds can move down here.

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen — your coral and fish neighbors will bless you for it.

• Ask locals — some of the best snorkeling patches, hidden coves, or lore tours don’t appear on Google Maps.

• Stay flexible — afternoons could bring squalls or swirl winds; be ready to shift your plans.

• Check event schedules in advance — events like Fantasy Fest and boat races often have multi‑day schedules; you may want to “stake your ground” ahead of time.

• Book early — especially for festival lodging, boat tours, or popular dinner spots. Fall is less crowded, but big events still fill fast.

✍️ Closing Notes & What’s Next

Fall in the Keys is a kind of hush after summer’s roar. It’s the time to slow down, find your rhythm with the tides, and let the ocean speak a little louder.

Don’t forget — this week’s special Fantasy Fest issue hits your inbox soon: costume ideas, insider hacks, offbeat symbols, and how to enjoy Key West without wearing yourself out from too much sparkle.

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