Karuna Eberl and Steve Alberts

Karuna Eberl and Steve Alberts live on Cudjoe Key in the Lower Keys, where they write and photograph for local and national publications, most often with a focus on travel, adventure and the environment. You can visit their web sites at quixotictravelguides.com and wanderingdogcreations.com

Hiring the right Florida fishing charter could be the beginning of a long relationship, so you want to get it right. Let this be your guide.

Rooted in the boisterous days of pirates, wreckers and rum runners, inebriation is an established ritual in Key West. Celebrate with locals at these favored watering holes away from the hordes crawling Duval Street.

There are many hidden islands in the Florida Keys, and some have fantastic stories behind them. There are even a few you can even visit. Here are 6 favorites.

The abundance of Florida Keys wildlife helps makes the Keys unique. Here are 12 animals, month-by-month, you can look for; many are unfamiliar to visitors.

When you visit Key West, you may hear some phrases you don’t understand or can’t pronounce. Bone Island? Bight? Bug? Chug? Pinks? Snuba? Tickle stick? This amusing Keys dictionary can help.

Capture that Key West vibe with these items — true products of the Keys from family-run businesses or local entrepreneurs. Many can also be ordered online.

Ernest Hemingway ended up in Key West like many others — by accident. He came for a day and stayed for a decade, and his influence is unmistakable.

I asked our friend, Key West guidebook writer Karuna Eberl, if she’d like to write about what it’s like being in the Florida Keys during this quarantine. She and her husband live on Cudjoe Key and I wondered how empty the Keys must feel without tourists. I didn’t expect this moving reply.

You’re looking for inexpensive lodging and you find Key West houseboat rentals on Airbnb or VRBO. Before you book, read our tips & questions to ask.