Perfect water visibility for the ultimate diving experiences, seasonal fish specials, and one heck of a St. Patty’s Day party are just a few reasons to visit Key Largo, Florida, during these select spring months.

You really can’t go wrong with a visit to Key Largo or the greater Florida Keys at any time of the year. After all, due to this archipelago’s unique geography with added protection from surrounding barrier reefs, the Keys tend to be more sheltered from inclement weather than other parts of Florida. That said, there’s still something undeniably special about springtime along this string of tropical islands stretching 120 miles from the southernmost tip of Florida. And the northernmost island of Key Largo may just be one of the top treasure trove of to-dos that you can only experience during the months of February through June.

KEY LARGO ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

Dive into an Underwater Paradise that Is at Its Peak in Spring

Aptly referred to as the “Diving Capital of the World,” it’s no secret that Key Largo offers some of the best dive sites in Florida. But what you may not realize is that the months from March through June offer some of the best water visibility (often reaching up to 80 to 100 feet deep) of the year on account of calmer seas. Couple that with the season’s warmer water temps (around 75 degrees Fahrenheit in comparison to the previous winter months) and when colorful tropical fish are most active and you’ve got the makings of one immersive snorkeling and diving experience. The best part? You don’t have to be an expert diver. Snorkeling and diving in Key Largo is great for beginners because of its many easily accessible dive sites.

Spot Dolphins & Manatees with Cruisin’ Tikis Key Largo

While there’s never a 100% guarantee that you’ll see dolphins or manatees at any time of year, your best chance is always the springtime months of March, April, and May in Key Largo. That’s because it’s dolphin mating and calving season, which means more dolphin activity closer to shore. Additionally, the abundance of seagrass here in spring also attracts manatees to these in-shore areas. For a better chance of seeing these majestic creatures, consider booking a trip with Cruisin’ Tikis Key Largo, a slow-moving six-person tiki boat that putters through the bay at a max speed of five miles per hour, making them less likely to spook wildlife for a better chance of that once-in-a-lifetime spotting.

Savor Seasonal Fish Dishes at Skippers Dockside

You can’t go wrong with the abundance of year-round fresh fish in Key Largo. However, from March through May, the season peaks for certain species like mahi-mahi, grouper, and snapper. During these months, these fish are at their fattest, healthiest, and most flavorful, offering a superior taste and texture compared to when they’re caught out of season. Want to see (better yet, taste) what we mean? Head over to Skippers Dockside, a beloved Mile Marker 100 vintage boathouse-style restaurant, where you find these seasonal delights starring on the menu, everything from crab-crusted group with crispy potatoes and lemon-butter sauce, blackened mahi served in a sandwich with citrus coleslaw, and fried whole snapper served over cilantro rice.

See Rare Flora & Fauna at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

It’s hard to believe that this small park, located at Mile Marker 106 on the northern end of Key Largo, was almost clear-cut to build oceanfront condos in the 1980s. Good thing it wasn’t: Now owned by Florida’s Conservation and Recreational Lands program, it’s actually home to the country’s largest tract of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock, as well as 84 protected species of plants and animals. But come the months of March, April and May, what people marvel at the most are the scores of butterflies as the park blooms with nectar-rich flowers crucial to these fluttering insects’ life cycles. Expect to witness species – like the Zebra Longwing, Ruddy Daggerwing (Florida’s state butterfly), and the rare and endangered Miami Blue and Schaus’ Swallowtail – gliding through the hammocks.

KEY LARGO 2025 EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Corals & Climate Change, Feb 12

Held at Reefhouse Resort & Marina’s coral nursery (a satellite project of Mote Marine), this family-friendly program lets you get up close with the coral cuttings, while also educating just how much the ocean and corals are affected by climate change, including global warming and ocean acidification.

Vintage Dive Weekend, March 8 & 9

Islamorada’s History of Diving Museum comes to Key Largo for two days to lead a diving demonstration with an authentic double hose regulator just like the ones used by Jacques Cousteau. Participating attendees must be a certified diver, but non-divers are welcome to attend and watch.

Key Largo Beer, Wine, & Seafood Pairing Festival, March 15 & 16

Held at Blue Fin Rock Harbor RV Park & Marina, this two-day event celebrates the best of local seafood, craft beer, and fine wines, offering attendees the chance to savor unique pairings in a beautiful waterfront setting. With live music, delicious tastings, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the flavors of the Florida Keys while soaking in the stunning views of the marina.

Upper Key’s Irish Fest Party, March 16

Considered the biggest Saint Patrick’s party in the Upper Keys year after year, this daylong celebration brings together live music, a parade, green beer (provided by Islamorada Beer Company), Irish whiskey, corned beef and cabbage, and more. Held at the Caribbean Club, one of the last relics of Old Key Largo, the event benefits T.I.P.S. (Teen Intervention Prevention Services) and their work with Key Largo School Athletics and Upper Key Kids.

33rd Annual Island Fest, April 5 & 6

Located half an hour’s driving distance from Key Largo on the key of Islamorada, this annual Founders Park fundraiser is a free local event set on a 45-acre plot of land with gorgeous ocean views. Expect live music, 100 creative vendors, and quirky activities like the “What Floats Your Boat?” homemade boat contest. 

Amazing Adaptations, April 9

This family-friendly program takes place at Reefhouse Resort & Marina’s coral nursery (a satellite project of Mote Marine), where guests learn about how animals’ adaptations help them survive in their habitats, specifically those that live on or around a reef. This lesson includes a STEM activity where participants design their own sea creature perfectly adapted to live in their environment. 

Skippers Dolphin Tournament, May 30–June 1

Hosted annually by Skippers Dockside, this premier tournament draws anglers from all over Florida for two days of competitive fishing. Their target? Dolphin fish, also known as mahi-mahi. Teams compete for more than $60,000 in cash prizes, including a $20,000 first-place award, with winners determined by the combined weight of their top catches. The event also features categories for female and junior anglers, daily prizes, and festive dockside gatherings.