The Florida Keys?

Trixeetrix

So I have not made any honeymoon plans yet and since FI and I don't have passports we are looking to stay in the US.  The Florida Keys seems to have so much to do since we are outdoor people and the weather will be nice, flights are cheap, etc.  However, I can't find ANYTHING regarding The Keys & Honeymoons.  I was looking for a nice affordable "package" that included some activities and such, but I am starting to think I might be better booking things "seperate".  Anyways, I was wondering if anyone here has gone to the Keys and can offer any advice.  Thanks!

[Deleted User]

We've been to Key West twice and are heading back for a third time this June(+ Key Largo for 1 night).

 Just as an FYI, there are no All Inclusives in the US. Pretty much everything is ala cart (booked seperatly). You may be able to find a hotel that includes breakfast(Hyatt in KW does) or dinner in the price and some may run specials at times that inlcude an activity but that's about it.

I can honestly say, we have done trips to AI's in the Caribbean for 7 nights (including airfare) a lot cheaper then we've done KW for 4 nights.

I have reviews and pics from Key West in the link above my siggy pic if you would like to check it out.

Another FYI, you still have plenty of time to get a passport.

Link for FL Keys info:

http://www.fla-keys.com/

meganb1977

We are staying at Conch Key Cottages and were able to take a boat ride through them.  They also have concierge services that can make dinner reservations for you and direct you towards things you might want to do.  Then we are staying for a few more nights at Southernmost on the Beach on Key West.  Here is an article about places to stay for a romantic time in the Keys which mentions some other places, and there were plenty of others if you Google "romantic Florida Keys honeymoons"

http://honeymoons.about.com/od/floridakeys/tp/FL_Keys_Hotels.htm

almost-a-bride

I love the Keys. I'm not sure about honeymoon packages, we have only been on vacation. But it's a lot of fun! You will probably be better booking everything separately. Good luck!!

Trixeetrix

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!!  You have been most helpful.

SuMmErKuTiE

Ditto everything Mokeygirl said. We just went to the Keys last month, and we spent more to drive there (we live about 6-7 hours away) and stay there for a few nights than we have to fly to the Caribbean or Mexico and stay at an all-inclusive resort. The hotel rates are about the same, and nothing is included, so you still have to pay for all of your meals, drinks, and activities unlike at an AI in the Caribbean or Mexico where all that stuff is included.

And you have plenty of time to get a passport. Even without rushing a passport, it should be ready in 4-6 weeks. I received mine in 2 weeks without even rushing it.

Maggie0829

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_florida-keys-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:35dd3350-49e6-47ec-b81b-28445809bcfaPost:24b498c3-cec2-4e19-8e99-3d5da76b7245">Re: The Florida Keys?</a>:
[QUOTE]We are staying at Conch Key Cottages and were able to take a boat ride through them.  They also have concierge services that can make dinner reservations for you and direct you towards things you might want to do.  Then we are staying for a few more nights at <strong>Southernmost on the Beach </strong>on Key West.  Here is an article about places to stay for a romantic time in the Keys which mentions some other places, and there were plenty of others if you Google "romantic Florida Keys honeymoons" <a href="http://honeymoons.about.com/od/floridakeys/tp/FL_Keys_Hotels.htm" rel="nofollow">http://honeymoons.about.com/od/floridakeys/tp/FL_Keys_Hotels.htm</a>
Posted by meganb1977[/QUOTE]

This is where my H and I stayed for our honeymoon in July.  We loved the Keys and a great thing (but also a negative) about the Southernmost is that it is at the quiet end of Duvall Street so it is very calm and relaxing.  The reason why I say it is a negative is the fact that a lot of the things you may want to do, such as restaurants, shopping, bars, marina to catch boat cruises, etc are at the much busier end of Duvall which is about a 16-20 block walk (which is extremely far especially when it is 95 degrees and a high humidity).  So I definitely suggest renting a moped while you are there.

As for how we got to the Keys, H and I flew into Miami and rented a car to drive to the Keys (we then dropped it off at the Key West airport so we didn't have to pay for a car that we weren't going to be using all week...we walked everywhere).  This saved a little on flight costs because flying directly into the Keys can be expensive.  Also, it was a really nice drive (about 3 hours) to see the sights and the gorgeous blue/green clear water.  We stopped a few times a long the way to get something to drink/eat and just walk around the other towns before you get to Key West.

Southernmost on the Beach has a great little restaurant that we ate breakfast and lunch at most days.  They also have pool side service and a private beach.

As for activites, the conceirge is super helpful and will recommend restaurants and help book boat tours etc.  We did the sunset party cruise with Fury...the price included all you can drink margaritas and beer (sodas too) and apps for the entire cruise (about 2.5 hours) and we also did a snorkel/dolphin watch cruise with Fury as well...this was a great tour (about 3 hours) and we loved every minute...we saw about 25 dolphins all together, which even the crew said was unheard of.

The rest of the nights we were there we just walked around and took in the sights...people watching is the main entertainment in my opinion.

Yes, you will most likely have to book things separate but we didn't book any of our boat tours until we were there and figured out what we wanted to do.  And yes, it is a little more expensive then say an AI in Mexico or the Caribbean but Key West is a great option if you don't have a passport but still want a Caribbean feel.  All in all our honeymoon (including flights, hotel [we also stayed two nights in Miami], rental cars, boat tours, gas for the rental cars) was $3000 for 7 days, 6 nights.

ASMommaBlue

We are planning on the Keys as well and have settled on Hawks Cay on Duck Key, but haven't booked it yet.  Anyone have any reviews or know of this place?

Trixeetrix

Thanks for the great suggestions!!!  I am going to do some research today.  Maggie - the dolphin tour sounds AMAZING.  We wanted to actually swim with the dolphins too which I know you can do in the keys.  I was thinking of renting a car.  I am also glad to hear that you booked your activities there - because that was something that was worrying me - having to book everything ahead of time.  We will be going April 23rd - for a week or so.  YAY!!  Thanks again!!

Trixeetrix

As for the passport thing - I know there is still time but I don't know if I want to leave the country (never have before) and I kind of feel it is a waste of money since we will probably never use it again!  I was also under the impression they took six months to get so thanks for setting me straight on that Summer.

chickcasa

We went to Cheeca Lodge a year ago September.  It was AMAZING!  We had such a great time and are hoping to go back at some point!  It would definitely be a great option for a honeymoon.

~Katy