A haunting Halloween in the Florida Keys

Surrounded by warm, clear water and lying adjacent to the United States' only living coral barrier reef, the Florida Keys offer lively hauntings and friendly competitions for Halloween celebrants both above and below the water's surface.

The beautiful 63-acre Crane Point Hammock in Marathon, is to take a turn for the scary on Thursday 30 October 2008. Spirits of the Haunted Hammock is to feature ghosts, pirates, Bahamian spirits and haunted hayrides. Terrifying trails and spook houses are planned to send chills down visitors' spines.

For those who prefer their spookiness submerged, the annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest will take place on Monday 27 October in Key Largo. The contest is open to all certified scuba divers where teams are to receive a hollowed-out pumpkin that is to be turned into a jack-o-lantern.

The annual 31 October Fright Night Costume Party at Holiday Isle Resorts and Marina in Islamorada offers a cash prize of $1,000 [£500] split among winning costume contestants. Live music, livelier libations and the costume contest make Fright Night the Halloween happening in the Upper Keys.

For further information about events and accommodations throughout the Florida Keys, visit fla-keys.co.uk.