Getaways for girls in the Florida Keys

Soar to the heavens while experiencing the silent thrill of a parasail ride. Stroll through galleries and fine boutiques offering handmade art and craft items. Celebrate life’s accomplishments and take a rejuvenating break in the Florida Keys and Key West.

With scores of recreational activities that cater to women, the Keys are a perfect destination for women-only getaways or solo adventures. Each area in the island chain that stretches from Key Largo to Key West offers its own one-of-a-kind attractions. And while the Keys have a Caribbean appeal, they’re actually all American — no passport is required and English is the native tongue.

A selection of girls’ getaway activities is listed here, but in reality the possibilities are as diverse and intriguing as the island chain itself. Underwater Stress Relief Just beneath the tip of mainland Florida lies Key Largo, the northernmost of the Florida Keys. There, women seeking renewal beneath the sea can plunge 25 feet to discover the statue of Christ of the Abyss at Key Largo Dry Rocks. This nine-foot-tall bronze statute rises so close to the surface that it can be seen by snorkelers as well as divers.

Key Largo is known as the scuba diving capital of the world, but it also offers a way to experience North America’s only living coral reef without getting wet. Sail aboard the Key Largo Princess, a 70-foot, glass-bottom, 129-passenger yacht to view the exciting underwater world of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the only undersea park in the United States.

The Key Largo Princess is located at the Holiday Inn Docks off U.S. Highway 1 at mile marker (MM) 100.

New Definition of Beauty Islamorada, just down U.S. 1 from Key Largo, offers a wide variety of fine restaurants and day spas for sybaritic pampering.

For women seeking an all-over tan, the tanning bed can be the large forward couch on Two Chicks Charters’ 26-foot Leisure Cat. The smooth-riding boat accommodates up to six people for an eco-tour to experience the natural beauty of the mangrove islands, an underwater treasure hunt, or a sunset on Florida Bay. Catch the boat at Worldwide Sportsman Bayside Marina, MM 81.5 in Islamorada.

Play by your own rules, don’t just order lobster off the menu — catch it yourself in the waters off Marathon. Captains Szandra Der and Kim Crosby of Starfish Charters provide all the equipment and give passengers the thrill of catching their own fish or lobster from the wide and stable 40-passenger catamaran out of Seadog Marina, MM 47.5 bayside in Marathon.

For another on-the-water adventure, form a mom-and-daughter angling team and make reservations for the Ladies Tarpon Tournament, held Mother’s Day weekend out of World Class Angler, 5050 Overseas Highway. The kick-off party starts with wine and champagne and the awards ceremony is a brunch.

Captain Donna VanKirk, who has fished the tournament with her own daughter, fell in love with tarpon fishing 20 years ago and made it her career. “Tarpon fishing during the four-hour afternoon tide is perfect for inexperienced anglers,” said VanKirk.

Respecting Individuality Live and let live is the mantra of many Big Pine and Lower Keys residents, whose homes adjoin a preserve protecting the petite Key deer. Come hike trails in the sprawling National Key Deer Refuge and take the opportunity to photograph 22 federally listed endangered and threatened species of plants and animals — five of them found nowhere else in the world.

Start at the refuge’s visitor center in the Big Pine Key Shopping Plaza, just off U.S. 1 at MM 30.3 bayside in the Lower Florida Keys.

Nowhere else in the world is it possible to find an elegant escape where free-roaming Key deer sometimes observe diners in a luxurious white-linen-tablecloth habitat. Take a cruise out to the internationally acclaimed private island paradise of Little Palm Island Resort & Spa to stay in a thatched-roof oceanfront bungalow suite, or enjoy a reservations-only brunch and game of life-size chess.

The ferry to Little Palm departs from MM 28.5 oceanside on Little Torch Key.

Relax, Reconnect and Rediscover Creativity In Key West, the picturesque southernmost island in the continental U.S., the arts community comes alive. Performers offer year-round billings of live music, dance, drama and even an acclaimed symphony.

The buzz is offset by tranquil accommodations at charming bed and breakfasts and resorts. On the Old Town Trolley tour, passengers learn about the island’s unique architecture and quirky history. As for making new friends, try swimming respectfully with wild dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean on one of several tours operated by women.

For a land-based adventure, rediscover the artist within at the Studios of Key West. The facility offers a packed schedule of workshops in writing, visual arts, mixed media, photography, jewelry making and book arts, as well as a free lecture series. The campus is located at the historic Key West Armory in the island city’s Old Town district, 600 White St.

Learn, Enrich, Empower Indoors or outdoors, a girls’ getaway vacation can be an enriching experience. Girls don’t just ride on the back of a motorcycle anymore and they don’t have to sit in the back of the boat either. These three programs teach skills and build confidence.

The She’s at Sea series of two-day seminars in Islamorada teaches women how to handle a powerboat. Female instructors provide a non-threatening atmosphere for women to enjoy being in charge of the vessel. She’s at Sea sessions are held in June, November, and December. E-mail info@shesatsea.com for more information.

Ladies Let’s Go Fishing!, billed as the “no-yelling school of fishing” is set for September in Islamorada. Classes teach conservation techniques and skill stations provide practice. Call (954) 475-9068 or e-mail billfishbetty@hotmail.com.

Women in the Outdoors is targeting May for the first-ever event held in the Keys. Classes are to include making nature jewelry, Dutch oven cooking, bird watching, fishing, kayaking, outdoor photography and self-defense.

Whether women are traveling solo or with a group, the Florida Keys and Key West offer safe, unique experiences that rejuvenate body, mind and soul.

For more information about the Florida Keys & Key West, including accommodations, visit Fla-keys.co.uk.