Cudjoe Key: Fishing, Nature and History

When looking for a hotel in Cudjoe Key for a trip, you can choose your destination based on your interests. Local highlights include various fishing opportunities, additional hiking trails, the habitats of the Florida ribbon snake, and a history of radio and broadcasting. Consider which of these aspects is most important to your stay.

Fishing and Activities on the Water

Fishing is considered a year-round activity on Cudjoe Key. When choosing how to fish, you can consider different settings and types: surf fishing is considered especially suitable at beaches or in shallow waters, kayak fishing is another option, and charter fishing is one way to explore the waters. A quarry accessible from the ramp on Blimp Road is suitable for kayak fishing. Local conditions may vary, so take this into account when planning.

Nature and Hiking Trails

The Key ring-necked snake is found on seven of the Lower Florida Keys: Key West, Big Pine Key, Little Torch Key, Middle Torch Key, No Name Key, Cudjoe Key, and Stock Island. The protected population of the Florida ribbon snake inhabits Spartina marsh grass, mangrove swamps, and freshwater ditches on Cudjoe Key. It is also found on Big Pine, Little Torch, Middle Torch, No Name, Saddlebunch, Sugarloaf, and Upper Sugarloaf Key. The two nature topics have different scopes: the Key ring-necked snake has a range spanning several Keys, while the Florida ribbon snake occupies specific habitats on Cudjoe Key. The lists include seven and eight Keys, respectively.

Cudjoe Key has additional hiking trails. Unlike the fishing opportunities, the focus here is on trails rather than activities on the water; you can consider hiking as a separate focus.

Radio History on Cudjoe Key

During the Cold War, the USAFSS and other agencies used Cudjoe Key as a radio facility and SIGINT collection station. TV Martí was also based on Cudjoe Key and began broadcasting there in 1990. For travelers interested in the history of technology, this background adds a distinct focus alongside the fishing and nature topics.

Getting There and Practical Planning

The Lower Keys Shuttle is provided by the City of Key West and serves stops along U.S. 1 between Key West and Marathon; Cudjoe Key is also one of the stops. Since routes can change without notice, check the current schedule before traveling.

A description from October 2010 mentions a paved boat ramp with one lane at Cudjoe Gardens Marina. Check the current status of the marina facilities before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Layton, Little Torch Key, Stock Island, Sugarloaf Key, Duck Key, Marathon Shores, Tavernier, Big Pine Key

For the broader travel overview: Monroe.