Uncrowded Caribbean Without a Passport

May 13, 2008 -- No passports needed. No long lines at the airport. No hassles. If you're craving the Caribbean vibe but don't want to leave the U.S., check out one of the best-kept secrets in the Florida Keys.

Duck Key is only 90 miles from Miami, but feels like a world away. The island is in the process of recreating itself into the water sports capitol of the Keys. From swimming with dolphins, kayaking, spear fishing and waterskiing, to jet skiing, sunset sails and deep sea fishing – you can find it all there.

There's so much to do on this tiny 60-acre island, and it's all affordable.

Most of the island is owned by Hawks Cay Resort (www.hawkscay.com). It's been around 50 years, but has just re-opened after a $35 million renovation. The resort also owns the island's full-service marina, attracting anglers from all over the country to tackle a day – or week – of sea fishing.

Deep Sea Fishing

What makes the fishing scene off Duck Key so phenomenal is how many different kinds of fish you can catch, and some of these babies are real fighters. On our trip one of the guys hooked a six-foot sailfish – this monster came flying out the water, twisting and turning, trying to get off the hook. The fish won, eventually getting away, but what a show!

Because there are so many different kinds of fish and special techniques to reel in each, your best bet is to sign up with a pro. Hawks Cay has six charter boats standing by, with prices starting around $400 for a half-day. There's even a "Hook and Cook" program, where if you catch something tasty the chef will cook it for you.

Depending on the season and how far into the ocean you want to go, you can pick the fish you want to go after, including: Yellow Tail, Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, Swordfish, Sailfish, Kingfish, Tarpon, Bonefish, Sharks, Jacks, Trout and Snook.

The fishing is so good here that top anglers from the television show "Saltwater Experience" have decided to make Hawks Cay their home base for the season. There has also been buzz about some new fishing tournaments showing up on the island.

Tip from the locals: If you get a little queasy on the water, anglers here swear by Trip Tone, an over-the-counter sea sickness pill.

Swim with Dolphins

If you'd rather hang out with sea mammals, you'll find a great dolphin program at Hawks Cay. The state-of-the-art research facility features five bottlenose dolphins. Visitors can interact with them while learning about the surrounding eco-system.

The basic program is 45 minutes long. Or you can sign up for the "Trainer for a Day" program, where you'll spend three hours learning what it takes to be a dolphin trainer.

Hawks Cay even has a program where couples can get married with the dolphins. The bride, groom and a few brave members of the wedding party all get in the water, with a professional photographer on hand to capture the unique nuptials.

Parasailing

Want a birds-eye view of Duck Key? Try parasailing. Meet at the marina – where almost all the water sports are based, just a five-minute walk from the resort – and after a short boat ride the parasail comes out. You actually take off from the boat and land back in the same place, never getting your feet wet.

Sundance Watersports is the only game in town for parasailing, and this family-owned operation prides itself in giving personalized service and offering great prices. Of course, parasailing isn't unique to Duck Key, but the major difference in doing it here as opposed to tourist mainstays like Key West is, in fact, the tourists. Here, you won't find crazy crowds, and families say they like the more laid back, peaceful feel of Duck Key.

If you're searching for some solo time, try parasailing alone with prices starting at $79, or double the fun with a tandem trip for $139.

Kayaking

If paddling is your pleasure, Duck Key offers up some unique kayaking. Many days, you won't even see another person on the water, making it feel like you have the entire island to yourself.

A half-day kayak rental will only set you back $40, and if you want some guidance there are even some special eco-tours you can sign up for. A popular trip is to venture over to Tom's Island, a deserted tiny speck of sand where you can find some great seashells.

Tip from the locals: Hawks Cay is surrounded by some beautiful canals lined with million-dollar homes. You might be tempted to paddle by for a closer look, but be forewarned the current in these canals can get tough, so ask ahead about the conditions.

Sailing

Like most of the Florida Keys, you can get some strong wind whipping through Duck Key, making it a sensational place for sailing. Go the easy route and sign up for a sunset sail where you can sip champagne and relax, or sign up for one of the special sailing schools offered here.

The Offshore Sailing School was founded in 1964 by Olympic and America's Cup sailor Steve Colgate and is the only one offered in the Florida Keys (www.offshore-sailing.com).

Hawks Cay Resort

"Barefoot Luxury" is how the folks at Hawks Cay describe the resort after its multi-million dollar renovation. With close to 200 newly designed rooms and 225 villas, this property feels more like a comfortable family retreat than a typical hotel setting. Taking up almost the entire island of Duck Key, Hawks Cay has a classy but quaint feel and is set up to cater to couples and families.

A favorite gathering spot is a large fire pit next to one of the resort's five pools. Just a few steps away the new Rum Bar serves up fantastic margaritas and mojitos. There are several restaurants on the property, and Tom's Harbor House at the marina dishes up some delicious seafood.

The resort's signature restaurant, Alma, opens later this summer and is already generating buzz throughout the Keys. (I got a sample of the Nuevo Latino tapas, and if it's any indication of what's to come, Alma is going to impress.)

Ultimately, the real beauty of Duck Key is that you don't have to travel outside the country to find a tropical paradise. So whether you want to dive into all the different water sports or just relax at the spa or sip umbrella drinks by the pool, Hawks Cay has something for everyone.

More: Check out Karen Schaler's Travel Blog at www.traveltherapytrips.com.