24.8518° N, 80.6189° W

This location was the inspiration behind SeaMonkey's Anchored in Paradise collection. 

For those looking for a more "domestic" place to visit, the Alligator Reef Lighthouse located off of Islamorada is a great place to enjoy beautiful blue waters, colorful reefs and marine life. Do not be deterred by the name of this location as there are no actual reptiles here. Alligator Reef Lighthouse is named after the USS Alligator, a U.S. Navy schooner that ran aground on the reef in 1822 and sank. The Lighthouse has been in place for over 150 years and now serves as home to some of the most beautiful species of coral and fish that you will find anywhere.

Though it may seem closer from shore, Alligator Reef is about 5 miles offshore and requires a water vessel to get to. We recommend utilizing a motorized boat to get here as using something like a kayak can be challenging (speaking from experience). We also suggest you get here early to enjoy the location at your leisure as Alligator Reef can get busy later in the day depending on the time of year. Lastly, keep an eye out on tides as there are various sandbars and marshy areas that can ruin your day if you are not careful (also speaking from experience).

Though Alligator Reef Lighthouse may not be one of the most 'exotic' locations on our list, its beautiful wildlife compares to some of the most secluded Caribbean reefs that we have been able to visit. Whether you are looking to swim, snorkel or just lounge on the boat, this is a great place to make a day trip to if in the Florida Keys. Just make sure you bring enough sunscreen (also, also speaking from experience).