Maya Key is a small private islet a five-minute boat ride off Coxen Hole, run as a day-trip destination with an unusual selling point: a small animal rescue sanctuary holding monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, parrots, and other Central American wildlife confiscated from the illegal pet trade.
Beyond the sanctuary the key has a sheltered snorkel beach (good for kids), a swimming pool, a buffet restaurant, and a small replica Maya stelae park. It is a cruise-ship favourite; on cruise days the island fills up. Independent travellers can book direct through the resort office at Mahogany Bay. A pleasant, if entirely managed, half-day.