Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary
The Florida Keys are a National Marine Sanctuary. It includes the Florida Reef, the only barrier coral reef in North America and the third-largest coral barrier reef in the world. It also has extensive mangrove forest and seagrass fields. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, designated in 1990, is the ninth national marine sanctuary to be established in a system that comprises 13 sanctuaries and two marine national monuments. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects approximately 2,900 square nautical miles (9,900 km2; 3,800 sq mi) of coastal and ocean waters from the estuarine waters of south Florida along the Florida Keys archipelago, encompassing more than 1,700 islands, out to the Dry Tortugas National Park, reaching into the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The mission of the sanctuary is to protect the marine resources of the Florida Keys while facilitating human uses that are consistent with the primary objective of resource protection. Sanctuary waters and habitats support high species diversity due to the presence of both tropical and subtropical species, including the largest documented contiguous seagrass community in the northern hemisphere and extensive coral reef habitat. The sanctuary is also home to maritime heritage resources that encompass a broad historical period.
THINGS TO DO IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — Key Largo
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — Key Largo
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — Key Largo
In 1972, this 53,000-acre park was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. The country’s first underwater park is a paradise for everyone. And, while known for its scuba diving and snorkeling pursuits, kids can still enjoy this park without going deep underwater.
Founders Park - Islamorada
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — Key Largo
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — Key Largo
A beautifully manicured shallow water beach with a swimming area on the pristine Florida Bay. Complete with Tiki Huts, picnic tables, cooking grills, pavilion, sand volleyball court, shade trees, playgrounds for children, outdoor showers, and restroom facilities. Volleyballs available for rent at the Park Office .
Bahia Honda State Park — Big Pine Key
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — Key Largo
Bahia Honda State Park — Big Pine Key
Famous for its beaches, this 524-acre park sits along both the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Spend a day relaxing on the pristine beach, and enjoying its warm, crystal clear waters. Go snorkeling, swimming, hiking and kayaking. You can also spend a night here at any of its campsites or cabins.
Anne’s Beach — Islamorada
Dry Tortugas National Park — Key West
Bahia Honda State Park — Big Pine Key
With shallow waters and gorgeous sands, this beach is a prime destination for families with small kids and adults of all ages. Even better, the beach has plenty of free parking and convenient amenities, like restrooms and showers.
Higgs Beach — Key West
Dry Tortugas National Park — Key West
Dry Tortugas National Park — Key West
A visit to Higgs Beach is truly one of the best free kid-friendly things to do in the Florida Keys. For everyone’s favorite price of zero dollars, you can visit this beach and soak up its tropical beauty. What’s more, it’s home to several important cultural and historic attractions..
Dry Tortugas National Park — Key West
Dry Tortugas National Park — Key West
Dry Tortugas National Park — Key West
Accessible only by plane or boat, this remote 64,000-acre park is sure to give you an extraordinary family adventure. Not only is it serene and remote, but it also boasts a historic fort and mesmerizing teal-blue waters.
Theater of the Sea — Islamorada
Key West Shipwreck Museum — Key West
Theater of the Sea — Islamorada
Since 1946, this Islamorada attraction has been luring families with its marine life shows.
Offering a Sea World-like experience, this park is praised for its spectacular sea lion and dolphin shows. As a bonus, the park offers a verdant tropical garden with bird shows, and glass bottom rides.
Turtle Hospital — Marathon
Key West Shipwreck Museum — Key West
Theater of the Sea — Islamorada
The Turtle Hospital has released more than 1,500 sea turtles to the wild since its opening in 1986. Take a 90-minute tour of the hospital, feed its permanent residents and see its rehabilitation tanks. If you visit it at the right time, you may even catch a turtle release.
Key West Shipwreck Museum — Key West
Key West Shipwreck Museum — Key West
History of Diving Museum — Islamorada
Nestled in Key West, this recreated 19th-century warehouse tells the story of the area’s 400-year shipwreck salvage history. With genuine shipwreck artifacts, films and costumed actors, there will never be a dull moment inside this unique museum.
History of Diving Museum — Islamorada
History of Diving Museum — Islamorada
History of Diving Museum — Islamorada
Established in 2006, this non-profit museum offers families an educational experience in Islamorada. Through photographs, artifacts and documents, the museum beautifully highlights the area’s diving history and culture. Plus, the museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Dolphin Research Center — Grassy Key
History of Diving Museum — Islamorada
Dolphin Research Center — Grassy Key
Built in 1984, this 90,000-square-foot Grassy Key dolphinarium features a string of saltwater lagoons. A non-profit research and education facility, this dolphinarium gives a close encounter with charming sea mammals like California sea lions and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
Smathers Beach — Key West
History of Diving Museum — Islamorada
Dolphin Research Center — Grassy Key
Stretching for half a mile, this family-friendly cove is Key West’s largest public beach. Enjoy the park’s amenities, including volleyball courts, picnic areas and water sports. There’s also a sidewalk and bike trail where you go cycling or take a leisurely stroll.