Explore Eco-Friendly Adventures in the Florida Keys
Warm tropical breezes and cerulean blue waters have long drawn sun-seeking visitors to the Florida Keys. Eager for a fruity drink and a slice of key lime pie, many motor across the 125-mile-long chain of islands, ready to watch the sun dip below the horizon from Mallory Square in Key West.
However, we encourage you to slow down and discover the hidden treasures of the Florida Keys. From snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs to exploring colorful botanical parks and wild bird sanctuaries, every island offers eco-friendly adventures and captivating stories waiting to be explored.
Colorful Underwater Explorations
Your journey begins in Key Largo, one hour south of Miami. Here, you’ll traverse the first of 42 bridges, including the renowned Seven Mile Bridge. Along the way, pass by stunning state parks, starting with John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at Mile Marker 102.5.
Join a snorkeling tour to intimately explore America’s first undersea park. A snorkel boat takes you to shallow reefs like Banana Reef and Dry Rocks, alive with vibrantly-colored fish and the famous nine-foot-tall bronze statue of Christ of the Abyss.
For those who prefer to stay dry, a glass-bottom boat tour offers a mesmerizing view of the fascinating undersea landscape from long glass windows, showcasing the vibrant marine life of the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary.
Wild Bird Rescue Stories
Make the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center your next stop at Mile Marker 92 in Tavernier. Here, over 90 wild birds reside, each with its own rescue and rehabilitation story. You’ll find injured birds like barn owls, pelicans, and blue jays who sadly cannot return to the wild.
Uniquely Islamorada
Islamorada, the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, is a diverse island in the Florida Keys. At Mile Marker 88.5, explore Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, where fossilized coral reefs enrich the landscape.
Rent a canoe or kayak to paddle to nearby Indian Key Historic State Park at Mile Marker 78.5. Ruins from the mid-19th century tell the story of this island reclaimed by nature, offering an observation tower for breathtaking views.
Just a short distance from Indian Key is Alligator Reef at Mile Marker 77. Here, a 136-foot-tall lighthouse stands sentinel over some of the best snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys, filled with coral sponges and colorful fish.
Creatures and Wildlife Aplenty
When you drive west to Marathon, don’t miss the Turtle Hospital at Mile Marker 48.5. The guided tour offers insights into the lives of sea turtles and the conservation efforts to rehabilitate and release them back into the wild.
Continue to Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key at Mile Marker 37, featuring Calusa Beach and options for kayaking in calm waters. The Sand and Sea Nature Center provides more information about local wildlife, including sea turtles and Key deer.
Eco-Friendly Key West
Upon arriving in Key West at Mile Marker 0, the eco-adventures continue. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park features some of the best offshore snorkeling beaches in the area. Afterward, explore the wooded trails and historic structures of this Civil War-era fort.
Conclude your eco-friendly journey at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, where a butterfly garden and lush tropical landscapes await. It’s also a prime spot for birdwatching, featuring species like green herons and morning doves.
Before departing, don’t forget to take a photo at the iconic buoy marking the Southernmost Point and savor a tasty Frozen Key Lime Pie on a Stick. Finally, indulge in the breathtaking sunsets at Mallory Square, reflecting on the eco-friendly adventures you’ve experienced throughout the Florida Keys.
