Official VISIT FLORIDA Travel Guide 2008 - (Page 71) Rule 1: Get wet The Florida Keys are a string of islands separating the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, so water is the main attraction here. A coral reef borders the 193-kilometre-long island chain, forming the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and creating incredible opportunities for snorkellers and scuba divers. Dive amid the submerged Christ of the Deep statue offshore at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, and among sea turtles and tropical fish at Dry Tortugas National Park, a scenic boat ride from Key West. Hundreds of species of fish swim in Keys waters, so fishing is a popular sport here. Some of the most coveted catches in the backcountry waters include bonefish, sheepshead, snapper and snook. For more adventure, deep sea fishing charters cruise offshore for mahi-mahi, tuna, grouper and marlin. Fishing charters abound throughout the Keys. For families, seeing dolphins is one of the greatest thrills. At many places in the Keys, visitors can pet, kiss, swim and even paint with these endearing creatures. Dolphin encounter programs are available at Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, Theater of the Sea in Islamorada and at Dolphin Cove, Dolphins Plus and Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo. scenic hiking trails. At the latter, visitors may see the tiny white-tailed deer for which it is named, especially in the early morning and evening hours. The refuge and all the Keys are also home to a great variety of local and migratory birds, including brown pelicans, mangrove cuckoos, bald eagles, herons and various shorebirds. Biking is another great way to view the local flora and fauna. It’s also the way a lot of islanders get around on Key West. A paved bikeway that starts at the south end of Marathon parallels Seven-Mile Bridge and leads to Pigeon Key, a historic railroad-building village. Many resorts and businesses rent bicycles for exploring the easy, flat roadways and trails of the Florida Keys. Fishing in the Florida Keys Southeast & The Florida Keys Rule 2: Walk among wildlife On land, the Keys are also full of wildlife. Crane Point Hammock in Marathon and National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key have easy, 71
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.