ecoguide florida keys
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Travel planner to Florida's nature and aquatic adventures in the Florida Keys | Richard H.TRANSCRIPT
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Welcome to America’s island paradise and thank you forpicking up this copy of EcoGuide Florida Keys! It has beena challenging year for the Keys with erroneous reports of oil balls and impend-ing environmental doom — but I am so pleased to tell you that none ofthese reports actually materialized!
All is well and thriving here in the Keys and the reports just keepgetting better, from a healthy reef system — go out for yourself andlook at all of the new corals growing everywhere — to the sprawling man-grove forests!
We do have some of the most inviting waterfront resorts, quaint B&B’sand eateries that will send you home with a different perspective on dining! Butthe greatest asset we have here in the Keys is Mother Nature — just askJimmy Buffet. What do you think “Mother, Mother Nature” was about?
I am sure you came to the Keys to get into the water! We haveplenty of that here and all of the activities that go with it! So get out,get wet and have fun! PS: Please tell our advertisers you read aboutthem in the EcoGuide — they alone make this guide possible!
Enjoy Paradise — Enjoy the Florida Keys!Richard H. Stewart, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
I have been an admirer of the environment since I was achild. I developed a passion for the environment in high school.As an adult I took that passion and became an advocate. As a nine year resi-dent of the Florida Keys, I have been living in one of the most environmentallysensitive places in the world.
Since I moved here, I have learned so much. I am very thankful for theopportunities of enlightenment I have had. My eyes have been opened beyondwhat I could have dreamed. This heightened awareness has led to my makingconscious choices everyday for the betterment of my community, my environ-ment, and my planet. I have a voice and the ability to spread the “good greenword.”
I am very excited to be the Regional Publisher of the EcoGuide FloridaKeys. This publication supports and encompasses education, economy and theenvironment. The day I met Richard Stewart, my life changed forever. He hasgiven me an opportunity to continue to spread the “good green word” nation-wide. We are all connected on this planet. This publication allows you to thinkglobally, but act locally. As you travel to the Florida Keys, slow down, look aroundand participate in environmental preservation. Life is full of adventures, justtread softly through them!
Christi Allen, Regional Plublisher & Editor
Welcome to Paradise
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EcoGuide Florida Keys is published bi-annually by Ocean Realm Media, PO Box 2388,New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170. Content may not be copied without written permis-sion. ECOGUIDE is a trademark of Ocean Realm Media. Ph: 352.817.5893. EcoGuides are printed on 100% FSC certified paper in compliance with the environ-mental and social standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
The Florida Keys are sometimes referred to as “America’s tropical paradise”and for good reason. Stretching more than 107 miles from Key Largo to KeyWest, the “cays” or keys, dot the waterscape like tropical stepping stones intothe Caribbean. The deep blue water along the Atlantic side, the teal color of thebayside and the green palm trees together give you the feeling that you are traveling an oversea highway to the Caribbean.
The Florida Keys are composed of five separate districts in the county ofMonroe. Starting in the north is Key Largo/Tavernier, followed by Islamorada,Marathon, Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys, and at the southernmost — KeyWest. Each town displays characteristics that sets it apart, as do the aquaticand touring activities. Each has its own allure, such as the diving and snorkelingreputation of Key Largo; the fishing in Islamorada or the kayaking around BigPine. Of course, in reality you can dive, kayak and experience nature tours fromone end to another.
How the keys were formed is a time-line that dates back millions of yearswhen the planet was one ocean. Following the ice age along with the continentaldrifts of North and South America, parts of the Keys — notably the Upper Keysarea of Key Largo — were formed by sedimentary materials covering a solidbase. This process took a long period of time. Thousands of acres of coralforests that covered this submerged region eventually formed into the presentday land mass now referred to as Key Largo Limestone. Additionally, as the glaciers reformed, taking water from the ocean, the lowering sea level exposedthe shallower middle keys coral forests eventually creating today’s low elevationland mass of the middle keys. From the Big Pine Key area to Key West, the geographic profile is a combination of sand and Oolite — calcium carbonate deposits lying on top of Key Largo Limestone — forming today’s channel-riddenshoals and islands.
The Florida KeysThe Origins Of
EcoGuide | 4 | Florida Keys
How the Florida Keys were formed geologically is
an important part of understanding the fragile
environment the keys are today. The keys of today may
host thriving and growing communities but these
modern day land masses are still connected to the
existence of the marine life community as coral reef
forests still thrive just offshore.
Coral is a marine organism — not a rock as many
believe after observing the skeletal remains of the dead
coral. The coral animal is called a Polyp with the outer
skeleton the actual coral. The coral polyp is a
carnivorous animal that feeds off of smaller organisms
and as they grow, secretes the limestone-like material
that forms the hard coral. In order for coral to grow, it
depends on a warm and healthy environment free of
pollution.
Keys-wide there are many initiatives in place to
assure the long-term survival of the reef and backwater
systems. New facilities and a network of pipes have
been constructed to gather stormwater and reduce
waste material from leaching into the coastal water.
Along with new roads are retention ponds designed to
minimize the distribution of oil-tainted roadway run-off
water which can cause the degradation of the
mangrove and reef system and its fragile relationship
with the overall coastal and bayside eco-system.
Other initiatives, such as the Sanctuary Friends
Foundation’s environmental-embedment installation
program and the Audubon of Florida’s Key’s
Environmental Restoration projects, have further
assisted in slowing damage from population
encroachment. The Sanctuary Friends moorings
program was created to support the Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary’s efforts to place new and
replace deteriorated moorings — thus limiting reef
damage from boat anchors.
Because of the Caribbean-like tropical
environment, the Keys host a variety of flora and fauna
— many considered invasive. The Audubon Society of
Florida’s program is to fund the restoration and
enhancement of the Florida Keys natural areas.
From the filling in of man-made canals and the removal
of non-native vegetation to the replenishment of sea
grasses — more than 30 projects have all contributed
to protecting the natural environment of the Keys.
AMERICA’S TROPICAL PARADISE
EcoGuide | 6 | Florida Keys
IMAGE BY RICHARD STEWART
IMAGE BY RICHARD STEWART
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The Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary initiative ofthe Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) thatdesignates and recognizes lodging facilities that make a com-mitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources.The program’s environmental guidelines allow the hospitalityindustry to evaluate its operations, set goals and take specificactions to continuously improve environmental performance.
Directory of Florida KeysGreen Lodges
Vacationing away from home
doesn’t mean travelers have to
give up being environmentally
conscientious according to DEP
Director of Sustainable Initiatives,
Deas Bohn. “Staying in a
designated Green Lodging facility allows vacationers
to conserve water and energy while protecting the
state’s natural resources so that Florida remains a
beautiful travel destination for future generations.”
Please Consider Supporting a Green Lodge
When Planning Your Visit to the Florida Keys.
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efore Henry Flagler completed his overseas
railroad in 1913, travel to the Keys was
without a doubt a challenge. The eleven mile
road from Florida City to Card Sound met up
with the Key Largo Ferry until the wooden draw
bridge was completed in 1928. Flagler’s
railroad project linked Miami to Key West at a
cost of 50 million dollars only to be destroyed
by a hurricane in 1935. By 1938, the state had
finished what is now known as the Overseas
Highway. Today, driving to the Keys, and into
Key Largo is a twenty minute ride from Florida
City along newly paved and widened roads.
Key Largo is the first of five districts in
Monroe County, lying between mile markers
107 and 89, and is most commonly referred to
as the “Dive Capital of the World” because of its
expanse of healthy tropical reefs just off the
coast. Some say Key Largo was made
famous by the Humphrey Bogart movie of the
same name but, there is no doubt to the local
“conch” residents that Key Largo’s attraction
is a combination of both its thriving reefs and its
local charm.
Every year, tens of thousands head to Key
Largo to scuba dive, snorkel, kayak and fish.
Dotted all along the overseas highway can be
found great seafood and specialty restaurants,
dive operators, fishing charters and gift shops.
If you are a scuba diver or snorkeler you can
relish the fact you are in the most sub-tropical
environment in the continental U.S. The reef
system is amazing, offering excellent shallow
reef dives with mounds of Staghorn and Elkhorn
corals, sponges and an array of fish life. Some
of the most interesting reefs have tunnels run-
ning throughout — a product of the ocean erod-
ing the limestone base. The marine life is
vibrant — Grouper, Yellow Tail Snapper, Green
Moray Eels and even Nurse Sharks linger in the
sandy valleys between the coral mounds. It all
makes for an exciting dive for all.
Key Largoand Tavernier
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Key Largo Chamber of Commerce | www.FloridaKeys.org
EcoGuide | 13 | Florida Keys
IMAGE BY RICHARD STEWART
Let’s not overlook
snorkeling! If you are not
a SCUBA diver but would
like to see Key Largo’s
natural wonders beneath
the surface — then you
are a candidate to
become a snorkeler! No
training is required —
though it will be helpful to
have someone show you
how to clear the water out of the snorkel. Key Largo
has the most famous protected reefs in the
continental U.S. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park
— named after a visionary Miami Herald journalist —
has a world renown reputation for its incredible reef
life and, as a snorkeler there are so many wonderful
shallow water sites to experience that do not require
SCUBA certification.
As you drive from south Miami along the Overseas
Highway towards Key Largo enjoy the panoramic views
to the west — part of the Everglades and the Florida
Bay. This is one of the best kayaking environments
South Florida has to offer. From Key Largo up to
Florida City there are many bays, lagoons, marsh lakes
and canals to kayak, one could spend a life time
paddling and still not see it all. Key Largo has the
location advantage for kayaking as there are hundreds
of trails and launches and an endless array of wildlife
to view along the way. One day you are paddling
throughout the maze of mangroves in the bay, the next
day you are paddling and hiking the razor grass trails
of the Everglades — all within 30 minutes of Key Largo.
Diving and kayaking are just two of the many
activities Key Largo has to offer. Birding — otherwise
known as the art of observing wild birds — is an
activity that everyone from eight to eighty can enjoy
and appreciate. The Keys, and in particular Key Largo,
offer an amazing and diverse population of feathered
friends.
The water around Key Largo is an ecologically
fascinating place where freshwater from the
Everglades mixes with the saltwater of Florida Bay.
Ever since John James Audubon visited the Keys in
1832, birders have been taking notes — on the bird
life of the Upper Florida Keys. The birds diversity of this
coastal landscape is due to habitat nesting, and
migration.
The wildlife in the Florida Keys varies with the
contrast in habitat. It is in the protected shallow flats
and mangrove shoreline of the Upper Keys where
most of the water bird species inhabit coastal
Florida. Within the Florida Keys there are seven types
of herons and four types of Egrets, along with
Cormorants, Osprey, Frigate Birds, Vultures, Roseate
Spoonbills, Bald Eagles, Kites, Owls, Hawks, Stilts,
Brown Pelicans, White Ibis and many more species.
The Upper Keys are most interesting in terms of wild
life, trees and flowers and there are over eighteen
million visitors a year that “flock” here for
bird-watching vacations!
Every year, the Upper Keys are visited by
shorebirds traveling from North America to South
America. Hawks, songbirds and shorebirds stop here
on their migration south as the Keys are an important
feeding and resting place for these migrating birds —
many of whom fly thousands of miles round trip from
place to place.
But for many who visit Key Largo fishing is what
counts the most! The Key Largo and Islamorada Flats,
Flamingo & Everglades National Park are among their
favorites — as is the deep sea fishing along the
Atlantic. Backcountry and flats fishing the water of Key
Largo is not only one of the best experiences you can
have fishing, it is also a lot of fun. Whether you come
with your own boat or charter an entire boat, you are
sure to come back with catch of Bonefish, Tarpon,
Permit, Snook, Redfish or Trout!
Conservation efforts designed to enhance fish
stocks have been driving the fishing ethic in the Keys
for decades. Keys guides pioneered catch-and-
release fishing. Size and bag limits, and more recently
bans on gill nets and fish traps in state water, have
enabled stocks to grow and stabilize.
EcoGuide | 14 | Florida Keys
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BeachesJohn Pennekamp Park
Key Largo is better know for the blue-
green water than white sand beaches.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
has a man-made, beach called Canon
Beach. For information call:
305-451-6300. Located at 102601
Overseas Highway (MM 102.6).
BirdingMost popular bird watching areas
around Key Largo area are Crocodile
Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Dagny
Johnson, Key Largo Hammocks Botanical
State Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef
State Park, Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
and Windley Key Fossil Reef
Geological State Park. Expect to see
Frigatebirds, “Great White” Heron,
Reddish Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills,
White-crowned Pigeons, Mangrove
Cuckoos, Antillean Nighthawks, Gray
Kingbirds, Black-whiskered Vireos and
Yellow Warblers.
For more information, call: Florida Keys
Wild Bird Center at 305.852-4486,
93600 Overseas Hwy (MM 93.6
Bayside), www.flwbc.org. Note: FKWBC
is on the edge of the Tavernier city
limits. Highly reccommended even if
staying in Key Largo.
Boating
If you brought your own boat there are
three ramps available for launching. Card
Sound boat ramp on Card Sound Road,
Bayside at Sunset Point Park (MM 95.2)
and at Harry Harris Park (MM 92.5). If
you are looking for a rental contact:
Tiki Watersports at 305.852.9298
(MM 94.2).
FishingKey Largo has some of the best fishing
in the Keys. Offshore, you will find Sailfish,
Dolphin (mahi-mahi), Tuna, Wahoo, King
Mackerel and Blue Marlin. On the bayside
you find Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit and
EcoGuide | 16 | Florida Keys
BEACHES | BIRDING | BOATING | FISHING | ECOTOURS
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more. Deep sea fishing charters,
backcountry and reef fishing — Key
Largo offers the experienced guides.
Eco & Glass
Bottom Boat ToursThe waters around Key Largo is an
ecologically fascinating place where
freshwater from the Everglades mixes
with the saltwater of Florida Bay.
Everglades National Park just west of
Key Largo. An array of wildlife is within
easy reach of the dock, including
Bottle-nosed Dolphin, Crocodiles, Sea
Turtles, Alligators, and Manatees. Highly
skilled boat captains and eco-tour
outfitters are available. For more
information contact:
Amy Slate’s Amoray Dive Resort,
305.451-3595, 104250 Overseas
Highway (MM 105-104),
wwwAmoray.com, or Captain Slate’s
Atlantis Dive Center, 305.451.3020,
51 Garden Cove Drive,
www.CaptainSlate.com.
Kayaking
Key Largo and Everglades National Park
are year round sea kayaking regions.
Whether you bring your own kayak or
rent one from an outfitter and join a
guided tour, there are dozens of
locations to satisfy all levels of ability —
from an easy 2 mile trip to a 10 mile
trek! From Key Largo to Tavernier, there
are the favorite paddle trails. Starting
from the north, just as you enter Key
Largo there is Garden Cove, reached via
Garden Cove Drive. This is a pleasant,
mostly protected trail of around 2.5
miles. Further south, near the Florida
Bay Outfitters location (adjacent to the
Caribbean Club, MM 104) there is a
launch site that will get you headed
toward Dusenberry Creek. This is a
moderate paddle of around 5.5 miles.
Near the middle of Key Largo is Sunset
Park, Swash Key and Plantation Key
(MM 95.3) lie about 1.5 miles away. On
the north side of Tavernier, launching
from Harry Harris County Park, there is
a pleasant soft paddle — Dove Creek,
that is approximately a 2 mile trip. One
of the benefits of basing your kayak
adventures in Key Largo is the proximity
of the Florida Everglades National Park
with nearly100 miles of kayak trails and
ECO & GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOURS | KAYAKING
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an abundance of wildlife. For more
information on the various trails, tours
and rentals contact:
Coastal Kayaking, 305.894.5045, or
Florida Bay Outfitters, 305.451.3018.
Paddle Boarding
One of the fast-growing water sports,
stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is an easy
way to play on the water. With a
minimum of equipment, you can paddle
anything from ocean surf to the bayside
flats. This is an amazing full body workout
and since you’re standing at your full
height, you’ll enjoy excellent views of
marine life, as well as along the shore on
the horizon. For more information
on paddle boarding call: Florida Bay
Outfitters, 305.451.3018, or
Mangrove Watersports at
305.283.3518,
ParksThe Dagny Johnson Key Largo
Hammock Botanical State Park is
located on County Road 905, one-quarter
mile north of the intersection with the
Overseas Highway (US 1).
The Everglades National Park.
The only ecosystem of its kind in the
world, encompasses more than 1.4
million acres. Visitors see bald eagles and
nearly 300 additional species of birds, as
well as Alligators, Deer and Bobcats.
Gateway — Florida City.
Harry Harris Park Beach
This Tavernier Beach is inside the
Monroe County's Harry Harris park and
is another man-made beach on the
Atlantic Ocean. There is a wide expanse
of white sand with a number of covered
picnic tables and a bath house. (Mile
Marker 92.5 oceanside).
PADDLE BOARDING | PARKS
EcoGuide | 18 | Florida Keys
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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
As one of Florida's most fascinating
natural parks, this preserve includes the
Coral Reef Theater, a reconstruction of a
living reef in a 30,000 gallon aquarium,
snorkeling, diving, glassbottom boat
tours, kayak, canoe, camping, fishing and
more (MM 102.5).
SailingKey Largo offers catamaran charters
as well as mono hull and Hobie Cat
rentals.
Scuba & SnorkelingWithout a doubt Key Largo’s most
recognized activity is SCUBA diving. From
the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State
Park — great for snorkeling — to the first
few stops on the Wreck Trek, Key Largo
has it all. Beautiful shallow reefs teaming
with fish, the 100 year old wreck of the
Benwood, to Key Largo’s greatest
artificial reef — the Spiegel Grove.
At 510 feet in length and an 84 foot
beam, the Spiegal Grove is one of the
largest artificial reefs in the world. The
Duane, a Coast Guard Cutter that was
named after the Secretary of the
Treasury under President Andrew
Jackson, is near the Bib, a patrol and
escort ship that served in the North
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, Mediterranean
Sea, Viet Nam and the Pacific Ocean. If
you are not a certified SCUBA diver, Key
Largo a great place to begin! A resort
course offers you an opportunity to “TRY
SCUBA” under the supervision of a
certified instructor who will provide pool
training and a closely monitored open
water experience. Just enought to wet
your appetite so when you go home you
can get an Open Water certification.
For more information about SCUBA and
snorkeling contact the following
oporators:
Captain Slate’s Atlantis Dive Center
305.451.3020
Florida Keys Dive Center
305-453-3535
Horizon Divers, 305-453-3535
Island Ventures, 305.451.4957
Keys Diver and Snorkel Center
305-451-1177
Scuba Do Diving Company
305-451-3446
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SAILING | SCUBA & SNORKELING
The two day spiny lobster sport season is
always the last consecutive Wednesday and
Thursday in July. It begins at 12:01 am on the
last Wednesday in July and ends at 12:00
midnight on the last Thursday in July. The bag
limits are 6 per person per day for Monroe
County and Biscayne National Park, and 12 per
person per day for the rest of Florida. The
possession limit on the water is equal to the daily
bag limit, and off the water is equal to the daily
bag limit on the first day, and double the daily bag
limit on the second day.
Lobster Seasons
EcoGuide | 20 | Florida Keys
Possession limits are enforced on and off the
water. Spiny lobster have a minimum size limit —
larger than a 3" carapace, measured in the
water. Reminder: possession and use of a
measuring device is required at all times, and
night diving is prohibited in Monroe County (only
during the sport season). A recreational
saltwater license and a crawfish permit are
needed for harvest.
Regular spiny lobster season is ALWAYS
August 6 through March 31. The bag limit is 6
per person per day. Harvest of lobster is
prohibited in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State
Park during the sport season. Harvest is also
prohibited during both the 2-day sport season
and regular season in Everglades National Park,
Dry Tortugas National Park, and no take areas in
the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Call
(305) 743-2437 or visit www.fknms.nos.noaa.gov
for information about no take areas in the Florida
Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Call the
Marathon Law Enforcement office at (305) 289-
2320 for more lobster harvesting regulations for
Monroe County.
LOBSTER BAG LIMITS - Mini Season
2-Day Sport Season (July 26 –27)
Monroe County, 6 per person per day
Biscayne National Park, 6 per person per day
Elsewhere, 12 per person per day
Regular Season (August 6 – March 31)
Monroe County, 6 per person per day
Biscayne National Park, 6 per person per day
Elsewhere, 6 per person per day
Regardless of what species you are fishing
for, bag limits are only for properly licensed
individuals and those people exempt from license
requirements who are actively harvesting, and
those people harvesting may not exceed their
individual bag limit and take someone else’s bag
limit. That is, people (including children) who are
not actively harvesting or are not properly
licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be
counted for purposes of bag limits.
EcoGuide | 21 | Florida Keys
Florida Keys Wreck TrekWIth the addition of the Vandenberg, the Florida Keys
“Wreck Treck” now totals ten in all. Most of the wreckdives are within the acceptable “open water” standardsbut require “advanced open water” in many instances. Following is a list of wrecks, in each district, as well as diveoperators that serve the area.
Key Largo
Spiegel Grove: Length: 510'.
Vessel Type: Landing-ship-dock liberty ship.
Year Sunk: June 10, 2002, Depth: 130'.
Benwood: Length Overall: 360'.
Vessel Type: Freighter.
Year Sunk: 1941, Depth: 50'.
Key Largo, Tavernier & Islamorada
Bibb and Duane: Length Overall: 327'.
Vessel Type: Treasury Class U.S. Coast Guard cutter.
Year Sunk: Nov. 27, 1987
Max. Depth: Bibb 130, Duane 120'.
Eagle: Length Overall: 269'.
Vessel Type: Freighter.
Year Sunk: Dec. 19, 1985, Depth: 110'.
Marathon
Thunderbolt
Length Overall: 188'.
Vessel Type: Cable layer
Year Sunk: March 3, 1986, Depth: 120'.
Big Pine
Adolphus Busch: Length Overall: 210'.
Vessel Type: Freighter.
Year Sunk: Dec. 5, 1998, Depth: 105'.
Key West
Cayman Salvager: Length Overall: 187'.
Vessel Type: U.S. Coast Guard steel-hulled buoy tender.
Year Sunk: August 1985, Depth: 90'.
Joe's Tug: Length Overall: 65'.
Vessel Type: Steel tugboat.
Year Sunk: Jan. 21, 1989, Max. Depth: 60'.
Vandenberg: Length Overall: 522’.
Vessel Type: Missile Tracker
Year Sunk: May 2009, Depth: 90'.
EcoGuide | 22 | Florida Keys
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EcoGuide | 24 | Florida Keys
s you go further south into the Keys string
you depart the “Diving Capital of the World”
and enter the “Sport Fishing Capital of the
World” as Islamorada is known.
Islamorada (mile markers 90 to 72) was
incorporated in 1997 as “Islamorada, Village of
Islands” — though the first post office was
established in 1908. It is comprised of four
separate islands with residents, two islands that
are part of the Florida State Park system —
Indian Key and Lignum Vitae Key — and one
private island, Tea Table Key.
The diving in this area is also fantastic, as is
kayaking and other aquatic activities such as
Kite Boarding and Paddle Boarding. However
when you enter Islamorada you are without any
doubt in fishing country.
Evidence of just that can be seen in the vari-
ous marinas — headquarters for over 100
charter fishing operators. There is no shortage
of fishing opportunities with 16 marinas in
Islamorada alone. What type of fishing is best?
It depends on the desired catch: party boats
trawl along the coast; deep sea sportfishing
charters that go miles out; patch reef fishing or
on the Florida Bay side backcountry fishing —
home to a variety fish including, Bonefish, Trout,
Redfish, Snook, Jack Crevalle, Permit and
Mangrove Snapper.
Whether you are a seasoned or amateur
fisherman there is no shortage of choices —
and whether you are a “catch and release”
or a “catch and eat” fisherman the Islamorada
fishing scene will fulfill all of your catch
expectations.
If fishing is not your idea of getting close to
nature, then a day of kayaking the back
country might be of interest. On the bayside
of Islamorada there is a network of islands,
one 2.5 miles in diameter is only a mile from
the main island. This makes for a pleasant
experience for the beginner taking a guided tour.
Islamorada
Islamorada Chamber Of Commerce | www.IslamoradaChamber.org
EcoGuide | 25 | Florida Keys
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For the seasoned kayaker, you’ll want to do a little
“island hopping” to fulfill your day.
Scuba diving and snorkeling is excellent in this area
due to its location south of the reef system of Key Largo.
Here dive operators can venture north to the park, an
area less frequented by the Key Largo operators or head
out for a shorter ride to the reefs just five minutes from
the dock. High profile coral heads and broad ledges with
virbrant marine life provide a wonderful dive experience.
An underwater shipwreck park, named after the sunken
Spanish ship “San Pedro,” is located in 18 feet of water
approximately 1.25 miles south of Indian Key.
Islamorada, in addition to being home for two state
parks, is also the place to find one of the best beaches in
the area — Anne’s Beach. Great for lounging in the water
or having a picnic, Anne’s Beach’s shallow, sandy bottom
is also the most popular location for kite boarding and the
ever so fast activity of stand up paddling.
EcoGuide | 26 | Florida Keys
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EcoGuide | 27 | Florida Keys
BEACHES | BIKING | BOATING | FISHING
BeachesAnne’s Beach
MM 73.5
A public beach popular for swimming,
kiteboarding and picnicing. Public
restrooms. Pet friendly.
Founders Park
MM 87, Bayside.
www.Islamorada.fl.us.
Public beach and park, watersports
rentals, marina, boat ramp, fitness and
walking trails, dog park and amphitheater.
Holiday Isle Beach
MM84.5
A private beach open to the public,
including the watersports facility,
restrooms, marina and tiki bar.
Library Beach
MM 81.5, Bayside.
Public beach, playground picnic facilities,
and restrooms.
Settler’s Park & Beach
MM 90.5
Natural coral coastline.
Tea Table Fill
MM 79, Bayside.
Public boat ramp, bike path and deep
water swimming.
BikingAll along the Overseas Highway there
are continuos bike paths as well as trails
through a number of beach and park
locations such as Anne’s Beach (MM
73.5), Founders Park (MM 87) and Tea
Table Fill (MM 79).
For bike rentals contact:
A1A Watersports, 305.664-8182,
MM 82, Bayside.
BoatingBoating is popular in the Keys as one
might imagine with an endless choice of
waterways. Whether you bring your own
boat or seek a rental there are established
boating rules and regulations to follow.
For rentals contact: A1A Watersports,
305.664.8182, MM 82.7, Oceanside,
or Islamorada Watersports,
305.853.5483.
FishingIslamorada is world-renowned for offshore
sport fishing, fly fishing, reef fishing, the
flats and backcountry fishing! Islamorada
is considered the sportfishing capital of
the world so it’s easy to see why there are
more than a dozen marinas with a variety
of sport and back country fishing opera-
tors. The three most popular marinas are
Bud n’ Mary’s Marina at MM 79.9,
Holiday Isle Marina at MM84, and Whale
Harbor Marina at MM 83.5. Typically youIM
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book your trip with the boat captain at
the dock.
Flats fishing in Islamorada became known
in the early 1900’s. Bonefish, Permit,
Tarpon, and Sharks — not easy to find or
catch. The Backcountry — as it is called on
the Florida Bay side — runs as far north as
the Everglades National Park. The waters
depth in the Backcountry averages 3 feet
to 7 feet. This is also fertile waters for
Redfish, Snook, Seatrout, Jacks, Ladyfish
and more. For Islamorada fishing
information call: Blue Chip Charters,
305.852.8477.
KayakingThere are no boundaries for kayaking in
the Keys, but if you want to maximize the
experience beyond the physical activitiy,
there are a wealth of adventures to be
had. To the south of Islamorada are sev-
eral beautiful areas to paddle — Indian,
Shell and Lignum Vitae Keys. Bill Keogh’s
Florida Keys Paddle Guide points out these
three Keys as the best places to visit for
moderate to advance kayakers. You need
to consider the current and tide schedule
so as to minimize the effort! Indian and
Shell Key s are a mere 1.5 miles, but for
the best experience with wildlife narratives
and identification you might want to
consider a guided tour.
For information on rentals contact:
A1A Watersports, 305.664.8182,
Oceanside or Islamorada Watersports,
305.853.5483.
Kite BoardingIslamorada is considered the best location
in the Keys for Kite Boarding because of
prevailing easterly and southern winds.
The best place for access to the water is
at the southern tip of Islamorada. Anne’s
Beach, the only natural beach in
Islamorada, is open to the public. Another
location is at Whale Harbor, MM84 where
boarders find a great northeast to south
breeze. Riders pay $10 a day. The launch
area is very small, so expert or advanced
kiteboarding experience is required.
For information call:
The Otherside Boardsports,
305.853.9728, or Islamorada Water-
sports, 305.853.5483.
KAYAKING | KITE BOARDING
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Paddle BoardingThe latest and, perhaps, greatest aquatic
activity to hit the water, paddle boarding,
can be done nearly anywhere by anyone.
Rent a board and head out on your own or
join a guided trip to see everything from
manatee to fish as they pass around and
under your board. Anne’s beach and No
Name Key are two popular launch sites
For rentals and tours call: Islamorada
Watersports, 305.853.5483,The
Otherside Boardsports, 305.853.9728,
or Mangrove Watersports,
305.283.3518.
ParksIndian Key State Park
Explore the island. Learn about it’s unique
past. Follow the re-created street system.
An interpretive trail takes you through the
historic community of Indian Key, the first
county seat of Dade County and once a
thriving center for cargo-salvaging
businesses retrieving shipwrecks
throughout the Keys. The park is
accessible only by private boat or tour
boat.
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological
State Park.
A former quarry used by Henry Flagler in
the early 1900’s during his building of the
Overseas Railroad, it was a source for
decorative stone pieces called Keystone.
Now on display are exposed sections of
fossilized coral, as well as some of the
original quarry machinery. Located at mile
marker 85.5 near Islamorada. A good
example of this fossilized Keystone coral is
the Hurricane Monument at Mile Marker
82 in Islamorada.
Scuba &
SnorkelingConch and Alligator Reef are the most
popular areas for shallow water activities.
The USS Alligator, the reefs name sake,
ran aground and sank in 1822 while
protecting a convoy from pirates. In 25
feet of water lie the remains of the wreck
along with the twin piles of ballast stones.
Conch reef begins a gradual decent from
40 feet to 100 feet — a great deep water
life experience. Contact Key Dive,
305.664.2211.
Sailing
A steady offshore breeze provides an
optimum environment for an exciting
sailing experience. Cruise along the
shoreline with stops to swim and snorkel
along the coral reefs and sandbars. A
popular day trip is a visit to Indian Key
State Park. Sunset cruises are
memorable. Private or group charters
are available. For more information
contact: Horizon Cat at 305.307.3728,
located at the Islander Resort, Mile
Marker 82.1, www.Horizon-Cat.com.
PADDLE BOARDING | PARKS | SCUBA & SNORKELING | SAILING
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EcoGuide | 31 | Florida Keys
Celebrating Healthy Living, A Healthy Planet andPeaceable and Sustainable Communities
From November 1st-7th, 2010, during the inaugural event, EcoWeek 2010, over 50 different
environmental and healthy-living events will be taking place in every part of the Keys- from Key Largo to Key
West. Each year, EcoWeek will be a week filled with activities blending entertainment with
education, healing sciences and arts as well as technologies for creating a better environment.
EcoWeek Events, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization created to manage and produce the
festival EcoWeek. The mission of EcoWeek is to educate and celebrate environmental preservation.
The core purpose is to promote sustainable ecotourism, to enhance the local economy in an
environmentally responsible way, and attract ecologically and socially conscious individuals to the Keys.
The organization has set core values as its baseline for the festival.
] Educate on the Florida Keys uniquely fragile and pristine environment
] Provide funds for local environmental projects
] Directly benefit the economic development of the Keys community
] Foster respect for a peaceable community
] Give insight into our impacts as human beings and also a greater appreciation of our own
natural habitat
] Promote a sustainable community
] Minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment
] Leave no Carbon Footprint
This festival is the first of its kind to bring eco-friendly activities to all of these communities. EcoWeek
is highlighting the total “Keys Experience” by bringing together everything that makes us unique, yet is part of
our every day existence.
Those participating in Florida Keys EcoWeek will benefit from an increased level of awareness and
consciousness while having fun, enjoying a beautiful environment, being educated, participating in
environmental preservation and (depending on the activities) possibly winning prizes!
For more information and list of events, go to www.EcoWeekFloridaKeys.com. Sign up for the RSS feed
as information and new events are added daily; log on to stay on top of current news about the most exciting
and revolutionary event celebrating Environmental Preservation!
EcoGuide | 33 | Florida Keys
Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill Hallow-Green Party
Kid’s “Trick or Treat” at Key Deer Refuge Visitor Ctr in Big Pine
EcoKeys Guided Snorkel Excursion
Florida Bay Outfitters Kayak Tour
National Key Deer Refuge Center in Big Pine
Dancing Dolphin Spirits
Reef Relief Waters of Wonders
Sanctuary Friends Foundation of the Florida Keys Film Festival
GLEE Green Future Expo
The Pelagic Sea presentation and films by Bill Macdonald
Islamorada Progressive Dinner
Remedy's Nutrition Health Talk
Swami Beyondananda, Environmental Comic Relief
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
EcoKeys Sailing and Snorkeling Excursion
EcoKeys Sunset Sail
Drumming Circle
Key Largo Progressive Dinner
Hawk’s Cay ECO-ART: Renewable, Recycled, And Reborn!
Marathon Progressive Dinner
Kava Kava Night
Environmental Summit
Citizens Solutions Workshop
Swami Beyondananda, Environmental Comic Relief
Art in the Garden
Key West Progressive Dinner
Amoray Coral Restoration
National Key Deer Refuge Ctr Amateur Birding Tour in Big Pine
National Key Deer Refuge Center Night Hike in Big Pine
The Garden's Hotel-Green Lodge Happy Hour
FIRM Ride/Race Weekend
Mango Water Sports Paddle Board Poker Run
Boyscouts of America Florida Sea Base Regatta
Light of Consciousness "Seeds of Life"
GLEE Green Business Expo
GLEE Green Life Expo
Eco Market
TJ's EcoFestival and EcoFashion Show
Key West Wee-Cycle
South Dade Toyota Prius Driving Challenge
Chemical Free – Beautiful Me
Captain Slate’s Atlantis Dive Center Lion Fish Safari
Event Sampler
EcoWeek 2011 - Oct. 31st thru Nov. 6th.
Watch For EcoWeek 2011 - Oct. 31st thru Nov. 6th.
EcoWeek Event
Reef Relief Film Festival(November 1-5th) FREE.Donations accepted. 11:30am,
1:30pm and 3:30pm films shown
daily. Reef Relief Environmental
Center, 631 Greene Street, Key
West. Reef Relief will host a week
long “Explore the Reef” Open
House. The Environmental Center
introduces visitors to coral reef
ecosystems, its threats and what
can be done to protect our coastal
resources. For a full list of movies,
call 305-294-3100 or
www.reefrelief.org.
EcoGuide | 41 | Florida Keys
ften referred to as the heart of the Florida
Keys, Marathon is approximately half way
between Key Largo and Key West (MM 61
to 47).
Established in the early 1800’s as a fishing
village, Marathon received its name when Henry
Flagler moved his railroad construction to the
island and began his two year “marathon” to
extend the railroad on to Key West.
Marathon is home to the longest segmental
bridge in the world — the Seven Mile Bridge. It is
also home to a variety of natural attractions
from hard wood hammocks and rain forests to
stretches of white sand beaches. Curry
Hammock is made up of a group of islands in the
Middle Keys, with public access to swimming, a
playground, picnic tables, grills and showers on
the ocean side of Little Crawl Key. The hardwood
hammocks found on these tropical islands
support one of the largest populations of thatch
palms in the United States. Mangrove
swamps, sea grass beds and wetlands provide
vital habitats for tropical wildlife.
As with most of the Keys, kayak locations
are plentiful with the most popular from Boot
Key off the main island of Marathon south to the
popular Bahia Honda State Park. Bahia Honda is
one of the deepest natural channels in the Keys
and has sandy beaches for swimming and
snorkeling activities.
Fishing is found offshore, on the reefs or
bayside flats. The old Seven Mile bridge is also
a favorite place to fish from.
Scuba diving, snorkeling and even
SNUBA are available on dozens of dive sites —
Sombrero Reef the most noteable —
all suitable for both experienced diver and the
inexperienced. Marathon takes pride in being
one of the Keys wreck trek stops with its 200
foot Thunderbolt.
Marathon
Marathon Chamber Of Commerce | www.FloridaKeysMarathon.com
O
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In 1942 the USS Randolph began its career as a U.S. Army cable-laying ship and later as a lightening research vessel for Florida Power and Light. In the1980, while awaiting a geological survey mission, theRandolph sank at a dock on the Miami River. In 1986the Marathon diving community purchased the vesselfrom a salvage company for its final assignment as anartificial reef. The Thunderbolt was sunk in March1986.
Resting upright at 115 feet, the Thunderbolt is heavily encrusted with coral and sponges and attractsthousands of Silver-sides that school around the hugecable-laying wheel mounted on the bow. Large Blackjacks and ominous Barracuda make the wrecktheir permanent home where they feed on the swarmof small fish. The Thunderbolt is fully intact making it avisually pleasing wreck dive and great for photographers.
During the cleaning of the vessel all of the doors andhatches were removed, making it safe to penetrate thestructure, swim up staircases or view the large bronzepropellers at the stern.
The USS Randolphaka the Thunderbolt
, EcoGuide | 42 | Florida Keys
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THUNDERBOLT DIVE OPERATORS
Halls Diving, 1994 Overseas Hwy, 305.743.5929.
Tilden’s Diving, 4650 Overseas Hwy, 305.743.7255.
EcoGuide | 43 | Florida Keys
BicyclingThe Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
(FKOHT) is a scenic, multi-use bicycle and
pedestrian corridor extending from Key
Largo to Key West. Marathon offers a
number of places to bike with its main path
running paralell with U.S. 1, aka the
Overseas Highway. Other interesting trails
include the old 7 mile bridge of which 2
miles are rideable, a path around Coco
Plum and Curry State Park and the path
on Sombrero Beach Road to Sombrero
Beach. For bike rentals contact:
Wheel 2 Go, 305-289-4279, 5994
Overseas Hwy, www.Wheels-2-Go.com.
BirdingMarathon has most of the birds found
throughout the Keys. The best times for
birding are during the spring and fall mi-
gration. Some of the more unique birds in-
clude Great White Herons, Antillean
Nighthawks, Gray Kingbirds, Black-
Whiskered Vireos, White-Crowned
Pigeons and the elusive Mangrove Cuckoo.
A great place to visit is the Crane Point
Museum and Nature Center at 5550
Overseas Hwy, Mile Marker 50.5 Bayside.
FishingIf you enjoy deep sea fishing, the Middle
Keys have some of the best fishing in the
world. Marathon is known as a feeding
ground for popular game fish like White
and Blue Marlin, Amberjack and Black Fin
Tuna. South east of the Middle Keys is one
of the most popular fishing areas known
as the West Hump. A sea mound that
rises from the bottom of the ocean from a
depth of almost 500’. Prefer Bonefish,
Snook or Redfish? Then the the back-
county flats are for you. For guides, party
boats and sportfishing charters contact
Captain Pip’s Marina (MM47.5),
1410 Overseas Hwy, 305-743-4403,
www.captainpips.com.
BICYCLING | BIRDING | FISHING
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KAYAKING | SCUBA & SNORKELING
KayakingBetween Bahia Honda to the south and
Duck Key to the north there are a half
dozen or so popular routes. Paddling
around Bahia Honda Key and the Bahia
Honda State Park is a very scenic 4.5 mile
route. Another one of similar length is
from the southern end of the Seven Mile
Bridge, weaving between the tiny islands of
Money Key, Little Money Key, Duck Key
and Molasses Key. In Marathon, the place
to go is Boot Key, where there is a series
of natural canals throughout the thick
mangroves. The loop is about three miles.
And to the north, there is a mild 2 mile
route to an area known as Tom’s Harbour
Keys. For kayak rentals and guided tours
call: Florida Keys Kayak Tours,
305 872.7474.
Scuba & SnorkelingMany of the most popular reefs are
shallow — 25’ to 30’ — Sombraro, Coffins
Patch, Delta Shoal, are very beautiful and
lush with coral and fish life. Perfect diving
for the novice or for the non-diver trying
SNUBA for the first time. For deeper
diving, Loyd’s Ledge is at 50’ to 70’,
Sombrero Ledge at 80’ to 100’ and the
Thunderbolt found at 75’ to 120’. For dive
trip information call: Hall’s Diving Center,
305. 743.5929, or Tilden’s Scuba
Center, 305-743-7255.
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Costa RicaTake A ride on
the Wild Side!
www.EcoGuide-CostaRica.com
nlike the Upper and Middle districts, the
Lower Keys are defined as a series of
islands beginning with Little Duck Key and to the
south, Ohio and Bahia Honda, home to one of
the most attractive state parks in the Keys, and
then onward to the primary residential and
business area of Big Pine Key. A little further
south you will find one of the Keys most pristine
dive and snorkeling areas — Looe Key and the
Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.
The colorful island names continue as you
head south through Little Torch, the Ramrod
Key, Cudjoe Key, Saddlebunch Key, Big Coppitt,
Boca Chica and finally Stock Island.
Big Pine and the Lower Keys do not share
some of the same pioneering stories as with
Key Largo and Marathon. This area was most
known for the “big pines” that grew here, fueling
a small charcoal burning industry. With a
population of residents less than 40 miles away
in Key West, Big Pine charcoal became the
source of cooking fuel for the residents, aka the
Conchs, in Key West. There are also tales of
treasure hunters in Big Pine Key but, most
likely, the salvaging of vessels running aground
on their way to the deep water ports of Stock
Island and Key West.
Today aquatic activities and nature create
the area's reputation. Kayaking is one of the
most popular activities along the Lower Keys
and around the Western area of Big Pine Key.
All along the Overseas Highway are places to
pull off to the side of the road and find a
reasonable launch site. Big Pine is home to Bill
Keogh — one of the Keys most colorful kayak
guides and author of the Florida Keys Paddling
Guide. If you are an experienced kayaker, and
equipped with GPS, The Guide is filled with
Big Pine Key
Big Pine Key Chamber Of Commerce | www.LowerKeysChamber.com
EcoGuide | 45 | Florida Keys
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And The Lower Keys
hundreds of coordnates, but be-
cause of the hundreds of maze-like
Mangrove forests one must pay
close attention to location through-
out the trip. If you are new to
kayaking you are best to arrange
for a guided tour of the area.
When you talk Florida Keys
scuba and snorkeling, it is most
common to hear about the Upper
and Middle Keys. But few know
diving in the Lower Keys, though
smaller in terms of overall area of
reef system, is quite good since it is
part of the Looe Key Marine
National Marine Sanctuary. The
reefs are healthy, the visibility is
generally outstanding and the
marine life as is extensive.
Snorkeling is wonderful and easy
with many of the trails in 10 to 30
feet of water within proximity to the
shore making it a short boat ride to
the sites. Big Pine Key is also on the
Wreck Trek map — home to the
220’ Adolphus Busch.
Think of fishing in the Florida
Keys and Islamorada comes to
mind. But the Lower Keys offer
virtually the same fishing options
from bridges, backcountry or
charter boats. The reefs are thick
with Yellow Tail and Snapper and
the Gulf Stream with Marlin, Tuna
and Wahoo — just waiting to take
the bait and give you a fight!
For nature lovers, you’re in
the right place as Big Pine and No
Name Keys are the locations of the
National Key Deer Refuge, a 9,200
acre habitat for the endangered
Key Deer. Notable for their size
averaging 28 inches and weighing
in at a mere 90 pounds, the Key
Deer are indigenous to only the
Lower Keys.
All along the 174 square mile
area between Key West and
Marathon is the Great White
Heron National Refuge — home to
over 170 species of birds.
Looking for a beach? Then head
to Bahia Honda, the 524-acre state
park. The park’s landmark, the
Flagler Overseas Railroad Bridge, is
a engineering marvel in itself. Bahia
Honda’s beauty is the sandy white
beaches and the rare flora and
fauna such as Yellow Satinwood,
Gumbo Limbo and Silver Palms.
EcoGuide | 47 | Florida Keys
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BEACHES | BIRDING | FISHING | KAYAKING | SCUBA & SNORKELING
BeachesBahia Honda, MM 37
www.floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda
Calusa Beach: Bahia Honda State Park
adjacent to the old bridge and marina.
Camping, picnic tables, food, bath house
and restrooms open to the public.
Sandspur Beach: Bahia Honda ajacent
the Sandspur camping area.
BirdingMarathon to Key West is the Great
White Heron National Refuge. Hundreds
of species can be seen from various
roadside vantage points. Bahia Honda is
an excellent place to see wading birds
and shorebirds. A variety of shorebirds in-
cluding Willets, Sanderlings, Ruddy
Turnstones, Short-billed Dowitchers and
Plovers may be seen along the shore.
Several species of wading birds may be
seen in the park as well, including Great
White Herons, Great Blue Herons,
Tri-colored Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy
Egrets and White Ibis. For guide
information contact:
Florida Keys Kayak Tours, 305-872-
7474, www.FloridaKeysKayakTours.com.
KayakingThere are more than 35 launch sites
from Duck Key to Stock Island. One very
popular launch for accessing west Big
Pine Key is the Old Wooden Bridge
Fishing Camp off Bogie Drive.
Refer to the Florida Keys Paddle Guide
or contact: Bill Keogh, Florida Keys
Kayak Tours, 305-872-7474.
Scuba & Snorkeling
Visit the Looe Key National Marine
Sanctuary for outstanding reef diving and
snorkeling. If wreck diving is what you are
looking for, visit the Adolphus Busch off
Cudjoe Key. For information contact:
Looe Key Dive Resort and Dive Center,
305.872.2215, Strike Zone Charters,
305.872.9863, or Triple Dive Charters,
305.879.4397.
EcoGuide | 48 | Florida Keys
IMAGE BY BILL KEOGH
Key Westou may think you have reached the end of
the line at MM0, but in reality you have just
arrived at the begining of the fun-in-the-sun
paradise! Although this small (2 miles by 4
miles) southernmost city in the United States
and the capital of the Conch Republic, may be
legendary for eccentric party goers, sun-
worshipers and legendary treasure hunters,
there is no shortage of family aquatic activities
and nature discoveries in Key West.
How did Key West evolve into such an
aquatic environment? It all started during the
ice age when the polar caps began to develop
causing the sea level to drop. From out of the
depths came a land mass that was actually the
tail end of the Appalachian mountains. Key
Largo’s land was formed by coral, known as Key
Largo Limestone. Key West, on the other hand,
is a material called Oolite. Eventually the caps
went through another melt down creating the
current geological wonder we call a Key
(from the Tiano Indian word Cay).
The warm, tropical environment of this
near-equator land mass was and still is
conducive to the growth of those little tiny
undersea critters know as coral polyps! The
hard material most think is the coral is
actually the lime secretion and the platform
on which the coral forms its habitat.
For more than 300 years the population
consited of natives and Europeans who passed
by only to stop for water. It was not until Florida
became part of the United States in 1821 that
Key West and the Keys began to flourish. Of
course Henry Flagler’s railroad project added
fuel to the already bustling growth of Key West
as a deep water port. Shipping was big and its
commerce caused Key West to become
Florida's largest populated city with professional
residents such as doctors, lawyers, insurance
representatives, politicians, military personnel,
journalists and publishers!
EcoGuide | 49 | Florida Keys
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IMAGE BY RICHARD STEWART
With this natural setting, you can see why there are
so many activities and underwater exploration available.
Scuba diving activities surround Key West, and the
sites are within reasonable travel time. There are several
locations like Marquesas Reef, Smith Shoal and for the
snorkeler, Sand Key that are enchanting. And if you are a
wreck diver, the southernmost portion of the Florida Keys
wreck trek includes the USS Wilkes-Barre, Joe’s Tug and
most recently — the USS Vandenberg.
Kayaking has become one of the most popular
activities thoughout the Keys. Its an activity nearly
everyone can do, ranging from leisure paddling to
competitive races. Key West offers great kayaking
because of the miles of mangrove islands and
backcountry flats. If it is windy on the east side you
launch from the west. Hurricane Hole has been one of
the more popular launches for many years.
Fishing is excellent with the usual options of offshore,
reef or backcountry locations. Ernest Hemingway sought
blue Marlin in the Florida Straights between Cuba and
Key West and Zane Grey’s angling skills mastered the
backcountry flats! If fishing is your passion, there are
more than a half a dozen marinas between Stock Island
and downtown Key West where you can locate and book
individual fishing charters or group party boats.
Key West is all residental so there are really few
nature-type tours on the island. It’s the water surround-
ing the island that provides Key West eco-tourism —
scuba, snorkeling and kayaking. The closest thing to re-
mote eco or nature tour would be a day trip to the Dry
Tortugas National Park. The Dry Tortugas consist of 7
small islands and the surrounding water, 70 miles from
Key West. The second largest island, Garden Key is home
to Fort Jefferson. Snorkeling in this area is very good
since the shallow water, between 3’ and 5’, is perfect for
the growth of healthy coral. Between March and Septem-
ber, some 100,000 Sooty Terns gather on Bush Key for
their nesting season, along with 2,500 breeding Brown
Noddies. When John James Audubon visited the Florida
Keys in the early 1800s, he was amazed by the
abundance and diversity of bird life. Human encroach-
ment has taken a toll on the avian population, but
hundreds of songbirds, water birds, shorebirds, and
raptors still pass through Key West every year. There are
a few great places to visit that showcase the nature of
the Keys, such as the EcoDiscovery Center and the Key
West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory.
Another exciting water activity is sailing. You can rent
Hobie Cats or climb aboard a Historic Schooner or Tall
Ship and enjoy the brilliant sunsets.
EcoGuide | 50 | Florida Keys
Upon first sight of the
Vandenberg being prepared to
be scuttled as the southern
anchor of the Florida Keys
Shipwreck Trail, former crew
member Chuck Garrison, who
served on the ex-U.S. military
missile-tracking ship remarked,
“Wow! This will be one helluva
wreck to dive.” Garrison has
visited the WW II wreck-
strewn waters of the Pacific, and
agrees the highly distinctive
Vandenberg, the world's second-
largest ship ever sunk to create
a reef, has dozens of dive points
to interest novice and seasoned
recreational divers.
The U.S.S.VandenberG
At10:24 am, May 27, 2009, the
General Hoyt S. Vandenberg became
an artificial reef in 140feet of water seven
miles from Key West!
EcoGuide | 51 | Florida Keys
From the bottom, the Vandenberg
measures 10 stories high in the
water column, the keel is the deepest
point at 140 feet. But it is the top of
the structure that contains most of
the ship's interesting attributes,
some purposely cut from one part of
the ship and welded elsewhere to
make attention-getting dive spots
from bow to stern, all trimmed to
reach within 40 to 50 feet of the
surface.
Starting from a vantage point at
the bow and moving aft, the kingpost
and foremast are immediately
eye-catching, and provides
underwater photo opportunities for
dive buddies, and can serve as a rest
platform or perhaps a
decompression stop on ascension
from deeper dives.
Continuing aft, the bridge
symbolizes the ship's intriguing
maritime history: at the top of the
wheelhouse a telescope has been
mounted, which was part of the
star-tracking systems during
Vandenberg's active duty.
Behind the bridge and the main
mast is the smaller of two iconic
radar dishes. Next is, the number 1
Barbette, a heavy steel structure in
the shape of a pedestal used to
protect artillery gun turrets on
military ships. Aft of the number 1
Barbette is the larger radar dish,
which in the 1999 movie “Virus”
provided quite an explosive sequence
when a laser from space blew the
dish off the ship. It’s indeed intact
though, secured to the vessel and
ready for fish to shelter and breed.
All dive spots along the top
structure are open, free from
obstruction and should be easy to
maneuver over and around during a
dive.
Further aft is the trimmed part of
the foremast with the crow’s nest, as
well as the bottom half of the ship’s
smokestack — the other half,
trimmed to approximately 20 feet tall
for an even profile along the ship's
superstructure, now sits atop the
Project visionary Joe Weatherby onboard the Vandenberg during pre-sinking preparations.
EcoGuide | 52 | Florida Keys
weather balloon hangar at the stern.
Likely to be one of the most
visited dive sites on the Vandenberg,
this balloon hangar will be loosely
dubbed the “underwater
Margaritaville,” a clubhouse tribute to
the famous Parrotheads who have
contributed support to the
Vandenberg project, aside from being
fanatical fans of Jimmy Buffett, whose
musical and literary fame has satu-
rated Key West.
The Vandenberg will be a safe,
enjoyable dive for all experience levels
of certified divers. Those trained and
experienced in light-wreck
penetration can expect to explore the
ship's many cargo holds, stair towers,
elevator shafts and hallways.
At 100-plus feet, holes cut
along the outside of the hull to help
sink the ship provide swim-through
opportunities for advanced and skilled
technical divers. Yet the properly
EcoGuide | 53 | Florida Keys
IMAGE BY STEPHEN FRINK
certified and trained wreck diver will be able to swim afull 475 feet along the starboard section of Deck 1.
Though it is unlikely divers will be able to see end toend because the ship is nearly two football fields long, itis possible that one dive on the Vandenberg could revealboth shallow and deep-water fish such as Goliathgrouper and sailfish, attracted by the clouds of bait expected to school around the wreck. Of course, it willtake multiple dives to get a real sense of its scale.
And over the course of decades the ship is to bedensely populated with coral species, sponges, invertebrates, sea fans and sea whips. Divers will wantto make this Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail entry in theirlogbook over and over again to see the progression ofmarine ecosystems as they develop. Garrison, who attests to Vandenberg's past, said, “There is quite a history with this old girl, a lot of miles under her belt.”
The Vandenberg sits upright on the ocean bottom.
VANDENBERG DIVE OPERATORS
Captain’s Corner, 305.296.8865.
Dive Key West, 305.296.3823.
Keys Scuba Shack, 305.896.0723
Lost Reef Adventures, 305.296.9737.
Lucky Dog Divers, 305.587.4018
Southpoint Divers, 800.891.3483IMAGE BY STPHEN FRINK
EcoGuide | 54 | Florida Keys
EcoGuide | 55 | Florida Keys
These regulations apply throughout the entire area of the Sanctuary, including other pro-tected areas and Sanctuary zones. The purpose ofthese regulations is to protect Sanctuary resources from both direct and indirect threats.These regulations focus on habitat protection, re-ducing threats to water quality, and minimizinghuman impact to delicate resources. The followingactivities are prohibited Sanctuary-wide:
* Moving, removing, taking, harvesting, damaging,
disturbing, touching, breaking, cutting, or otherwise
injuring, or possessing any living or dead coral, or
coral formation, or attempting any of these
activities, except as permitted by the FKNMS
regulations
* Discharging or depositing trash or other pollutants.
* Dredging, drilling, prop dredging or otherwise
altering the seabed, or placing or abandoning any
structure on the seabed.
* Operating a vessel in such a manner as to strike
or otherwise injure coral, seagrass, or other
organisms. attached to the seabed, or cause
prop-scarring.
* Having a vessel anchored on living coral in water
less than 40 feet deep when you can see the
bottom. Anchoring on hardbottom is allowed.
* Operating a vessel at more than idle speed/no wake
within 100 yards of residential shorelines, stationary
vessels, and navigational aids marking reefs.
* Operating a vessel at more than idle speed/no wake
within 100 feet of a "divers down" flag.
* Diving or snorkeling without a dive flag.
* Operating a vessel in such a manner which
endangers life, limb, marine resources, or property
* Releasing exotic species.
* Damaging or removing markers, mooring buoys,
scientific equipment, boundary buoys, and trap
buoys.
* Moving, removing, injuring, or possessing historical
resources.
* Taking or possessing protected wildlife.
* Using or possessing explosives or electrical charges.
* Harvest and possession of marine life species --
tropical fish, invertebrates, and plants -- except in
accordance with rules 68B-42 of the Florida
Administrative Code.
Florida Keys National MarineSanctuary Regulations
BeachesClarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach
Also known as County Beach, this strip of
beach is one-half mile west of Smathers
Beach on Atlantic Boulevard, near the
south end of White Street. Swimming
area. Nice pier and recreational facilities.
C.B. Harvey Rest Beach
This recently designed and landscaped
park located on the Atlantic Ocean near
White Street Pier. It is a great location for
watching the sunrise. The beach is 300
yards long with picnic areas.
Ft Zachary Taylor State Historic Park
While the fort is great, this happends to be
the best beach in Key West. Picnic tables,
restrooms. Enter through the Truman
Annex on Southard Street.
Smathers Beach
Key West's longest beach is west of
the airport on South Roosevelt Boulevard.
Picnic areas. Restroom facilities.
Volleyball net. Sailing and watersports
operators.
South Beach
At the end of Duval Street is a
small public beach with picnic tables.
Restroom.
BicyclingRiding a bike in Key West is more for
transportation than recreation. With
many narrow and one-way roads it
makes sense to use a bike to get around —
not to mention the difficult task of
finding a parking spot! There is no better
way to see Old Town than bicycle and
there are plenty of racks to secure your
bike. If you are looking for excercise,
take a spin to Southernmost Point,
Higgs Beach or Smatthers Beach on
South Roosevelt. Another popular place
for local riders is the College Park
Fitness Loop. For bike rentals and path
information call:
Recycle Bike Rentals, 305.292.3336,
5160 Overseas Hwy, Stock Island
(just north of Hurricane Hole Marina),
www.RecycleKW.com.
EcoTours
From the reefs of the National Marine
Sanctuary to the dolphin flats, Key West
has an amazing variety of ways to
experience nature. Snorkel tours, Kayak
tours, Walking tours and the always
popular dolphin watch tours. An amazing
cruise out to the Gulf of Mexico where it is
near impossible to not see dolphins —
swimming along side or jumping the boats
wake. It is not uncommon to have a dolphin
swim near as you snorkel around the flats
and shallow reefs. If a dolphin approaches,
do not attempt to touch as this is
considered harassment and you can be
fined. Other open water sights include reef
fish, sharks, sea turtles, marine birds and
EcoGuide | 56 | Florida Keys
BEACHES | BICYCLING | ECOTOURS
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spotted eagle rays. Walking and birding
tours can be found around Fort Jefferson
on Dry Tortugas — some 70 nautical
miles west of Key West. Mangrove tours
can be organized via kayak. For more
about area ecotours contact the
following operators:
EcoDiscovery Tours, 305.289.2288,
www.EcoDiscoveryToursFloridaKeys.com.
Florida Keys EcoTours, 305.766.3518,
www.Keys-Ecotours.com.
Echo Cat, 305.292.5044,
www.DolphinEcho.com.
Sunny Days Key West, 305.296.5556,
www.SunnyDaysKeyWest.com
Wild About Dolphins, 305.294.5026.
www.WildAboutDolhpins.com.
FishingKey West offers the variety of fishing as
seen throughout the Keys. There is an
abundance of charters and party boats
awaiting the avid fisherman. For a
selection of guides and boats visit one
of the following marinas: Hurricane Hole
Marina, Key West Bight Marina,
Banana Bay Marina.
KayakingAccess is an issue for kayaking in the
Keys. In Key West, there are four or five
convenient locations: Simonton Street
launch, Smathers Beach, Little Hamaca
Park, the Florida Keys Community College
and the public ramp at MM5.3. Bill
Keogh’s Florida Keys Paddling Guide is
one of the best references avalable for
locations you may want to visit. If you
want an easy course consider the Salt
Creek Run, a two mile tour down the
residental canal that leads to mangrove
creeks and salt ponds. For a more
strenuous workout you can
circumnavigate the island where you
pass Smather’s Beach, Mallory Square
waterfront and Salt Pond Key. The entire
trip is ten mile but can be shortened by
returning via the Salt Creek canal. For
information contact: Bill Keogh, Florida
Keys Kayak Tours, 305.872.7474,
Crystal Clear Charters, 305.74.5641.
Sailing
One of the most beautiful ways to see
Key West from the water is on a sailboat.
Whether it’s a historic schooner or tall
ship, a glass bottom boat or a sleek
EcoGuide | 57 | Florida Keys
FISHING | KAYAKING | SAILING
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catamaran, the clear water will
mesmerize you and the sunsets will leave
you in awe. Private cruises, Dinner cruises,
Wind and Wine, Snorkel and Sunset.
There is a cruise for just about everyone.
For more information contact: Crystal Clear
Charters, 305.74.5641; Florida Keys
EcoTours, 305.766.3518; Sunny Days Key
West, 305.296.5556.
Scuba & SnorkelingWith more than four dozen named reef
sites, scuba and snorkeling continues to be
Key West’s most popular aquatic activity.
From shallow 20’ to 35’ reefs such as
Rock Key and Eastern Dry Rocks,
Marquesas and Cottrell, to moderate and
deep sites such as Sambo, Outer Reef and
Ten Fathom Ledge that runs from 50’ to
90’. Most frequently seen marine life
include Angelfish, Butterflyfish Parrotfish,
Nurse Sharks, Stingrays, Turtles and Eels.
Hard corals such Brain, Star and Pillar are
found throughout the patch reefs. Wreck
diving is rapidly growing with the
Vandenberg being the most recent edition
to the list of sites. Other popular dives are
Chet Alexander's Wreck — at 25’, Joe’s
Tug — starting at 40’ and the Cayman
Salvor — at 90’. For more information on
SCUBA or snorkeling contact one of the
following operators:
Captain’s Corner, 305.296.8865
Crystal Clear Charters, 305.747.5641
Dive Key West, 305.296.3823
Echo Cat, 305.292.5044
Florida Keys EcoTours, 305.766.3518
Keys Scuba Shack, 305.896.0723
Lost Reef Adventures, 305.296.9737
Southpoint Divers, 800.891.3483
Sunny Days Key West, 305.296.5556
Wild About Dolphins, 305.294.5026
ParksFort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Florida's southernmost state park is
popular for recreation. A beautiful beach.
Nature trail and bicycling within the park.
Dry Tortugas National Park
A cluster of seven islands, 70 miles west
of Key West. Known for its famous bird
and marine life.
EcoGuide | 58 | Florida Keys
SCUBA & SNORKELING | PARKS
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Marine ecologist studying
endangered sawfishA scientist at The Florida
State University Coastal and
Marine Laboratory has won a
three-year, grant to study the
endangered but little-known
sawfish, whose numbers are
believed to have declined globally
more than 90 percent.The
formidable-looking sawfish is
related to the stingray but more
closely resembles a shark. It has
been overexploited in many parts of the world due to the
commercial appeal of its prominent, toothy rostrum (snout).
Marine ecologist Dean Grubbs and his Florida State team
will focus their research on the ecology of the smalltooth sawfish,
the only domestic marine fish currently listed in the U.S.
Endangered Species Act but, until now, rarely investigated. Its
once-extensive range in the United States now is primarily
restricted to southwest Florida and the Florida Keys.
"Worldwide, there are only six or seven extant species of
sawfishes and all are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN
Red List of Threatened Species," Grubbs said. "This means we are
in danger of losing an entire order of animals that are among the
largest of all fishes, including some sawfish species that reach
lengths of more than 20 feet."
Grubbs said populations have declined due to overfishing
and habitat loss.
The Lionfish: a menace to
humans and marine lifeAt French Reef, 30
feet below the ocean's sur-
face a diver was on a mis-
sion to find and capture one
of the gorgeous but
dreaded new invaders of
the Florida Keys - a lionfish.
There have been 68
marine-invading species in
Florida, the Caribbean and
the Gulf of Mexico over the
last century, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, but none has
wreaked as much havoc to the marine environment as the
voracious red lionfish that devours native fish populations
wherever it invades.
The Nature Conservancy said the lionfish, with its floating,
striped headdress, looks like a Las Vegas showgirl. Its beauty is
the reason it was once a top-10 imported tropical fish for
aquariums in the United States.
But the lionfish, native to the Pacific and Indian oceans, is a
menace to humans and marine life. It has venomous fins, and no
known marine predators in the territory it is invading. The lionfish
reached the Florida Keys a year ago. Its arrival was expected, with
scientists calling it the completion of a circle that began a
generation earlier when the first lionfish was spotted off the coast
of Miami in 1985. Most believe the original invaders came from
aquariums.
EcoGuide | 59 | Florida Keys
EcoGuide | 60 | Florida Keys
FWC to enforce new sea grass protection rule
Under new legislation aimed at protecting sea
grass in Florida's aquatic preserves, the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will educate
boaters on the importance of the plants. After a suitable
education period, officers will begin citing boaters who
intentionally destroy sea grass in a careless manner that
scars sea grass beds within an aquatic preserve. This is a
noncriminal infraction.
Sea grass scarring results because of operating a
motorized vessel in a way that damages or destroys
plants' roots, shoots or stems. The scarring is commonly
referred to as prop scars or propeller scars.
“I can't emphasize enough how important sea grass
is to marine life,” said Capt. Mark Warren of the FWC.
“Approximately 80 percent of Florida's fisheries species
spend at least part of their life cycles in sea grass. If you
like to fish, or like seafood, you should like and preserve
sea grass.”
Sea grass is a submerged, grass-like plant that
inhabits the shallow coastal waters of Florida. Sea grass
meadows are an important but often overlooked habitat
for many of Florida’s recreationally and commercially
important marine life, such as fish, crabs and clams.
Many species of juvenile fish use sea grass as cover from
larger predators. A single acre of the aquatic plant
community can support as many as 40,000 fish and 50
million invertebrates.
Warren recommends that boaters be watchful for
the deep green sea grass beds as they ply the waters of
the state. If a boater does run aground on a sea grass
bed or sees the propeller is stirring up plant and sand
debris, Warren says the boater can minimize the damage.
“The boater should stop his boat. If the water depth is
sufficient to allow the engine to continue pumping cooling
water without ingesting dirt or debris, he can allow the
engine to cool for a minute or two. Then, the boater
should tilt his engine, and push, paddle or pole his boat to
deeper water, where it can be safely operated. In no case
should a boater try to power his boat out of a sea grass
bed when grounded. This can cause extensive damage to
these sensitive habitats.”
Sea grass also provides critical habitat for animals
such as wading birds, manatees and sea turtles. Further,
it improves water quality. Sea grass filters nutrients from
land-based industrial discharge and stormwater runoff
before these nutrients are washed out to sea and to
other sensitive habitats, such as coral reefs. Ocean-
bottom areas that are devoid of sea grass are vulnerable
to intense wave action from currents and storms. With
no sea grass to stabilize the ocean bottom, beaches,
businesses and homes suffer greater storm damage.
EcoGuide | 61 | Florida Keys
An Ocean Realm,EcoMedia & Marketing, LLC,
Publication.
Richard H. StewartPublisher/Editor-in-Chief
Christi AllenRegional Publisher/Editor
Ken EnglishVickie Kayuk
Associate Editors
ConsultantsBill Keogh/Kayaking
Spencer Slate/SCUBAPaul Tejera/Fishing
Mike Walsh/Wake BoardingSheri Sullenger/Dolphins
Mal McCleary/CoralSteve Neil/Paddle Boarding
Lucia Anreus-Hall/Co-PublisherEcoGuides Latin America Markets
Sherry Sabety/Co-PublisherEcoGuides Pacific Markets
Peter Symes/Co-PublisherEcoGuides Global Markets
EcoGuide Florida Keys is published bi-annually and distributed throughoutthe Keys via hotel, resort and B&B lob-bies, dive retailers, kayak, paddle boardand wake board outfitters, marinas,restaurants and select gift stores. Useof any portion of this content is al-lowed only with permission of thepublisher. PO Box 2388, New SmyrnaBeach, FL. 352.817.5893.
EcoGuide Florida Keys
ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY
BICYCLE RENTALSIslamorada - A1A Watersports, 81984 Overseas Hwy, 305.664.4535. MM82
BOAT RENTALSIslamorada - A1A Watersports, 82749 Overseas Hwy, 305.664.8182. MM82.7Islamorada - Islamorada Watersports, 84771 Overseas Hwy, 305.853.5483. MM83.2Key Largo - Tiki Watersports, 94381 Overseas Hwy, 305.852.9298. MM94Marathon - Captain Pips, 1410 Overseas Hwy, 305.743.4403. MM47.5
ECOTOUR OPERATORSKey Largo - Capt. Slate’s Atlantis Dive Center, 51 Garden Cove Drive, 305.451.3020.Key Largo - Just In Time EcoTours, 104250 Overseas Hwy, 305.283.3518. MM104Islamorada - A1A Watersports, 82749 Overseas Hwy, 305.664.8182. MM82.7Islamorada - Backcountry Cowboy Outfitters, 82240 Overseas Hwy, 305.517.4177. MM82.2Islamorada - Islamorada Watersports, 84771 Overseas Hwy, 305.853.5483. MM83.2Key West - Clearly Unique Charters, 305.747.8651.Key West - Florida Keys EcoTours, Key West Seaport, 305.766.3518.Key West - Echo Cat, 611 Grinnell St, Key West Seaport, 305.292.5044.Key West - Sunny Days Key West, 201 Williams St, Key West Seaport, 305.296.5556.Key West - Wild About Dolphins, 600 Peninsular Ave, 305.294.5026.
FISHING GUIDESIslamorada - Blue Chip Charters, 305.852.8477. .Marathon - Captain Pips, 1410 Overseas Hwy, 305.743.4403. MM47.5
KAYAK OUTFITTERSIslamorada - A1A Watersports, 82749 Overseas Hwy, 305.664.8182. MM82.7Islamorada - Islamorada Watersports, 84771 Overseas Hwy, 305.853.5483 MM83.2Key Largo - Coastal Kayaking, 17 Poinciana Drive, 305.394.5046.Key Largo - Florida Bay Outfitters, 104050 Overseas Hwy, 305.451.3018. MM104Key West - Clearly Unique Charters, 305.747.8651.
KITE & WAKE BOARD OUTFITTERSIslamorada - Islamorada Watersports, 84771 Overseas Hwy, 305.853.5483. MM83.2Islamorada - Otherside Boardsports, 83292 Overseas Hwy, 305.853.9728. MM83
SCUBA & SNORKEL OPERATORSKey Largo - Amy Slate’s Amoray Dive, 104250 Overseas Hwy, 305.283.3518. MM104Key Largo - Capt. Slate’s Atlantis Dive Center, 51 Garden Cove Drive, 305.451.3020.Key Largo - Horizon Divers, 100 Ocean Drive, 305.453.3535.Key Largo - Island Ventures, 103900 Overseas Hwy, 305.451.4957. MM103.9Key Largo - Keys Diver & Snorkel Center, 99696 Overseas Hwy, 305.451.1177. MM100Key Largo - Scuba Do, 100750 Overseas Hwy, 305.451.3446. MM100.7Islamorada - Islamorada Watersports, 84771 Overseas Hwy, 305.853.5483 MM83.2Islamorada - Key Dives, 79851 Overseas Hwy, 305.664.2211. MM79.8Marathon - Hall’s Diving, 1994 Overseas Hwy, 305.-743.5929. MM48Marathon - Tilden’s Dive Center, 4650 Overseas Hwy, 305.743.7255. MM49.5Ramrod Key - Looe Key Resort & Dive Center, 27340 Overseas Hwy, 305.872.2215. MM27.5Key West - Captain’s Corner, 125 Ann Street, 305.296.8865.Key West - Dive Key West, 3128 N. Roosevelt Blvd, 305.296.3823.Key West - Lost Reef Adventures, 261 Margaret Street, 305.296.9737.Key West - Scuba Shack, 5130 US Highway 1, 305.96-0723.Key West - Wild About Dolphins, 600 Peninsular Ave, 305.294.5026.
PADDLE BOARD OUTFITTERSKey Largo - Florida Bay Outfitters, 104050 Overseas Hwy, 305.451.3018. MM104Key Largo - Mango Watersports, 305.283.3518.Islamorada - Islamorada Watersports, 84771 Overseas Hwy, 305.853.5483. MM83.2Islamorada - Otherside Boardsports, 83292 Overseas Hwy, 305.853.9728. MM83
SAILING.CHARTERSKey West - Florida Keys EcoTours, Key West Seaport, 305.766.3518.Key West - Echo Cat, 611 Grinnell St, Key West Seaport, 305.292.5044.Key West - Sunny Days Key West, 201 Williams St, Key West Seaport, 305.296.5556.
Reef Relief for theFlorida Keys
Reef Relief began in 1987 with the installation of
mooring buoys near Key West, which have grown into a
system of 116 buoys at 7 reefs. Led by founder Craig
Quirolo, Reef Relief has created coral nurseries to save
storm-damaged corals in the Florida Keys and Bahamas.
Craig led a 15 year Coral Photo Monitoring Survey of reef
health that is currently being loaded onto an online archive
at www.reefrelief.org. This survey led to the discovery of new
coral diseases. Craig has worked with Reef Relief’s Scientific
Advisory Board and numerous other researchers to identify
the causes of decline.
Reef Relief supported the creation of marine protected
areas such as the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
and the Negril (Jamaica) Marine Park, and the Key West
Marine Park in cooperation with the City of Key West. They
helped install buoys and establish programs throughout the
region, including mooring buoys, a coral survey and opera-
tion of the volunteer-staffed Captain Roland Roberts House
Environmental Center in Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos, Ba-
hamas.
The Clean Water Campaign has led the effort to identify
contamination from sewers, agricultural runoff, cruise ships,
boats, and other sources of pollution that are affecting
water quality at coral reefs in South Florida and around the
globe. Reef Relief staff guided policy development through
implementation for a range of projects including advanced,
nutrient stripping waste treatment for the City of Key West,
establishment of a boater No Discharge Zone in the Florida
Keys, passage of a phosphate ban for laundry detergents,
approval of bans on offshore oil drilling and exploration for
South Florida, increased state standards for shallow
injection wells, and a host of other actions.
Today, Reef Relief continues to guide policy, participate in
marine projects for coral reefs, and develop new
educational programs like Coral Camp in the summer for
kids ages 6-12. They are located at 631 Greene Street in
Key West. The environmental center is open to the public
10am to 4pm Monday thru Friday with interactive exhibits, a
kid zone, and theatre.
Visit Reef Relief online at www.ReefRelief.org. or call
(305) 294-3100.
EcoGuide | 62 | Florida Keys