Get to Know the Sanctuary
Designated: November 16, 1990
Area: 2,900 mi²
Once you set foot in Florida Keys waters, you have entered Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This marine sanctuary protects 2,900 square miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, from south of Miami westward to the Dry Tortugas (excluding the National Park). It is home to North America’s only living barrier coral reef (and the third largest in the world), one of the world’s largest contiguous seagrass habitats and extensive mangrove forests, more than 6,000 species of marine life, and over a thousand shipwrecks and other submerged maritime heritage and cultural resources. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is an international destination for scuba diving, fishing, and boating.
Top Sanctuary Attractions
- Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center: A modern, immersive museum experience that allows visitors to learn more about the sanctuary for free.
- Mote Key Largo Coral Nursery: Discover the cutting-edge coral reef science and restoration through public and private tours, interactive hands-on experiences, and group educational programs.
- Blue Star Diving and Fishing: Diving, snorkeling, and fishing operators that are committed to responsible tourism and educating people about the Florida Keys ecosystem.
Things To Do
- Blue Star Diving and Fishing: Diving, snorkeling, and fishing operators that are committed to responsible tourism and educating people about the Florida Keys ecosystem.
- Key Dives and I.CARE Coral Restoration Dives: A hands-on workshop and guided dive to transplant coral onto the reefs.
- Goal: Clean Seas Dives: A chance for trained divers to remove underwater marine debris from the sanctuary.
- Iconic Reef Guardians Dives and Snorkeling: A chance for trained divers as well as snorkelers to get involved in coral reef restoration in the Florida Keys.
- Get Up and Go Kayaking: Clear-bottom kayak tours that explore the mangroves of Sugarloaf Key and promote environmental stewardship.
- Marathon Sailboat Rides: A low-impact, eco-friendly way to explore the sanctuary that enhances your chance of spotting wildlife.
- Conch Republic Marine Army: Volunteer opportunity to cleanup and restore the mangrove habitats of the Florida Keys.
- The Turtle Hospital Tour: A behind-the-scenes look at the hospital facilities and rehabilitation area, including an opportunity to feed the turtles.
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Undersea park that offers opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking.
- Pigeon Key: Also known as the tiny island under the seven-mile bridge, it’s a great place for picnics, snorkeling, and birdwatching, and offers a chance to explore the island’s history with a museum and tour.
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park: State park that offers historical tours as well as a beach that allows for picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, paddling and fishing.
- Alligator Reef Lighthouse: A historic tower lighthouse about five miles offshore of Islamorada.
- The Southernmost Point: An anchored buoy marking the southernmost point in the continental United States.
- Old Seven-Mile Bridge: a famous bridge that connects the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys, popular for walking or jogging, and fishing.
- Smathers Beach: The largest public beach in Key West.
- Sombrero Beach: A beach and state park with picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and volleyball courts.
- Bahia Honda State Park: An excellent place to observe wading birds and shorebirds and offers the opportunity to rent snorkeling gear and kayaks.
- Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center: A modern, immersive museum experience that allows visitors to learn more about the sanctuary for free.
- Mote Key Largo Coral Nursery: Discover the cutting-edge coral reef science and restoration through public and private tours, interactive hands-on experiences, and group educational programs.
- Florida Keys History and Discovery Center: Museum exploring the Florida Keys’ anthropological and maritime history, with a comprehensive exhibit on the Keys’ unique coral reef ecosystem and the challenges it faces.
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: A nationally recognized research and archaeology institution that exhibits the maritime history of Florida and the Caribbean.
- Key West Aquarium: With over 250 specimens of fish, sharks and four species of sea turtles, experience the beauty of marine life in the Florida Keys.
- Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters: Explore the belongings and photographs of the lighthouse keepers and walk 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse for one of the best views of the island.
- REEF Exploration Center: A museum as well as a launchpad for inspiring future ocean stewards, pioneering research, fostering collaboration, and transforming marine conservation.
- History of Diving Museum: Dedicated to collecting, preserving, and displaying the history of diving and the special role that South Florida and the Florida Keys played.
- Annual I.CARE Trash Derby: Sponsored by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in support of Goal: Clean Seas, this annual event engages recreational divers in activities to restore the coral reefs of the Florida Keys.
- Reefhouse Resort & Marina: Hotel on the shores of the sanctuary that is just a 5-minute drive from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
- Blue Flamingo Resort Key West: Newly renovated hotel with views of the sanctuary.
- Hilton Garden Inn Key West: Conveniently located just three miles from Smathers beach and within walking distance of many restaurants.
- Florida Keys Brewing Company: The first microbrewery in the Upper Keys with locally brewed beers
- Papa’s Pilar Hemingway Distillery: the only Surfrider certified Ocean Friendly Restaurant in the Keys
- Castaway Waterfront Restaurant: Fresh local sushi and seafood, including lionfish.
- Captain Craig’s: Great spot for a fish sandwich and key lime pie.
- Date & Thyme: A 100% single-use plastic free cafe.
- Koffie House: Vegan/vegetarian friendly menu in one of the oldest historic brick buildings
- Key West Legal Rum Distillery: Featuring salt-cured rum made in Key West through a unique process using seawater.
- SS Wreck & Galley Grill: Local and veteran owned family business
- Salute! On the Beach: Open-air restaurant right off the sanctuary shores featuring fish-focused Italian fare & ocean views.
- Conch Republic Seafood: Fresh dock-to-dish dining with a view of the sanctuary.
