Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

If you step foot in the water while in the Florida Keys, you’ve technically visited this marine sanctuary. Explore the reserve on a snorkeling and scuba diving trip, which increases your chance of spotting marine life by taking you to prime spots along the Shipwreck Trail. If you’d rather stay dry, take a boat tour in search of dolphins and manatees, or rent a boat for a day of island hopping or fishing.

• Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit, beach towel, and reef-safe sun protection.
• If visiting by boat, be sure to use the sanctuary’s mooring buoys to avoid damaging the reef.
• Most snorkeling and scuba diving tours include all necessary equipment, and often last around half a day.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary starts just south of Miami and stretches through the Florida Keys to the Dry Tortugas. Most excursions depart from marinas in Key Largo or Key West. Parking is free at the Eco-Discovery Center.

The sanctuary’s Eco-Discovery Center is open regularly throughout the week, but may be closed on select days so it’s advisable to check the opening schedule before you visit. The best time for exploring the sanctuary is between late April–early June or November–mid-December, when temperatures are warm and rainfall is at a minimum.

To learn more about the history and conservation efforts of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, visit the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. Through interactive exhibits, you’ll learn about the land- and water-based wildlife and plants of the Florida Keys. There’s also a living reef tank, where you can observe an abundance of coral and fish species.