TravelWorld International Magazine Fall 2022

FLORIDA KEYS
he protected waters of
Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary are home
to the only living barrier reef in the
continental United States. Starting
in the north, just off the shore of
Miami and continuing south around
Dry Tortugas National Park, this
sanctuary also encompasses expansive
seagrass beds, mangrove-bordered islands,
and more than 6,000 species of marine life.
Coral in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary--photo
provided with permission by NOAA
Diving and snorkeling are two of the most
popular activities in the sanctuary, both
great ways to get up close to the barrier reef
and explore all the marine life it protects.
If you prefer to stay out of the water, several operators offer boat tours. Be sure to seek out one of the Blue Star Operators,
companies dedicated to education and conservation.
Beyond marine life, Florida Keys sanctuary estimates it protects 1,000 shipwrecks. Among these are fourteen historic sites.
Along Shipwreck Trail are the remains of nine ships scattered a few miles offshore. An underwater guide is available for each
ship.
Fall is a nice time to visit Florida Keys as temperatures start to cool, the crowds dissipate, and prices are more affordable.
However, it’s also in the midst of hurricane season, so come prepared for rain and possible cancellations of water activities.
GET INTO YOUR SANCTUARY
t’s easy to drive past, sail through, or even fly over a national marine sanctuary and not even realize it exists.
Unlike our national parks with welcome signs and guarded entry points, sanctuaries often blend seamlessly
into the waters and land around them. So while they may take a bit more effort to find, it’s worth it. Those
waters are teeming with marine life and historic sites, all waiting to be explored. Be sure to check out the list of
sanctuaries in the United States and see which ones you can visit in the near future.
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