The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Florida Keys, Florida Keys

Located within the northern boundary of the National Marine Sanctuary, the depth range of this site is three to seventy feet, making it an excellent spot for beginner to intermediate divers.

Looe Key reef has been federally protected since 1981, first as a national marine sanctuary and now as an Existing Management Area* within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This area includes a Sanctuary Preservation Area* (SPA) that is a popular snorkelling and dive destination for new and experienced divers alike. A diversity of fish congregate here - parrots and surgeonfish on the north side; barracudas and jacks on top of the reef; grunts, butterflyfish, and angelfish on the reef crest. It is located approximately 5.5 nautical miles south of Ramrod Key and about eight nautical miles southwest of Bahia Honda State Park. *Special use regulations apply here.

Retired 510-foot naval ship intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef for underwater diving enthusiasts.

Island Dolphin Care is a 501(c).3 committed to bringing purpose to the lives of marine mammals that cannot survive in the wild WITHOUT exploiting them. IDC brings purpose & financial support to our dolphin family by offering non-profit therapy programs to children with special needs & veterans with PTSD, while working to educate guests about ocean conservation & the protection of marine mammals. We offer educational courses on Marine Science, as well as tours of our facility & experiences that teach you how to help marine mammals & the global ocean environment. We implement a 100% No Breeding Policy. We DO NOT offer public “swim with dolphins” programs. We DO NOT do theme park type-shows. Our facility is an ocean lagoon, NOT a pool. Our goal is to find ways to make their lives even better, while changing the lives of those in need along the way. You can support our efforts by coming for a visit! Book a tour or an educational experience & spend the day with us!!

A beautiful state park that features land and undersea adventures.

Welcome to Mallory Square where the fun starts and the sun sets. Everything Key West is famous for comes together in this one special place set on historic waterfront. Mallory Square is home to shops, restaurants, and many of the islands most popular attractions. Come for the day and stay into the night. There's always something happening in Mallory Square.

Historic site of a Civil War-era fort, currently being excavated; also has a beautiful beach for swimming and snorkeling.

Two ships deliberately sunk in 1987 to provide artificial reefs for experienced divers.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary supports one of the most diverse assemblages of marine life in North America. Although best known for its coral reefs, the shallow nearshore waters contain interconnecting marine habitats that include fringing mangroves, seagrass meadows, and more. Visitors to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary can enjoy diving, snorkeling, paddlesports, wildlife watching, boating, and fishing. Anglers can target inshore species such as tarpon, snook, redfish, barracuda, and hogfish; they can also target many offshore species including mahi mahi, marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo. Check out Blue Star Operators when booking your fishing or diving trip. These operators are partnered with the National Marine Sanctuary System, dedicated to sustainable recreation and tourism, and committed to educating visitors about the Florida Keys ecosystem.