The Florida Keys Travel Information
The Florida Keys are a group of small islands running along a
126-mile line south of the tip of Florida. 42 bridges connect the 100
dots of earth in the water. Key Largo, the longest island, is the
first key off the coast of Florida and home to the planet’s biggest
artificial reef. Key West, the furthest key, is a colorful
Caribbean-style island with a passion for parties and water sports.
Surrounded by the only barrier reef in North America, it is the focus
of stunning underwater photography. Other islands in the group include
Islamorada, Marathon, and the Lower Keys (including Sugarloaf Key and
Big Pine Key, among others). Different islands focus on
different activities. For instance, Islamorada is known for sports
fishing while Key Largo is famous for diving. Key West, on the other
hand, is the artistic soul where great writers, painters and sculptors
have migrated for inspiration. The Keys possess a natural
beauty that is unmatched anywhere. Nearly six million people travel to
the area each year for the coral and wildlife, accounting for a $2
billion a year economy boost. Unfortunately, with the massive influx
of people comes destruction of the environment and the natural wonders
therein. Snorkeling and fishing are great, but they have introduced
algal infection within the coral reef due to careless handling of the
polyps by underwater sightseers. To strike a balance between the
health of the economy and the health of the marine ecosystems, the
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was formed to protect and
preserve the natural fauna and flora of a 220-mile area of marine
environment. There is so much to see and do in the Florida Keys
from snorkeling and diving to golf, fishing, boating and camping. If
done responsibly so as not to undermine the natural balance of the
region, the joys that can be derived in this remarkably beautiful
haven will be there not only for ourselves, but for our children as
well.
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