Thinking of visiting the beautiful Florida Keys this winter season? No matter where you go, there is fun to have in the great outdoors. The Florida Keys offer endless opportunities for adventure, and you can make your visit purposeful by supporting local conservation efforts.
Dive into coral restoration programs, explore vibrant marine ecosystems, and engage with wildlife, all while contributing to the preservation of this unique region. From exploring the world’s largest ocean-based coral nursery to visiting wildlife sanctuaries and participating in community-driven conservation events, your time in the Keys will leave a lasting, meaningful impact for the environment.
Upper Keys: Key Largo to Long Key
Coral Restoration Foundation Dive Programs
Join Coral Restoration Foundation™ in a fun and active day learning about coral reefs and restoration work, followed by an afternoon of diving in the largest coral nursery in the world and exploring Florida’s reefs up close and personal. Diving and snorkeling for conservation in the Florida Keys makes for a perfect holiday gift for the family, offering a unique opportunity to create lasting memories while actively contributing to the restoration of our coral reefs! Even better, many dive operators that work with CRF in the Keys are providing holiday specials.
Every Friday, Rainbow Reef hosts dedicated conservation events, including both active and passive coral nursery tours in partnership with CRF™ and Mission: Iconic Reefs. Rainbow Reef offers a range of conservation-focused courses daily, but if you are planning to join us on a dive program, we recommend Peak Performance Buoyancy, a class for divers looking to refine their buoyancy skills. This course highlights an essential skill for effective participation in nursery work and the protection of delicate reef ecosystems in the Keys and wherever you dive!
Island Ventures, conveniently located right next to our Exploration Center at 5 Seagate Blvd, Key Largo, is offering great deals on courses when you book a Coral Restoration Foundation Dive Program. Island Ventures invites you to learn the techniques that will help you navigate the reefs with confidence, a skill that will serve as invaluable on a dive program with CRF.
Conch Republic Divers in Key Largo, who regularly host CRF™ dive programs, will be running Leaders, Lines, & Lures on select Saturdays from December 21st through February 28th. This event includes a competition to see who can collect the most monofilament from the reef, with prizes like the Shearwater Tern TX dive computer up for grabs. Join Conch Republic during your visit and help clean up Florida’s reefs!
Check out the link below to sign up for one of our dive or snorkel programs and give back to the natural world during your visit: https://www.coralrestoration.org/dive-programs
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
As the first undersea park in the United States, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, snorkelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 70 square miles of mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, this iconic park offers endless opportunities to explore the beauty of the Upper Florida Keys—above and below the water. For a small entry fee, spend the day relaxing on the park’s beaches (hard to find in the Upper Keys!), exploring the mangrove nature trail boardwalk, and picnicking with friends and family under shady trees by the water. If you're looking to escape the heat, check out the park’s Visitor Center, where you’ll find interactive exhibits and a mesmerizing 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. The center is a great place to learn about the park’s vibrant marine ecosystem and the unique role coral reefs play in the health of our oceans. The park also offers diving, snorkeling, kayak rentals, glass bottom boat tours, and other paid activities.
Whether you’re snorkeling on a world-class reef, kayaking through mangroves, or simply relaxing under the sun, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a spectacular place to connect with the natural beauty of the Florida Keys. It’s a perfect day trip for visitors seeking adventure, education, and a chance to experience one of the most vibrant marine ecosystems in the world.
Bird Sanctuary
Located in Tavernier, the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This free, donation-based sanctuary is home to rescued and rehabilitated birds that cannot return to the wild due to injury or illness. The center provides a unique opportunity to see a wide variety of bird species up close, including owls, hawks, pelicans, herons, and egrets, as well as smaller songbirds and seabirds.
Take a self-guided tour along the scenic wooden boardwalk that winds through mangroves and natural enclosures, and explore Pelican Lagoon, where pelicans and other seabirds gather near the water. Watching them preen, interact, and bask in the sun is both entertaining and educational. Bring a camera to capture photos of these majestic creatures against a backdrop of lush greenery and sparkling water.
While admission is free, donations are greatly appreciated and help support the center's mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wild birds back into their natural environment. Visiting the sanctuary is not only a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but it also offers a chance to learn about local wildlife and the challenges they face in the wild. It’s the perfect stop for families, birdwatchers, or anyone looking to connect with the beauty of the Keys’ natural world.
Lower Keys: Duck Key to Key West
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is a stunning natural oasis renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and incredible wildlife. While there is a small admission fee, the park’s beauty and offerings make it worth every penny, providing one of the best outdoor experiences in the Florida Keys.
The park boasts two main beaches: Sandspur Beach and Calusa Beach, both celebrated for their soft white sand and calm, inviting waters. Sunbathing, beachcombing, or wading into the shallows, these beaches are ideal for unwinding and enjoying the tropical setting. Don't miss the view from Old Bahia Honda Bridge, one of the most picturesque spots in the keys for a stunning sunset over the water. For wildlife enthusiasts, the nature trails, tidal lagoons, and coastal hammocks provide the perfect setting for spotting native plants and animals and learning about the fragile Florida Keys ecosystem.
Bahia Honda’s natural beauty, excellent recreational opportunities, and breathtaking views make it a highlight of any trip to the Lower Keys. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a chance to connect with nature, this park delivers an unforgettable experience.
Tour the Old Seven Mile Bridge via Pigeon Key
The recently restored Old Seven Mile Bridge is a must-see in the Lower Keys. Constructed in the early 1900s, Seven Mile bridge was amongst the longest bridges in existence at the time of its construction. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a world-famous walking route and fishing pier. The pedestrian-only section offers a 2.2-mile walk or bike ride with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife—sea turtles, stingrays, and even sharks can often be seen from the bridge as they swim below. Bring a camera and lots of water to enjoy the historic structure and prepare for a peaceful and beautiful walk alongside the pristine water.
National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key
The National Key Deer Refuge is a unique wildlife haven where you can see the adorable and endangered Key deer, a small subspecies of white-tailed deer found only in the Florida Keys. Take a scenic drive or bike ride through the refuge on Key Deer Boulevard and look for these gentle creatures as they roam through neighborhoods and natural areas. The refuge has quiet hiking trails like the Blue Hole Observation Platform, where you might also spot alligators, turtles, and birds in the freshwater pond. It’s a peaceful and immersive way to connect with nature in the Lower Keys.
Sunset at Mallory Square in Key West
Mallory Square in Key West is the heart of the island’s famous Sunset Celebration, a nightly event where locals and visitors gather to watch the sun sink into the horizon. Arrive an hour before sunset to enjoy the lively atmosphere filled with street performers, musicians, and vendors selling handmade crafts. As the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico, the sky comes alive with shades of orange, pink, and purple—a magical end to any day in the Keys.
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