Lower Florida Keys
The Lower Keys give visitors a vivid notion of the Florida Keys of yesteryear. This thirty-mile spectacular expanse lies between Key West and Marathon. There are no malls, no fast food restaurants, and few buildings of any kind. The Lower Keys offer one of the best possibilities for enjoying the natural environment that makes the area so rich. To the north is the Gulf of Mexico, and to the south is the Atlantic Ocean.Beach lovers will absolutely love Bahia Honda State Park. Called one of the most beautiful beaches in America by Conde Nast magazine, the park is a perfect place for swimming, fishing, bird-watching, snorkeling, or hiking miles of trails. Nature lovers will appreciate the varying ecosystems in the park. Coastal mangroves, beach dunes, and tropical hammock (tract of forested land that rises above an adjacent marsh) areas can be seen in different parts of the park.
Snorkelers and divers alike should not miss the coral reefs of Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. Located 12 miles off the coast of the Bahia Honda State Park, this reef got its name from the HMS Looe which supposedly ran aground there in 1744 while towing a captured French ship, the Snow. The reef is home to over 150 species of fish including yellowtail, angelfish, parrotfish, barracuda, sergeant majors, and moray eel. The lucky diver can also see several shark and ray species. 7000 years of growth have produced over 50 species of coral in the area. Some of these include staghorn, elkhorn, star, brain, and fire corals.
When you are around the area of Big Pine Key, you are already about 100 miles at sea. So you don't have to travel far to find some impressive fishing holes. Sport fishing charters are available from Cudjoe Key through Big Pine and up to Ohio Key. For those who want to really commune with nature, flats or backcountry fishing may be for you. This is fly-fishing at its finest as you try to outsmart a cautious bonefish, tarpon, or permit.
Setting up camp in the Lower Keys can be as convenient as it is fulfilling. Key West is approximately 25 miles south. Marathon is about 30 miles north.
Don't let this undeveloped stretch of the Keys fool you. Take advantage of the serenity the area has to offer. Whatever activity you choose, make the experience memorable by doing it in the Lower Keys!
