Things to Do

A man holding a rope that extends out of frame as he is pulled on a surfboard
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary offers some of the best flat water riding for kiteboarding. Photo: David Ruck/NOAA

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a special place, with spectacular and unique resources such as coral reefs, shipwrecks, seagrass beds, and mangroves that are the source of commercial and recreational activities like diving, fishing, paddleboarding, and boating. The sanctuary is in place to protect these resources, but the effectiveness of conservation hinges on you and other visitors following sanctuary rules, following wildlife viewing guidelines, and taking simple steps to be a good, thoughtful steward of the environment.

We've assembled the information below to help you plan your visit and help us ensure that locals and visitors can continue to enjoy all that the Florida Keys have to offer.

a young man on a boat holding a fishing rod that's bending from a fish.

Fishing

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a fishing hotspot, and we ask anglers to do their homework on local regulations before casting a line.

two snorkelers in shallow water wearing yellow lifejackets

Diving and Snorkeling

The often clear, calm waters of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are a snorkeling and scuba diving delight.

a boat underway on the water

Boating

Florida is the boating capital of the world. Here in the Florida Keys, it's a way of life.

A person in a kayak near mangrove trees

Paddling

Thousands of mangrove islands in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary provide the perfect destination for paddlers.

people next to a tent surrounded by palm trees

Camping

This itinerary gives a glimpse of what a three-day camping trip around Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary could look like, with tips to start planning your trip.

A close up of a white bird with a small crab in its orange beak

Eco-Tours and Wildlife Viewing

Keeping wildlife safe is a major responsibility of the sanctuary, and you can help with a little planning.

A woman points to objects on a table

Eco Discovery Center

The Eco-Discovery Center has been reimagined through a one million-dollar renovation, and it's still one of the few free attractions in Key West.

An aerial view of a red brick fort on a small island surrounded by ocean

Featured Places

There are so many ways to enjoy the natural beauty, unique cultures, and maritime history around Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, both on land and in the water.