Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is home to a diverse community of underwater habitats, ranging from the only coral barrier reef in the continental United States to the largest documented contiguous seagrass community in the Northern Hemisphere. More than 6,000 animal species are found here, along with an array of submerged historical and cultural resources, making this one of the world's most cherished locations for diving, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Sanctuary News

panoramic view of a coral reef in florida keys
Read

Restoration Blueprint for Florida Keys is Final: Marking Critical Milestone

Read more stories

Sign up for our monthly newsletter for sanctuary news and upcoming events.

diver swimming by a coral nusery

Iconic Reef Guardians

The Florida Keys region has become a world leader in coral reef restoration. Now, we are inviting the public to lend a hand through the Iconic Reef Guardians program.

a phone with the app running is superimposed over an image of boats on the water

Marine Sanctuary Explorer

All 3,800 square miles of the sanctuary fit in the palm of your hand with this GPS-enabled guide to Florida Keys waters.

map of the florida keys, with marine life, boat, mangroves overlayed

Restoration Blueprint

In response to public concerns about threats to the marine environment, NOAA has completed the first major update of regulations in the Florida Keys since 1997.

a small fishing boat with 6 passengers

Boater Education Course

Take this free, online course to help You safely navigate the tricky waters of The Florida Keys.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Poster

Coastal mangroves and seagrass are nurseries for many species of fish, invertebrates and birds that inhabit Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. These calm, shallow waters are ideal for paddle sports, snorkeling, and fishing for species like tarpon. The offshore coral reef features elkhorn and brain corals, sponges, and other invertebrates which create habitat for spiny lobster, urchins, and many other species of reef fish like sergeant major and larger fish like sharks, rays, barracuda, and snapper.

Commemorative Poster Unveiled in Celebration of 50th Anniversary

The spirit of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is captured in a mosaic image by artist Matt McIntosh for a poster that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the sanctuary system.

National Marine Sanctuary System

national marine sanctuary system map

Safeguarding America's Premier Marine Places

From Washington state to the Gulf of America and from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Islands, the National Marine Sanctuary System protects 18 underwater parks spanning over 629,000 square miles of ocean and Great Lakes waters. By investing in innovative solutions, we strengthen these iconic places to address 21st-century challenges while supporting America's commerce and tourism. These unique locations inspire people to visit, value, and steward our nation’s iconic ocean and Great Lakes waters.