This 200,000-plus-acre preserve (99 percent of it consisting of ocean) was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, making it one of the earliest wildlife refuges in the United States. It remains one of Florida's premier unspoiled

(+) More

This 200,000-plus-acre preserve (99 percent of it consisting of ocean) was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, making it one of the earliest wildlife refuges in the United States. It remains one of Florida's premier unspoiled underwater attractions, as well as a major breeding ground for native birds and other wildlife like green, hawksbill, and loggerhead sea turtles. The islands are dominated by mangroves with salt ponds and a few narrow beaches where human access is restricted due to turtle nesting sites. The refuge is administered as part of the National Key Deer Refuge, which is based on Big Pine Key, where there is a visitor center. However, the Key West National Wildlife Refuge is only accessible by boat, with a number of tours and vessels leaving from Key West. Any visitor to the refuge has to follow strict leave-no-trace guidelines, which helps keep this special wildlife area in its unspoiled condition.

(-) Close