Lower Florida Keys and Big Pine Key Activities
The Lower Florida Keys are considered the place to go to just relax in the sun. However there are many activities to do in this beautiful slice of heaven. There might not be the bars and the nightlife that you will or can find in the other areas of the Florida Keys but this area has quaint resorts and family run restaurants all with the backdrop of pristine untouched nature everywhere you look- by land and by sea.
Starting just south of the Seven Mile Bridge the Lower Keys consist of many smaller sized islands with a few larger ones interspersed in between them. Key West is a part of the Lower Keys but because of its size and popularity it is an area all of its own. Big Pine Key, one of the larger of these islands, is home to the Key Deer as well as many of the parks and attractions to see here in the Lower Keys during your Florida Keys visit. Use this guide to find places to stay, where to eat, and what to do when you visit this paradise in South Florida.
Water Sports
The Lower Florida Keys are surrounded by crystal clear and mostly calm water. Because of this there are an abundance of activities to do on and in the water.Fishing
While it may not be as well known as Islamorada or Key Largo, the Lower Florida Keys still have some great fishing. You are already miles out to sea when you arrive in Big Pine Key and the other islands of the Lower Keys so getting to the fish is much faster. There is world-class backcountry fishing as well as hard striking deep water and reef fishing here available. There are fewer charters here so use this guide to plan all of your fishing activities.- Offshore and Reef Fishing Charters
- Flats and Backcountry Fishing Charters
- Light Tackle and Fly Fishing Charters
- Party Boat Charters
Diving
With its crystal clear water, the Lower Keys is a wonderful place for snorkeling and scuba diving; in fact it is one of the most popular pastimes of the residents here. There are a few dive shops located here in the Lower Florida Keys and they have trips to a few of the popular sites everyday.Looe Key Reef: This protected coral reef area and Marine Sanctuary, located just five miles offshore from Big Pine Key, is one of the most beautiful reefs in all of the Florida Keys. Because it is protected the reefs are teaming with life. Hundreds of species of tropical fish can be found here. With picture perfect colorful coral of all sizes and shapes, and the size and depth of the reef, Looe Key it is a great place for both snorkelers and scuba divers of all levels of expertise. Adolphus Busch: This artificially made reef was created when the 210-foot freighter was sunk in 100 feet of water in 1998. Advanced divers can explore the insides of this vessel via the large holes used to sink it. Giant grouper of over 400 pounds have been known to make this site home. There are other dive sites here in the Lower Florida Keys and professional crews and captains to take you out. Use this guide to find the captain for you and your family.
Other Water Sports
There are numerous other water sports available in the Lower Florida Keys.Water-skiing, Windsurfing, Kite boarding, Jet-ski and Wave Runner and Parasailing: there are a few shops that rent and offer these and other fun activities on the waters of both the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Kayak and Canoe Rentals: Explore the beauty of the islands and the waterways and canals. Rent one and go explore on your own or take one of the many guided Eco-tours that are available. Sailing and Yachting: rent a sailing vessel or a yacht for a wonderful day trip on the crystal clear waters here in the Lower Florida Keys. With its location so close to all of the other areas you can go and explore, go fishing or just relax under the sun.
But the water is just one part of these beautiful islands. There is much to do on land and in the air as well. Whether you just want to come to the solitude and beauty of these islands to relax on warm white sandy beaches or would like to get closer to nature and see some of the rare creatures that call the Lower Florida Keys home these beautiful islands are a perfect place for a family vacation.
There are many parks and attractions to see on your visit to the Lower Keys. The locals, called "Conchs", are friendly and helpful but use this guide also to make your stay here in this island paradise picture perfect.
Bahia Honda State Park: With a beach that is ranked as one of the most beautiful in North America and to some even the world, Bahia Honda State Park is a must see when you come to the Lower Florida Keys. Come for the day or stay either in one of the many campgrounds or the few cabins that are located on the island. Fishing, kayaking, bird watching, hiking, scuba diving and snorkeling are just a few of the activities to do here at Bahia Honda State Park The Blue Hole: What were just the remains of an old limestone quarry is now home to many species of birds and wildlife. Alligators, turtles, iguanas, snakes, fresh water and some salt water fish all make this small landlocked waterway home. The Key Deer also are around but usually only in the early dawn so unless you want to get up that early you will probably miss these illusive creatures. There are still plenty of hawks, eagles, osprey, herons and other birds to spot and enjoy. It is a nice place to come and bird watch, take some incredible pictures of nature and see nature close up. National Key Deer and Great White Heron Refuge: The refuge, approximately 9200 acres of land in the Lower Florida Keys, was established to protect the Key Deer and other species that are on the endangered species list. The tiny Key Deer is not found anywhere else in the world. Come early in the morning and you just might be able to get a rare photo of this beautiful and endangered animal. There are many other parks in the Lower Florida Keys for hiking and exploring, bird watching and camping. This guide will help you find the park that is tailor made for your family and your family vacation to the Lower Florida Keys and Big Pine Key.