Key West is one of about 1,700 islands located off the southern tip of Florida. These islands, considered an archipelago in their entirety, are referred to collectively as "the Keys". The climate there is subtropical due to their proximity to the Tropic of Cancer. Key West is one of the last islands in the chain (furthest from the mainland) and is considered to be the southernmost city in the United States. Due to its subtropical climate, and island nature surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico as well as the Caribbean, the Keys are an exceptionally biologically diverse area that offer nature enthusiasts lots of opportunities to enjoy themselves outdoors. There are a number of excellent eco-tour operators in and around Key West that provide high quality educational tours regarding the exceptional wildlife and nature of this very special region.
1. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Voted the number one attraction on Key West by reviewers on TripAdvisor, this conservatory, located centrally on Duval Street, is home to hundreds of individual butterflies from 50 to 60 different species - both local and exotic. Built up around the butterflies are beautifully crafted exhibits featuring various flowering plants and colorful birds, all within a climate-controlled glass habitat house. Educational facilities include The Learning Center, where visitors can read all about butterfly natural history, life cycles, anatomy and physiology, and all about the migratory world of the famous Monarch butterfly. Visitors can also see up-close views of feeding and developing caterpillars. A well-stocked gift shop allows visitors to support the center through purchasing professionally preserved butterflies in shadow boxes. If you love butterflies, this wonderful place should not be missed!
2. Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Supported by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is the place to come for anyone interested in science and discovery. This wonderful center is focused on the very special habitats and ecology of the Florida Keys, and the special plants and animals that call the Keys their home - on land, in the air, and in the surrounding waters. This center is a hit with families as it is up-to-date on modern exhibit design, featuring high definition touch screen interactive exhibits. It is the best way to learn about the special mangrove and coral reef ecosystems that inhabit the waters around the Florida Keys. A new addition to the facility is the 2,500 gallon Living Reef aquarium, filled with native animals. Smaller salt-water aquariums are scattered throughout in the form of touch tanks, where visitors can touch sting rays, horseshoe crabs, and the infamous Florida conch. Best of all, there is no admission fee!
3.Key West Eco Tours
If you want to get outdoors to see the ecology of the Florida Keys, this privately owned local business is the place to visit. A responsible company that promotes conservation values, this eco tour business offers clients guided kayak tours in a variety of Florida Keys environments - calm, shallow seas; lush mangrove islands; sponge and coral gardens; as well as sunrise and sunset sails on their private sailboat. Snorkeling reef ecosystems can also be combined with a kayak tour for a complete submersive experience where you can come face to face with some of the Keys' most colorful underwater inhabitants.
4. Dry Tortugas National Park
The Dry Tortugas is a United States National Park that contains a cluster of about 7 islands, approximately 70 miles offshore from the most southerly Florida Keys. Located on one of the islands is Fort Jefferson, a Civil War-era fort that began construction in 1846 but was never completed. It and the waters surrounding it were declared a National Monument in 1935 by President Roosevelt. These islands exist in a sub-tropical climate and are a wonderful place to visit for their unique island nature. Many birders visit the Dry Tortugas during the spring and fall migration, as these islands can provide safe harbor to certain rare and vagrant species of migratory birds. The park is open year-round, but is accessible only by water or by air. There is a ferry service out of the Keys that operates a passenger catamaran to the Dry Tortugas. Visiting the park is largely self-guided, although National Park Service rangers are always around and may do special guided tours and talks throughout the day, especially during peak season and on the weekends.
5. Wild About Dolphins Dolphin Tours
This privately owned boat service is also the top rated dolphin/whale watching tour operator in the Florida Keys, so be sure not to miss it. The owner, Sherri, is 100% involved in the tour service, and along for the ride is Maya, a friendly golden retriever that actually helps to locate dolphins in the wild. Dolphins frequently come in close to interact with the ship and its passengers. Snorkeling in the crystal clear water enables passengers to get up close with aquatic animals, which can also include reef sharks, manatees, stingrays, iguanas, and lots of colorful coral reef fish. There is nothing comparable to seeing such beautiful and intelligent creatures happy in the wild and able to interact with humans on their own terms. This dolphin tour is an absolute must-do whenever you are in the Keys!