What is the biggest reef in the Florida Keys?

Key West's largest protected coral reef is Western Sambos, part of an ecological reserve created in 1997. Several other extensive shallow reefs off Key West including Eastern Dry Rocks, Rock Key and Sand Key are abundant in corals, gorgonians and fish, and range from 5 to 45 feet in depth.



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Florida's Coral Reef is the largest coral reef ecosystem in the continental U.S., with its extensive shallow coral reefs spanning 358 miles from the Dry Tortugas near Key West, north along the Atlantic coast to Martin County.

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Dry Tortugas National Park is a sparkling gem in the Florida Keys. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, and accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is made up of seven small islands and 100 square miles of crystal clear waters, dreamy coral reefs, and lush gardens.

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Key Largo at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of the must-visit snorkeling spots in the continental United States. You will find the only living coral reef here. Snorkelers can expect to see various sea turtles, shipwrecks, bottlenose dolphins, and tropical fishes here.

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You can also swim and enjoy other water sports like windsurfing and snorkeling as well as kayaking and paddleboarding in the clear, clean water inhabited by tropical fish. The park is a wonderful place to experience the famous Key West sunset.

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Since the late 1970s, healthy coral cover in the Florida Keys has fallen 90 percent due to disease, heat stress, and damage from boats and storms. Mission: Iconic Reefs aims to restore 7 key reefs to self-sustaining levels by 2040.

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Are there Sharks in the Florida Keys? You bet. It is common to catch nurse sharks while fishing on the flats. These bottom dwellers are generally docile and will only act defensively if provoked, so if you see one out snorkeling or diving there is no need for alarm as long as you do not disturb it.

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But how soon will these areas be impacted? Well, according to the Miami Herald, many of the main roads in the Florida Keys could be underwater as soon as 2025. With the high possibility that the serious impacts of rising sea levels could be felt so soon, finding a way to adapt is crucial.

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