Why are there no waves in Key Largo?

The coral reefs protection keeps the waves from crashing ashore, which causes erosion. This also means the water inshore of the coral reefs is shallower, and calmer. The coral reefs prevent beach formation, but they give back in other ways.



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The island chain has the unique geographic good fortune of having the only living coral reef in the continental U.S. running parallel along its length. The reef acts as a barrier to the waves coming in from the Atlantic Ocean, preventing waves from pounding against shoreline rocks, thereby inhibiting sand build-up.

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Calusa Beach, Big Pine Key With gentle or nonexistent waves, this beach in the Florida Keys is one of the best spots in the state for littles. It's shallow, and fun snorkeling opportunities happen right off the sand, making this stretch a great way to spend a relaxing family afternoon.

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The Keys has the longest living coral reef in America, running 221 miles from Key Largo FL and continuing southwest to the Dry Tortugas National Park. The coral reefs protection keeps the waves from crashing ashore, which causes erosion. This also means the water inshore of the coral reefs is shallower, and calmer.

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Reef Road – Palm Beach, FL The popular spot in Palm Beach is known for its big waves and heart-racing surf. The beach by the south jetty is the place for the most intense waves.

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While Key Largo is undoubtedly the prettiest of all the Florida Keys, it's also one that's home to plenty of activities for the avid beachgoer. With scenic views like this, it would be tough not to fall in love with such a beachside beauty!

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Most tourists who visit the Florida Keys want to know why is Key Largo so popular. The answer is simple - Key Largo is the quintessential essence of the Florida Keys! It is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world and is easily accessible from Miami International Airport.

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This mass bleaching event has made an already bad situation worse. Well before summer, the area of healthy reefs in the Florida Keys had already declined by 90 percent, due to past heat waves, diseases, ocean acidification, and other threats. The majority of Florida's reefs that remain, meanwhile, are eroding.

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Clearest Water in Florida
  • The Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are the ultimate Florida boating destination for gin-clear water. ...
  • Jupiter. Jupiter is another one of Florida's amazing boating destinations with gin-clear water. ...
  • Destin. ...
  • Panama City Beach. ...
  • Freshwater Springs. ...
  • Miami. ...
  • Palm Beach. ...
  • Tampa.


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The waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast of Florida are, in general, known to have more wave action than the Gulf Coast.

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Cocoa Beach may be the surf capital of Florida, but there are plenty of things to do when the waves are flat (or your arms are sore). Surf addicts can visit the Florida Surf Museum inside the Ron Jon Surf Shop, which has a rotation of cool events and exhibits.

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Did you know the Florida Keys is home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world? John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the USA's first underwater park (read: underwater adventure playground). From shipwrecks to underwater statues to colourful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, there's so much to explore.

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