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EcoGuide Florida Keys | Key West
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Key West
by Richard H. Stewart
AUTHOR/PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

You may think you have reached the end of the line at MM0, but in reality you have just arrived at the begining of the fun-in-the-sun paradise!

Although this small (2 miles by 4 miles) southernmost city in the United States and the capital of the Conch Republic, may be legendary for eccentric party goers, sun-worshipers and legendary treasure hunters, there is no shortage of family aquatic activities and nature discoveries in Key West.

How did Key West evolve into such an aquatic environment? It all started during the ice age when the polar caps began to develop causing the sea level to drop. From out of the depths came a land mass that was actually the tail end of the Appalachian mountains. Key Largo’s land was formed by coral, known as Key Largo Limestone. Key West, on the other hand, is a material called Oolite. Eventually the caps went through another melt down creating the current geological wonder we call a Key (from the Tiano Indian word Cay).

The warm, tropical environment of this near-equator land mass was and still is conducive to the growth of those little tiny undersea critters know as coral polyps! The hard material most think is the coral is actually the lime secretion and the platform on which the coral forms its habitat.

For more than 300 years the population consited of natives and Europeans who passed by only to stop for water. It was not until Florida became part of the United States in 1821 that Key West and the Keys began to flourish. Of course Henry Flagler’s railroad project added fuel to the already bustling growth of Key West as a deep water port. Shipping was big and its commerce caused Key West to become Florida's largest populated city with professional residents such as doctors, lawyers, insurance representatives, politicians, military personnel, journalists and publishers!

With this natural setting, you can see why there are so many activities and underwater exploration available. Scuba diving activities surround Key West, and the sites are within reasonable travel time. There are several locations like Marquesas Reef, Smith Shoal and for the snorkeler, Sand Key that are enchanting. And if you are a wreck diver, the southernmost portion of the Florida Keys wreck trek includes the USS Wilkes-Barre, Joe’s Tug and most recently — the USS Vandenberg.

Kayaking has become one of the most popular activities thoughout the Keys. Its an activity nearly
everyone can do, ranging from leisure paddling to competitive races. Key West offers great kayaking
because of the miles of mangrove islands and backcountry flats. If it is windy on the east side you
launch from the west. Hurricane Hole has been one of the more popular launches for many years.

Fishing is excellent with the usual options of offshore, reef or backcountry locations. Ernest Hemingway sought blue Marlin in the Florida Straights between Cuba and Key West and Zane Grey’s angling skills mastered the backcountry flats! If fishing is your passion, there are more than a half a dozen marinas between Stock Island and downtown Key West where you can locate and book individual fishing charters or group party boats.

Key West is all residental so there are really few nature-type tours on the island. It’s the water surrounding the island that provides Key West eco-tourism — scuba, snorkeling and kayaking. The closest thing to remote eco or nature tour would be a day trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park. The Dry Tortugas consist of 7 small islands and the surrounding water, 70 miles from Key West. The second largest island, Garden Key is home to Fort Jefferson. Snorkeling in this area is very good since the shallow water, between 3’ and 5’, is perfect for the growth of healthy coral. Between March and September, some 100,000 Sooty Terns gather on Bush Key for their nesting season, along with 2,500 breeding Brown Noddies. When John James Audubon visited the Florida Keys in the early 1800s, he was amazed by the abundance and diversity of bird life. Human encroachment has taken a toll on the avian population, but hundreds of songbirds, water birds, shorebirds, and raptors still pass through Key West every year. There are a few great places to visit that showcase the nature of the Keys, such as the EcoDiscovery Center and the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory.

Another exciting water activity is sailing. You can rent Hobie Cats or climb aboard a Historic Schooner or Tall Ship and enjoy the brilliant sunsets.


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