Page 393 - Visitor Guides

53 5 31 miles 0 miles
. miles

Marathon As seen from the air, Marathon and Lower Keys The Lower Keys are the least developed of Key West Key West is the Florida Key with the
the Middle Keys appear as emerald isles set
most historical significance, with piracy,
the Florida Keys, and in many ways the most
amid a sea of turquoise. Marathon’s reefs
wrecking, cigar making, sponging, shrimping,
natural. It is here that the last remaining herd
offer great variety in coral formations
and fishing among the industries which
of Key deer is found, with alligators
and fish life. The crystalline waters of
residing within a scenic inland blue hole.
once flourished on this southernmost isle.
the Atlantic Ocean reveal a marine wilderness
Now, Key West is a paradise of terrestrial
Yet for the visiting snorkeler and diver, the
comprised of an extensive spur-and-groove
coral complex and numerous well-developed
Marine Sanctuary. Named for the HMS Looe
galleries, museums, bars, and boutiques
patch reefs. Each reef is populated by a highlight is an excursion to Looe Key National tourist wonders, with beaches, resorts,
providing a fascinating complement to the
which ran aground in 1744, this small area
vast array of Caribbean tropical fish and boasts a tremendous variety of both coral natural beauty of the island. Key West has
invertebrates, with the fascinating addition structure and marine life. The coral reef some of the best diving in The Keys that more
of both modern and historical shipwrecks of Looe Key was afforded protection in 1981. scuba divers and snorkelers are discovering
to complete the tremendous sport dive Spearfishing, coral collection and even every year. To learn all about the eclectic
appeal of the region. For more information lobstering have been banned here history of Key West and its diverse present-
on Marathon, drop by the Chamber of – the result being large schools of friendly day attractions, stop by the Chamber of
Commerce at mile marker 53 5 fish and a gorgeous coral reef. For more Commerce at 402 Wall Street in Old Town.
. .
information on Big Pine Key and the Lower
fla-keys.com/marathon Keys, visit the Lower Keys Chamber of fla-keys.com/keywest
e-mail: info@floridakeysmarathon.com Commerce at mile marker 31. e-mail: info@keywestchamber.org
1-800-262-7284
fla-keys.com/lowerkeys 1-800-527-8539
e-mail: lkchamber@aol.com
1-800-872-3722