On the Water

Steward of the Keys: Dan Dawson Dives

Dan Dawson, co-owner with wife Mollie of Key Largo’s Horizon Divers, certified by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as an environmentally responsible Blue Star operator, discovered his passion for diving at an early age. Today, he’s energized by seeing kids and young adults learn about the Keys’ environment and its protection.

By |2024-02-28T10:46:19-05:00February 28, 2024|

How Florida Keys Fishing Legends Created the March Merkin

Roughly 18 years ago, the March Merkin permit tournament was born in the Florida Keys. One of the longest-running permit challenges in the world, the fly-fishing tournament is hard to fish and hard to win. Guest blogger Allison Delashmit provides a look at the angling event, and ways people can support it.

By |2024-02-21T15:09:08-05:00February 21, 2024|

Connect to the Environment with New Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail Pass

There’s a new way to explore the Florida Keys — a way that’s fun, fascinating and focused on nature. Visitors can now discover the island chain’s eco-attractions and environmental offerings by using the free Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail pass, featuring nearly 50 geo-tagged, bookable activities that encourage connecting with the Keys’ natural world.

By |2024-01-24T16:47:43-05:00January 24, 2024|

Only-in-the-Keys Dive Spots for Your Underwater Bucket List

As well as the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef, the Florida Keys feature unique dive spots that provide unparalleled adventures for underwater enthusiasts. The majestic "Christ of the Deep" statue, an artificial reef created from a historic Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad bridge, and much more await divers in the island chain.

By |2024-01-10T15:51:03-05:00January 10, 2024|

Discover Islamorada’s Angling History

Renowned as a world-class destination for anglers, history-rich Islamorada is where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing were pioneered. For decades, savvy anglers have found themselves “hooked” on stalking finned and gilled prey in area waters. Much to their satisfaction, there’s something to fish for during every season of the year.

By |2023-12-13T15:49:13-05:00December 13, 2023|

Terry Helmers: Steward of Keys Volunteerism

Terry Helmers is a Florida Keys volunteer extraordinaire. His underwater specialty, as a volunteer and as a NOAA- and national parks-authorized diver, is mooring buoys. The dedicated Helmers has logged about 800 volunteer hours with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and more than 2,300 at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

By |2023-11-29T10:52:19-05:00November 29, 2023|

Mill McCleary: Steward of Plastic Free Key West

Mill McCleary, executive director of the Reef Relief organization based in Key West, uses advocacy and organizational skills to create tangible impacts through clean water and healthy ecosystems. He has overseen Reef Relief’s establishment of Key West Marine Park, founding of Coral Camp for Kids, and recent Plastic Free Key West program.

By |2023-11-01T15:03:06-04:00November 1, 2023|

Alligator Reef Lighthouse Shines Once Again

Alligator Reef Lighthouse, a 150-year-old lighthouse that has been dark for a decade, is shining again at night in the Florida Keys. An Islamorada group working to restore the aging lighthouse recently installed solar-powered lights in the lantern room — shining a beacon across the water to highlight the need to preserve the landmark.

By |2023-10-11T15:09:25-04:00October 11, 2023|

Sue Cooper: Steward of the Lower Keys Backcountry

Sue Cooper, a Florida Keys paddleboard guru and author of “Millionaire in Flip Flips,” is the face of Lazy Dog Adventures — known for its slogan, “We do more in a week than most people do all day.” But don’t be fooled by that slogan; Sue is brimming with business acumen and motivational concepts.

By |2023-10-04T11:52:40-04:00October 4, 2023|

Explore History on the Florida Keys’ Shipwreck Trails

Divers planning a Florida Keys vacation can anticipate days of world-class underwater adventure — exploring a fascinating shipwreck trail that stretches from Key Largo to Key West within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The trail features long-ago wrecks and ships intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs, now home to myriad fish and corals.

By |2023-09-27T13:51:34-04:00September 27, 2023|
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