A Bird's Eye View of the Florida Keys - Thrilling Ways to Explore the Island Chain from the Air

The iconic drive through the Florida Keys on U.S. Route 1 is among America's classic road trips, but visitors can also experience the subtropical island chain from the air. A variety of activities -- from thrill-seeking to tranquil options - provide a bird's-eye view of America's southernmost islands, giving a whole new dimension to the destination.

Here is just a small selection of the many aerial adventures that visitors can experience in the Florida Keys:

Soar High in a Seaplane to America's Most Remote National Park America's most remote national park, the Dry Tortugas, is located 70 miles off the coast of Key West and is renowned for its marine life, pirate legends and breathtaking beauty. At the centre of the Dry Tortugas lies Fort Jefferson, an historic Civil War-era fort. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, visitors can enjoy a day out relaxing, snorkelling and taking in the fascinating history of the fort and park.

For more than 30 years, Key West Seaplane Adventures has offered tours to the Dry Tortugas, which is only a 40-minute flight from Key West International Airport. A half-day (four-hour) excursion costs $295 per adult, $236 per child age 12 and under, and free for children under two years old. A full-day (eight-hour) excursion costs $515 per adult, $412 per child age 12 and under, and free for children under two years old. For more information and to book, visit keywestseaplanecharters.com.

Hover and Take in World-Famous Views by Helicopter Old City Helicopter Tours, located halfway down the Florida Keys in Marathon, offers a range of flight packages to cater to virtually all sightseers. Each flight offers panoramic views of the Keys and tours can range from a 6-minute "sample" to an hour-long escape into the sky. The Bahia Honda State Park tour journeys over the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge before soaring over the azure waters and beaches of Bahia Honda State Park, Spanish Harbor Key and Big Pine Key in the Lower Keys. Packages start from $59 per person. For more information and to book, visit oldcityhelicopters.com/floridakeys/tour_information.html.

Florida Keys History Brought to Life on a Vintage WWII Plane Marathon's newest sightseeing venture, Overseas Aero Tours, provides a unique opportunity to see the Florida Keys from a vintage WWII biplane. During the company's biplane rides for two, passengers can view the historic and contemporary bridges connecting the islands of the Florida Keys and spot marine life such as fish, sharks, rays and dolphins in the clear shallow waters below. Highlights include a bird's-eye view of Marathon, Pigeon Key, and the historic Seven Mile Bridge. Excursion prices start at $110 for two people and range from 6-to-8-minute tours to 60-minute flights. For more information and to book, visit www.overseasaerotours.com.

Glide Over John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park by Parasail Kay Largo, located at the top of the Florida Keys island chain, offers thrilling sights for parasailing enthusiasts or novices. Visitors can choose between Key Largo Parasail's 500- or 1000-foot flights over Key Largo,Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, highlighteded by panoramic views of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Departures are daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and flights last approximately 8 to 10 minutes. No experience is necessary and all ages can participate. A 500-foot tandem or triple ride costs $45 per person, a 1000-foot tandem or triple ride costs $55 per person, and a 1000-foot single ride costs $65 per person. Please note parasailing is also available throughout the Keys at other locations. For more information and to book, visit www.keylargoparasail.com.

For more information on the Florida Keys, visit: www.fla-keys.co.uk.