January 2024:
Visitors to the Florida Keys can now discover the island chain’s unique
eco-attractions and rich natural world by tapping into the free Florida Keys
Eco-Experience Trail pass.
The mobile-exclusive
digital pass enables users to find and check in at local businesses while
exploring the environment and wildlife of the continental United States’
southernmost island chain. The
easy-to-use pass features only-in-the-Keys attractions, sites, and marine
adventures, all designed to help visitors connect with the natural surroundings.
Created by the
Florida Keys tourism council and technology company Bandwango, the
Eco-Experience Trail pass includes nearly 50 geo-tagged, bookable activities
that encourage engagement with the Keys’ environment and sustainability
initiatives - from wild dolphin watching in Key West aboard Honest Eco’s
purpose-built electric boat to going behind the scenes at Plant a Million
Corals on Summerland Key. Further activities and offerings are to be added in
2024.
After accessing the
pass via fla-keys.com/experience, users can begin exploring state parks and
nature tours, wildlife centres and refuges, coral restoration opportunities,
eco-adventures and more, from Key Largo to Key West. Also featured are fishing,
diving, and snorkelling tours in the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary that protects the continental United States’ only living barrier
coral reef — many conducted by sanctuary-certified Blue Star operators.
Users can filter
experiences by location, activity type or attraction, choosing from kayaking
the backcountry waters of the Lower Keys, to uncovering wildlife refuges, or
spotting endangered species such as Key Deer, the smallest subspecies of the
North American white-tailed deer. Upon checking in at a location on the pass,
users also receive points based on the level of the experience. Once a specific
number of points is earned, passholders can exchange them for Keys-focused
prizes. In addition, some participating businesses provide value-added
offerings or incentives.
“The Eco-Experience
Trail pass is an easy-to-use, mobile-based ‘passport’ that introduces visitors
to the best of the Florida Keys’ natural attractions,” said Rita Irwin, chair
of the Keys tourism council. “Once they connect with the island chain’s environment,
they can make eco-conscious choices that help protect it.”
Posted by: Florida Keys & Key West
Posted on: 12/01/2024