May 2024:
Ahead of World Oceans Day on 8 June, fresh additions to the
Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail pass
are helping visitors to connect with, and protect, the natural environment of
the 125-mile-long island chain.
The
free, mobile-exclusive digital pass enables travellers to find and check in at local
businesses while exploring the Keys’ environment and wildlife. Launched in
January and created by the Florida Keys Tourism Council and technology company
Bandwango, the Eco-Experience Trail pass includes more than 60 geo-tagged,
bookable activities and sustainability initiatives. After accessing the pass, users can explore state parks and nature tours, wildlife
centres and refuges
as well as eco-adventures in the waters of the
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which protects the continental United
States’ only living barrier coral reef.
Latest additions include:
Mellow Ventures,
an eco-tour operator offering expeditions into the backcountry off Key West
from sunrise to sunset. From visiting coral gardens to paddleboarding, kayaking
and snorkelling the pristine waters, the Mellow Ventures mission is to enable
visitors and locals a chance to reconnect with a natural rhythm whilst having a
once in a lifetime experience.
Seacamp Association,
offering year-round marine science education programmes and guided kayak tours.
Since 1966, Seacamp has opened up the world of marine science exploration,
SCUBA diving, sailing, and windsurfing to youth from around the world.
Sol Chaser Charters,
providing the opportunity to snorkel, visit a secluded sandbar and soak in a
famous Key West sunset. Hourly, half day, and full day trips are available for
up to six people.
Key West Aquarium
showcases the wonders of the Florida Keys’ marine environment. With exhibits
dedicated to the different habitats, marine organisms and industries that
characterise the Florida Keys, the aquarium aims to inspire guests to help
protect the natural world.
Other ways for visitors to get involved
include:
Tour the
Mote Marine Florida Keys facilities - public tours are free to join at
each of the three campuses in the Keys: Mote's Elizabeth Moore International
Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (its main campus in the
Florida Keys, located on Summerland Key); Mote's Islamorada Coral Nursery; and
the Key Largo Coral Nursery.
Play a vital part in
repairing the Florida Reef - join a Slice of Paradise microfragmentation
experience, offered at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Key Largo Coral Nursery at
Reefhouse Resort & Marina and Mote's Islamorada Coral Nursery, located on
the property of Bud N’ Mary’s Marina. Using a Mote-pioneered technique, participants
learn how to cut coral using a small jewellery diamond-bladed saw, creating
small fragments. These fragments are then mounted on ceramic pedestals that are
returned to grow in the land-based nursery until they are the perfect size to
be taken to the ocean and ‘outplanted’ on the coral reef.
Go out with
I.Care in Islamorada or
SCUBAPRO
in Key Largo and Summerland Key on a coral restoration dive as a citizen
scientist.
In the Lower Keys on
Summerland Key, the
Plant a Million Corals Foundation and the Key West–based Coastlove are
collaborating to grow mangroves at the foundation’s Summerland Farms.
Prescheduled small groups can tour the facility to learn about global coral
restoration, and the Florida Keys Mangrove Nursery, where mangrove propagules
are potted and raised for planting programmes.
Posted by: Florida Keys & Key West
Posted on: 24/05/2024