DK Travel : Miami : The Keys : Outdoor

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Palms

Although only a few species are natives – the royal palm, the sabal palm, the saw palmetto, and the thatch palm – a huge range of imported palms now adorn the islands.
Parasailing

As close to growing wings as you can get, parasailing in the Keys is easy, safe, and unforgettable. Many small companies offer the experience, such as Sebago, on the Key West Bight.
Sea Turtles

These goodnatured, long-lived creatures come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. From the largest to the smallest they are the leatherback, the loggerhead, the green, the hawksbill, and the Ridley turtles.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Since the Keys are almost entirely surrounded by America’s largest living coral reef, the underwater world is one of the main treats the area has to offer.
Swimming

Some of the best beaches in the world are found in the Keys. Don’t worry if the ocean temperature happens to fall below the usual 79°F (26°C) – most hotels have heated swimming pools.
Tennis

Good tennis clubs can be found on just about every developed Key – on Islamorada at MM 76.8 bayside, Marathon at MM 53.5 oceanside, on Key West, of course, and elsewhere.
Water-skiing and Jet-skiing

These more intense ways of enjoying the Keys waters are available wherever there’s a marina, especially, of course in Key West and other developed tourist areas. Island Water Sport is one of the companies offering jetskis.
White Ibis

Recognizable for its long, down-curving beak, this mediumsized white bird was sacred to the Egyptians.
Windley Key Fossil Reef State Geological Site

Nature displays in the center, and trails into the railroad’s old quarries, where you can see fossilized brain coral and sea ferns.
Windsurfing

With prevailing winds and calm, shallow waters that remain so for miles out to sea, the Keys are windsurfing perfection. Most moderately busy beaches up and down the islands have shops that rent all the necessary equipment.