Connect & Protect

Make a difference

• Discover deeper connections - Choose adventures that bring you close to the living world around you, from snorkeling the only barrier reef on the U.S. mainland to walking trails through hardwood hammocks and spotting native wildlife like the tiny Key deer. These moments aren’t just beautiful, they invite you to become part of the story.
• Help protect a fragile paradise - While you explore, simple actions go a long way: use reef-safe sunscreen, opt for eco-conscious tours, stay in your lane in mangroves and seagrass, and pick up one more piece of trash. Our ecosystem needs every visitor to step up.
• Make a difference, even without volunteering - You don’t have to sign up for a formal program to help. Whether you’re choosing a “Blue Star” eco-certified operator, driving thoughtfully through wildlife zones, or simply using a reusable water bottle, your choices matter.
• Don't pass it up, pick it up - In our island community, there’s a particularly powerful reason to pick up any trash you might spot. Birds, fish, sea turtles and other marine life can mistake debris and plastic bags in the ocean for food.
• Visit with care - From the backcountry to open ocean, the Keys’ magic lies in its wild side. Protecting it means anchoring responsibly, avoiding contact with coral, respecting rules, and remembering this place is home to many before us—and many after us.

Dive in, breathe easy, and welcome to doing more than just visiting—welcome to connecting and protecting.