Diving at the dive sites near the Lower Keys and Key West

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Diving near Key West is after Key Largo the most famous dive destination in Florida, probably in the whole United States. At only 100 miles south of Key Largo and at a 3 to 4 hours drive from Miami it is also one of the most accessible. Waters a bit warmer than its northern neighbours, its many artificial reefs and its strictly regulated water tourism provide for excellent coral growth and enormous amounts of fish. Several world famous dive sites such as those at Looe Key, Dry Rocks and Joe's Tug have appeared at this southern stretch of the Keys. The dive sites we describe in this region are those of Key West, other larger lower Keys such as Big Pine Key and the keys of Lower Sugarloaf Sound. Some of the nearest dive sites in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge are described here as well. Others can be found in the section Tortugas, which is a collection of small remote keys and strict regulation including Marquesas Key.

Across the huge bridge from Marathon you will enter a much quitter part of the Keys, although tourism such as Key West is available here as well. Less than 300 species of the endangered Key deer are known to be living on Big Pine Key and No Name Key. Touristy Key West is a destination for all kinds of tourists and has everything to offer you would wish for. It has brilliant beaches most at the south side such as Smathers Beach, there are parks such as Fort Zachary Taylor Park and several National Wildlife Refuge parks have opened to protect the environment and to create spectacular hiking and walking trails. Golf, birding, eco tours and activities such as diving, snorkelling, birding, glass bottomed boat tours, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and small cruises will all add on to the spectacular impression you will have on this chain of islands. On top of all this are all the bars, shops, museums, art galeries and its nightlife entertainment and luxury lodging that will make a trip to the Lower Keys and Key West a trip always to remember.

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