Angler’s Reef
Adventure Activities
Nearly as famous for its abundant sport fishing, Islamorada is also touted for its
rich ecological landscape. A habitat for a variety of wildlife - from exotic marine
life to friends of the feathered kind - Islamorada is truly an "island home."
(In the development of Angler's Reef, more than 700 red mangroves - a natural habitat
for pelicans, double-crested cormorants, belted kingfishers, osprey and the mangrove
cuckoo - were planted to help contribute to this thriving eco-system.)
Diving/Snorkeling
On the ocean side, just north of Islamorada, lies the only living coral barrier reef
in the Continental U.S., teeming with the world's most sought-after game fish. With
National Marine Sanctuary protection zones, diving and snorkeling are some of the best
in the world and abundant with wildlife and undersea vegetation.
Fishing
Just three miles
offshore at Alligator Reef - named for the naval ship that ran aground in 1822 while
protecting a convoy from pirates - lies a canyon-like reef sheltering endless schools
of fish in depths ranging from five to 60 feet. Scientists confirmed the presence here
of some 500 species of fish, the most in the Western Hemisphere. Around the corner, in
the backcountry waters of Florida Bay, anglers can take their shot at the "Super Grand
Slam" of fishing: landing a tarpon, bonefish, permit and mutton snapper - all in the
same day.
Eco Tours
Angler's Reef is also neighbor to a variety of eco-tours, including Windley Key Fossil
Reef Geological State Park, a 32-acre site of tropical hardwood hammock and 1.5 miles of
walking trails. Here, discovery awaits at ever corner, housing acres of fossilized coral
(including the remnants of Flagler's limestone quarry) and an environmental center.
Attractions
Attractions come to life at Windley Key's Theater of the Sea, as acrobatic dolphins and
deep sea stars perform. Island shops and galleries at Treasure Village and the Rain Barrel
on Plantation Key offer a colorful collection of arts, crafts, and other creative island
treasures.
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