Managing natural resources in Florida’s most densely populated county poses some challenges, but it also offers unique resources for those management activities. Numerous individuals, organizations and academic institutions have come together to help restore and protect these especially valuable natural features in an urban landscape.
The 5.7 miles of Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve offers spectacular crystal-clear spring water, thick and diverse vegetation below the water's surface and fish, turtles and otters, oh my! Visitors can enjoy the Rainbow River via motorboat, kayak, canoe or tubing, but may I recommend an elevated view atop a stand-up paddleboard!
Rocky Bayou Aquatic Preserve is one of Florida’s smallest aquatic preserves, but that doesn’t diminish its diverse population of a variety of large fish and additional aquatic species.
Sincerely,
Paige Plier
St. Andrews Aquatic Preserve provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the beautiful waters of the Gulf of America and St. Andrews Bay while remaining close to the bustling cultural centers of Panama City and Panama City Beach. Take a dolphin viewing tour, snorkel or scuba dive on The Jetties in St. Andrews State Park and take the shuttle to Shell Island for a day of shelling and sunbathing.
The Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve is one of the gems of Tampa Bay. It is easily accessible from around the bay, as well as for visitors from the I-4 corridor. Because of extremely shallow water depths, local knowledge is important outside marked channels.
Sincerely,
Randy Runnels
Welcome to the Cape Romano-Ten Thousand Island Aquatic Preserve. I am very proud to be able to oversee the intrinsic natural resources that our community gets to enjoy each and every day. We have a vast diversity of plants and animals that call this aquatic preserve their home.
Each of the aquatic preserves within Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves offers a memorable experience visiting protected submerged state lands. Visit any of the five managed aquatic preserves within Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves and you will see healthy mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds and oyster bars. Southwest Florida’s subtropical climate is home to a variety of animals as well, in addition to migrating birds.
Managing natural resources in Florida’s most densely populated county poses some challenges, but it also offers unique resources for those management activities. Numerous individuals, organizations and academic institutions have come together to help restore and protect these especially valuable natural features in an urban landscape.
Welcome to Biscayne Bay-Cape Florida to Monroe County Line Aquatic Preserve – Miami’s blue heart. Step away from the busy city and immerse yourself in all that nature has to offer. Dive in and meet some of Miami’s favorite locals: manatees, bottlenose dolphins, turtles and the lovely spiny lobster. Explore seagrass flats with Bahamian sea stars or dive on some of the preserve’s patch reefs.
As the largest aquatic preserve in Florida, spanning nearly 1 million acres along our stunning Gulf Coast, this area is one of the most pristine and ecologically diverse marine habitats in the state. Here, our vast seagrass meadows play a critical role in supporting fish, sea turtles and other marine life while also helping to protect our coastline.