More Secrets of the Florida Keys


The drive along the two-lane Overseas Highway, which stretches from Key Largo to Key West, is an ideal introduction to the exhilarating diving that lies ahead. And the whole vast marine expanse--some 2,800 square nautical miles that begin in Biscayne National Park and extend all the way to the Tortugas--is under the protection of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. There are five major dive areas in the Keys--Key Largo, Islamorada/Tavernier, Marathon, the Lower Keys and Key West--and each is unique in its temperament and attractions, not to mention diving. Want to find the best dive sites, the post-dive hangouts and the places to eat cracked conch? Do what we did. Ask the locals--the Conchs who call the Conch Republic home--where they like to dive, eat and hang out in each of these five regions. Longtime Key Largo resident and photographer Stephen Frink told us his favorite dive sites, arguably among the best in the world. Dive shop owners and staff pointed us to the places where you can have the most fun in the fun-loving Florida Keys. Our insider's look at the Florida Keys will be featured in the June 2007 issue, which will be available on newsstands May 22 and at Golden Tank dive centers.	)\|

The drive along the two-lane Overseas Highway, which stretches from Key Largo to Key West, is an ideal introduction to the exhilarating diving that lies ahead. And the whole vast marine expanse--some 2,800 square nautical miles that begin in Biscayne National Park and extend all the way to the Tortugas--is under the protection of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. There are five major dive areas in the Keys--Key Largo, Islamorada/Tavernier, Marathon, the Lower Keys and Key West--and each is unique in its temperament and attractions, not to mention diving. Want to find the best dive sites, the post-dive hangouts and the places to eat cracked conch? Do what we did. Ask the locals--the Conchs who call the Conch Republic home--where they like to dive, eat and hang out in each of these five regions. Longtime Key Largo resident and photographer Stephen Frink told us his favorite dive sites, arguably among the best in the world. Dive shop owners and staff pointed us to the places where you can have the most fun in the fun-loving Florida Keys. Our insider's look at the Florida Keys will be featured in the June 2007 issue, which will be available on newsstands May 22 and at Golden Tank dive centers.

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Online Bonus Content
	The Florida Keys - A Conch's Perspective By Stephen Frink World-renowned photographer and longtime Florida Keys resident Stephen Frink offers his insights into the forces that shaped the development of these islands.
	The National Marine Sanctuary and the Sanctuary Preservation Areas By Stephen Frink Why are the Keys a paradise for divers? Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first underwater state park designated in the U.S. Today, the waters off Key Largo are part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that protect the waters surrounding the entire archipelago.
	Teaching Digital By Stephen Frink Ready to take the next step in capturing better underwater images? Here's some advice from a pro.
	The Giant Easter Bunny Capt. Spencer Slate's annual underwater egg hunt off Key Largo benefits Kids in Special Situations, a local charity for needy children. Last year, managing editor Patricia Wuest and territory manager Ashley Bringman Ford went along for the fun.
	Florida Keys Lobster Seasons The spiny lobster two-day sport season is July 25 and 26 in 2007, and the regular season is Aug. 6, 2007, through March 31, 2008. Here are some tips (and rules) for hunters hoping to catch the crafty Panulirus argus. Plus, one yummy recipe!
	The Florida Keys - A Calendar of Events A peek at the events planned in the Keys says a lot about the islands' diversity and their funky mix of activities.
	Florida Keys Links Find a Florida Keys dive operator and specific information on dive attractions by district.

The drive along the two-lane Overseas Highway, which stretches from Key Largo to Key West, is an ideal introduction to the exhilarating diving that lies ahead. And the whole vast marine expanse--some 2,800 square nautical miles that begin in Biscayne National Park and extend all the way to the Tortugas--is under the protection of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. There are five major dive areas in the Keys--Key Largo, Islamorada/Tavernier, Marathon, the Lower Keys and Key West--and each is unique in its temperament and attractions, not to mention diving. Want to find the best dive sites, the post-dive hangouts and the places to eat cracked conch? Do what we did. Ask the locals--the Conchs who call the Conch Republic home--where they like to dive, eat and hang out in each of these five regions. Longtime Key Largo resident and photographer Stephen Frink told us his favorite dive sites, arguably among the best in the world. Dive shop owners and staff pointed us to the places where you can have the most fun in the fun-loving Florida Keys. Our insider's look at the Florida Keys will be featured in the June 2007 issue, which will be available on newsstands May 22 and at Golden Tank dive centers.

Online Bonus Content The Florida Keys - A Conch's Perspective By Stephen Frink World-renowned photographer and longtime Florida Keys resident Stephen Frink offers his insights into the forces that shaped the development of these islands.|

The National Marine Sanctuary and the Sanctuary Preservation Areas By Stephen Frink Why are the Keys a paradise for divers? Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first underwater state park designated in the U.S. Today, the waters off Key Largo are part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that protect the waters surrounding the entire archipelago.

Teaching Digital By Stephen Frink Ready to take the next step in capturing better underwater images? Here's some advice from a pro.

The Giant Easter Bunny Capt. Spencer Slate's annual underwater egg hunt off Key Largo benefits Kids in Special Situations, a local charity for needy children. Last year, managing editor Patricia Wuest and territory manager Ashley Bringman Ford went along for the fun.

Florida Keys Lobster Seasons The spiny lobster two-day sport season is July 25 and 26 in 2007, and the regular season is Aug. 6, 2007, through March 31, 2008. Here are some tips (and rules) for hunters hoping to catch the crafty Panulirus argus. Plus, one yummy recipe!

The Florida Keys - A Calendar of Events A peek at the events planned in the Keys says a lot about the islands' diversity and their funky mix of activities.