Key West National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to the Key West National Wildlife Refuge

The Key West National Wildlife Refuge is among the first refuges established in the United States. 

President Theodore Roosevelt created the refuge in 1908 as a preserve and breeding ground for migratory nesting birds and other wildlife when plume hunters devastated bird populations throughout Florida, especially in the bird-rich environs from the Florida Everglades to Key West and beyond.

It is, in fact, the second-oldest National Wildlife Refuge in the U.S.

Local lore in The Southernmost City claims that Roosevelt’s wife and daughter heavily supported and promoted the idea, worried that plume hunters would devastate the populations of widespread species like ibis, herons, and egrets used popularly in the early 20th. Century. 

Located right in Honest Eco’s backyard, the refuge consists of 14 islands that are critical breeding grounds for a host of species. Starting with Mule Key just west of The Island City, the refuge runs some 35 miles to the Marquesas Keys. The entire refuge spans some 375 square miles of water and is only accessible by boat.

The unique islands within the refuge are dominated by red mangroves, which play a critical part in land creation and retention throughout the Florida Keys. The only exceptions are the low-lying hardwood hammocks endemic to the Marquesas, the sandy beaches and dunes found there, and the shores of  Woman and Boca Grande keys. 

Key West National Wildlife Refuge Outstanding Florida Water

The Key West National Wildlife Refuge (KWNWR) holds the prestigious designation of Outstanding Florida Water, reflecting its exceptional ecological significance and pristine condition. This title is reserved for waters that provide unique and irreplaceable ecological, aesthetic, and recreational value, ensuring that the KWNWR receives the highest level of protection and conservation efforts.

Visitors to the KWNWR are treated to an environment where crystal-clear waters meet lush mangrove islands, creating a haven for both marine life and terrestrial species. The Outstanding Florida Water status guarantees that these waters remain unspoiled, allowing native fish, birds, and other wildlife to thrive undisturbed. This exceptional quality makes the refuge a prime destination for eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts seeking to experience the unblemished beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes.

In addition to supporting a diverse array of wildlife, the KWNWR’s designation as Outstanding Florida Water ensures that recreational activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and birdwatching can be enjoyed in an environment that is both protected and cherished. By preserving these waters, we not only safeguard the habitat for future generations but also maintain the refuge as a living laboratory for environmental education and research.

Enjoy the Diversity of the KWNWR and the FKNMS

The Key West NWR is home to more than 650 native fish species, birds, and other wildlife, making it one of the best places to snorkel in Key West. Visitors can enjoy fantastic opportunities for snorkeling, birdwatching, kayak tours, and more in this vibrant marine ecosystem.

Key West National Wildlife Refuge Tours

Because of the protected nature of the KWNWR, our guests have unparalleled opportunities to explore and interact (without disturbing or harassing the wildlife, including the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, the regal magnificent frigate bird, double-crested cormorants, as well as Great blue, green, and night herons. 

For those looking to relax in the shallow, crystal-clear waters of the refuge, sandbar tours in Key West offer a perfect way to soak in the beauty of this protected ecosystem while enjoying a peaceful and secluded escape.

Our guests even have the opportunity to view the North American white pelican – an infrequent visitor to our island chain. 

The underwater diversity is even greater thanks to the establishment of the Florida National Marine Sanctuary, enacted in 1989. 

Enjoy Even More Underwater Wonders with Honest Eco

Our guided snorkeling excursions include opportunities to view majestic spotted eagle rays, large Southern sting rays, nurse sharks, a variety of marine butterflies and angelfish, several species of rainbowfish, from the diminutive bicolor parrotfish to the deep-indigo midnight parrot fish and the large, colorful rainbow parrotfish, all undisturbed, up close, and in their natural environment. 

Our guided snorkeling tours cater to all skill levels, offering a perfect option for snorkeling for beginners in Key West.

The Honest Eco Fleet and Experience

Honest Eco—the only biologist-owned eco tour company in Key West—is fortunate to offer a variety of public and private trips exploring the vast and plentiful waters of the Key West NWR aboard our three vessels several times a day and nearly 365 days a year (weather permitting). Each boat trip is specifically designed to help our guests get the most out of their time on the water in the refuge.

The first in the fleet, the M/V Squid, is a 37-foot custom-designed catamaran that serves as our main dolphin-watching and snorkeling platform. It offers unparalleled viewing of our local population of near-coastal Atlantic bottlenose dolphins while offering fantastic snorkeling at some of the best sites within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.  

Honest Eco’s Cowfish is a 23-foot-long Glacier Bay  dual console that offers intimate, private charters that can be custom-tailored for groups of up to six people.

Finally, the 42-foot catamaran Blu Q offers snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing experiences for longer trips or sunset sailing and snorkeling excursions over a larger area of the Key West NWR.

In addition to being a small family-owned company, all of Honest Eco’s unique experiences are limited to smaller, more intimate groups, allowing contact and communication with our captains, who are long-time veterans of Key West waters, and our mates, who all have backgrounds in marine science and biology.

Honest Eco is also the only full-time dolphin-watching organization with its own professional dolphin researcher on board. This allows our citizen-scientist guests to contribute to tracking Key West’s unique local subpopulation through the use of geotagged data apps.

Any of the aforementioned excursions in Key West, Florida are available to guests as a private catamaran in Key West, perfect for weddings and celebrations of life.

For more information on Honest Eco’s intimate, curated experiences within the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, visit honesteco.org or email [email protected].