The Florida Keys Paddling Guide: From Key Largo to Key West (Backcountry Guides)

An all-new guide to sea kayaking trips throughout Florida's celebrated Keys.

The region from the southernmost point of the Florida peninsula, stretching south and west to the Dry Tortugas National Park, is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the continental United States, and there's no better way to explore it than by kayak. Here the freshwater temperate latitudes meld with a tropical marine environment to create unique paddling opportunities. In the nearshore waters, secret mangrove tunnels, unending beds of turtle grass, and colorful sponge flats contrast with the vibrant coral-studded waters found offshore. Bill Keogh is your guide to this paddler's paradise. Each trip in this new guide includes a chart, route suggestions, information on distance, tides, and winds, and safety tips. You'll also find information on the wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems that will be encountered, as well as historical and natural features of the area. 30 black & white photographs, index.

Bill Keogh is owner of Big Pine Kayak Adventures, Inc., a guide business that leads paddling tours in the Keys. His years of experience include providing photographs and leading backcountry paddling trips for many environmental organizations, including National Geographic, The Nature Conservancy, and World Wildlife Fund. He lives in Big Pine Key, Florida.