Discover Florida's Aquatic Preserves
Discover Florida's Aquatic Preserves
Kayaking Experiences
Explore FCO's Managed Areas while paddling in crystal clear waters.
Kids Camp Experiences
Send your child to camp to discover the aquatic wonders of their backyard!
Boating Experiences
Cover more water by boat and experience the essence of our aquatic preserves!
Other Eco Experiences
Check out all the other ecotours our managed areas have to offer!
Rookery Bay
Rookery Bay is part of an estuarine system with numerous inflows of freshwater that mix with the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This southwest Florida aquatic preserve is home to 13 different natural communities.
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay is home to two aquatic preserves. Together they protect approximately 70,000 acres of coastal lands in southeast Florida.
Big Bend Seagrasses
Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve is Florida’s largest, protecting nearly one million acres of submerged lands. This sprawling aquatic preserve encompasses five state parks and three national wildlife refuges.
About the Florida Coastal Office
The Florida Coastal Office (FCO) manages 41 aquatic preserves that protect over two million acres of the most valuable submerged lands and select coastal uplands in Florida. With support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, FCO also manages three National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Coral Reef Conservation Program.
The diverse aquatic preserves include vital natural communities such as lush coastal hammocks, crystal clear rivers and springs, vibrant estuaries and lagoons and brilliantly colored coral reefs. These habitats play important roles in maintaining good water quality, protecting diverse plant and animal species and enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors.
To keep Florida's Aquatic Preserves pristine, users should adhere to "Leave Your Footprints, Take Your Trash" and "Pack In, Pack Out" policies. Marine debris is one the most widespread problems facing the world's oceans today. In striving to reduce the amount of debris entering our waterways, we ask for your help! As you visit our coastal areas, remember to properly dispose of waste items.
