A conch living underwater in the Florida Keys agreed with groundhog Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of six more weeks of winter. The “mollusk meteorologist” emerged from its shell Sunday, Feb. 2 at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters and saw its shadow. That’s no problem in the island chain — since the Keys’ winter temps are typically among the warmest in the U.S. — an average of 76 degrees.

A rehabilitated juvenile female green sea turtle named "Wow" was released to her ocean home Friday at Sombrero Beach in Marathon. The turtle's rescuers found the reptile suffering from fibropapilloma tumors and tangled in fishing line. She got her rather unusual name because when they found her in such dire shape, they just said, "wow." After six months of life-saving treatment at the Keys-based Turtle Hospital, "Wow" wowed the staff there with her amazing recovery! ❤️🐢 #seaturtles 📷: Andy Newman

Scientists and coral restoration groups, including @coralcrf, @MoteMarineLab, and @ReefRenewal, are planting heat-resistant coral at Carysfort Reef to mark the 5th anniversary of the @FloridaKeysNMS’s Mission: Iconic Reefs program! Despite challenges from the 2023 marine heat wave, these resilient corals bring hope for the future of Florida’s coral reef. #FloridaKeys #CoralRestoration #MissionIconicReefs

As many as 800,000 divers travel to the Florida Keys each year to discover the wonder and beauty of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, whose waters surround the island chain. Here, Keys dive pros offer tips for safe, successful and memorable dive experiences -- and suggestions about giving back to the marine environment.

Just an average day in January exploring Key West’s local sandbars. ☀️🌊 #KeyWest 📷: Island to Island Charters

The views at Bahia Honda State Park are unbeatable as you stroll along its beaches. With breathtaking water views, pristine sandy shores, and the iconic Old Bahia Honda Bridge, every step is unforgettable. To learn more, check out our Great Walks story.

This is paradise! 🌴 🌅 Congratulations to Luisa Santacruz whose photo at Bahia Honda State Park took home the top prize in our “Visualize Paradise” photo contest. Can you picture yourself here? 📷: Luisa Santacruz (@luuusantacruz)

In this installment of our Great Walks story series, we guide you along the nature trails at Marathon's Crane Point to explore hammocks filled with native hardwood trees, two historic homes, the Museum of Natural History and more. 📷: IG - grubnwhereabouts

@ddykdykdyk 😂

@NateB25239423 True! 🎶

Palm tree perfection meets luxury by the sea in the Florida Keys. 🌴 📷: @LittlePalmFL

Participants in the Key West Half Marathon cross the start line early Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 in Key West. The challenge attracts several thousand runners each year from around the United States and other countries, racing through the streets of Florida's southernmost island city, past the iconic Southernmost Point marker and and beside the Atlantic Ocean. 📷: David Adelson and Jessica Paez

Take a look at our latest Keys Voices Blog. Here, Keys dive pros offer tips for safe, successful and memorable dive experiences - and suggestions about giving back to the marine environment. 📷: Stephen Frink

Dockside dining with a view like no other 🌊🍴 📸: Bel Mare Resaturant 📍Key West

@NoBookingFees1 @EvergladesNPS Ready when you are!

@cCViperCc @EvergladesNPS @FuryKeyWest Glad to hear this! Love @FuryKeyWest!

Serene moments in Islamorada: a manatee nurses her calf in calm waters. 💙

A picturesque Florida Keys evening at Hideaway Café on Grassy Key, nestled in Marathon 🌴