Horseshoe Key Wildlife Management Area

A large isolated island bordered entirely by red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), Horseshoe Key is about 12 miles north of Marathon and closed to the public. Two large openings on the island's interior contain salt prairies. Heron, willet, and osprey nesting sites have been documented.

There is a 300-foot no-access buffer zone around the main island to protect bird populations.

Special regulations apply here. Learn more about what activities are allowed in this type of zone.

A summary of all sanctuary regulations is available online. For the full text of sanctuary regulations, see 15 CFR 922 Subpart P.