Tavernier Key Wildlife Management Area

Tavernier Key, 1.57 square miles in size, is located east of Plantation Key, and favored by flats guides and birders who explore along the very shallow flats. The predominant mangrove species is red mangrove (Rhizopora mangle). Egrets, herons, gulls, terns, cormorants and pelicans frequent the two larger islets. The tidal flats are comprised of several species of seagrass, predominantly turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum). The fishes known to the waters nourishing the mangrove roots include gray snapper, several species of grunts, silversides and mojarra. Small barracuda are the most ubiquitous species over the grass beds. In the deeper waters surrounding the flats bonefish and small tarpon appear seasonally.

There is a no-motor zone on the tidal flats around the island.

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.