FLORIDA KEYS — Just south of the Florida mainland, the islands of the Florida Keys blend opportunities for adventure with chances to relax that are highly prized by today's vacationers.

The Keys are divided into five unique districts — Key Largo, known for its diving and snorkeling; Islamorada, recognized as the Sportfishing Capital of the World; Marathon, a prime recreational boating destination; the unspoiled nature preserves of Big Pine and the Lower Keys and, finally, lively and offbeat Key West. Visit www.fla-keys.com or call 1-800-FLA-KEYS.

Thrilling Hang Gliding Experience in Islamorada

The Florida Keys' only year-round tandem hang gliding experience, Paradise Hang Gliding touts two offerings for adventurous visitors: an Over/Under and a Fly-n-Dive Ultimate Adventure. Each is packaged with a snorkel or scuba dive excursion to follow a scenic adventure flight above Florida Bay and the Florida Straits.

Located at Islamorada's Whale Harbor Marina, mile marker  83.4 oceanside, Paradise Hang Gliding operates four times daily, weather permitting.

Each guest accompanies an instructor ascending to either the standard 1,500-foot height or to an upgraded 2,500 feet. The glider is towed aloft by a custom boat and the line is released. Fliers then soar silently in a glider fitted with seaplane-like pontoons. A glider-mounted camera catches the action on HD video. Afterward, guests can enjoy a snorkel excursion or join a two-tank wreck or reef dive trip. Visit www.paradisehanggliding.com.

Explore Ponce De Leon's Tortugas During 500th Anniversary Year

Adventurer Juan Ponce de Leon sighted the Florida Keys May 15, 1513,  according to Spanish chronicler Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas. Later, June 21, de Leon and his shipmates discovered a group of islands they named Las Tortugas (The Turtles) for the scores of tortoises they harvested there. The islands soon became known as the “Dry Tortugas” because they had no fresh water.

Contemporary travelers can follow de Leon's lead and visit the seven tiny coral-and sand islands, now designated Dry Tortugas National Park, located 68 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, aboard the 111-foot Yankee Freedom III. The high speed catamaran ferry features an air-conditioned main deck and an upper-level sundeck with exterior and interior seating.

Yankee Freedom III is the only commercial vessel licensed to carry passengers to the United States' most remote national park, though seaplane excursions are also available. Visitors spend more than four hours there snorkeling amid beautiful coral formations and tropical fish, viewing rare migratory bird species and touring Civil War–era Fort Jefferson, the park's centerpiece and one of the largest brick structures in the Western Hemisphere. Visit www.yankeefreedom.com.

'Voluntourism' Opportunities in the Florida Keys

Throughout the Florida Keys, visitors are encouraged to take  a hands-on approach to their vacations by exploring opportunities to make a positive difference while enjoying and learning about the Keys environment.

Visitors can participate in activities including volunteering at  animal rescue and rehabilitation institutions such as Marine Mammal Conservancy, participating in reef or shoreline cleanups, volunteering for Key Largo coral restoration projects or Keys fish counts, assisting at a dolphin center or Marathon's Turtle Hospital, or even learning and practicing sustainable fishing techniques. Visit www.keysvoluntourism.com.

Arts Add Colorful, Creative Vibe to Islamorada

The fine arts, music and culinary nuances of the Islamorada  area are reflected in the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District,  an enclave of eclectic galleries brimming with affordable original artwork.

The district presents monthly evening “walkabouts” on the third Thursday of each month, featuring receptions with national and Keys-based artists showcased in galleries at Morada Way between mile markers 81 and 82.

During the Third Thursday events, enthusiasts can view unique artistry and meet the creative spirits behind it. Attractions also include cuisine from nearby eateries and performances by local musicians and entertainers. Visit www.moradawayarts.org.

Sunset Key Welcomes 'Tweens' and their Families

Key West's Sunset Key Guest Cottages, A Westin Resort, recently introduced a “Tweencation”Relation Trip package geared toward “tweens” and their parents available until Dec. 15, 2014. The three-night package is designed to help parents and their children age(s) 9-12 bond through dedicated activities that appeal to both adults and pre-teens.

Guests can choose from two Tweencation options: “Spaaah” Total Wellbeing that includes a series of mini wellness treatments, a culinary demo and other activities, or Wet & Wild Adventure for action lovers. The latter includes parasailing, charter fishing and kayaking. Both options feature an enriching Florida Keys “voluntourism” experience.

Sunset Key Guest Cottages is located on Sunset Key, a secluded 27-acre island off Key West. Cottages are designed to encourage total relaxation, with pastel-colored wood finishes, authentic Victorian-style tin roofs and the latest in-room amenities. Daily maid and turndown service is provided alongside 24-hour launch transportation between Sunset Key and Key West. Packages start at $3,000 for a two-bedroom cottage, including taxes, gratuities and ground transportation to off-site activities. Visit www.westinsunsetkeycottages.com.

Florida Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS (1-800-352-5397)

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