The Florida Keys are known for their beautiful scenery, gala events and unparalleled watersports activities. Away from the mainstream, however, is a quiet world ruled by the natural ebb and flow of the sea known as the backcountry. Naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts have combined environmental tourism with the sport of sea kayaking to take advantage of this unique environment, which is home to one of the most diverse assortments of marine life in the world. This shallow backwater region of flats and mangrove islands lies along the north side of U.S. Highway 1. Not easily accessible to boat traffic, this area is largely untraveled, unspoiled and teeming with fascinating plant and animal life. The quiet, shallow-draft kayaks � exceptionally stable and requiring no special skills, strength or experience to paddle � are ideal for excursions into backcountry waters. Both guided tours and kayak rentals are available throughout the Keys, and most guides are eager to share their knowledge about the local environment. Tours provide a fascinating mixture of field trip, natural history lesson and just plain fun. The shallow-water backcountry environment ranges from mangrove communities to turtle grass flats to sponge flats. Wildlife and rare birds abound, and kayakers frequently spot roseate spoonbills, osprey, great white herons and occasionally even bald eagles. Mangrove islands are composed of tangled stands of mangroves, their aerial roots forming tunnels and fantastic twisted shapes. The roots act as a nursery for many species including young grouper, lobster and barracuda. Nearby turtle grass areas are a unique component of the shallow-water backcountry. Turtle grass looks much like lawn grass; anyone who reaches to pull up a flat green blade will see snails, tiny aquatic animals, scurrying juvenile fish and other inhabitants of this busy ecosystem.

The sponge flats � the rocky, calcium carbonate sea bottom � are home to bright-colored sponges and soft corals. These include the mustard-toned golf ball coral that derives its name from its domed shape and characteristic dimples.

For those who love the outdoors or are eager to venture beyond the usual tourist realm, there�s no better way to experience the wonders of the Florida Keys than a backcountry kayak excursion. Guided kayak excursions are available throughout the Keys, and are designed for paddlers of all skill levels. Tours include the standard three-hour trip and half- to full-day trips that include motorboat excursions. Multiple-day guided trips also are available. Kayak rentals (at hourly, daily or weekly rates) are available for those who want to venture into the backcountry waters on their own. For more details, write to the Florida Keys & Key West Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 1147, Key West, FL 33041. Or call, toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, 1-800-FLA-KEYS. Elsewhere, dial 305-296-1552 or visit www.fla-keys.com.

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Media Contact: Josie Gulliksen +1 305-461-3300 josie@newmanpr.com