Tarpon Belly Keys Florida is a beautiful natural wonder. There are lots of great things to see and do in this beautiful part of the state!
The Keys are home to many different kinds of fish, including the Tarpon. The Tarpon is a large fish that can grow to be over eight feet long. The Tarpon is known for its silver scales and for its ability to jump out of the water.
The Keys are also home to a variety of other fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers of all levels of experience.
Tarpon Belly Key History
This land used to be home to Angora goats and Galapagos tortoises!
Yep, right on this historic property!
Here, once upon a time, roamed Galapagos tortoises and Angora goats. They were imported from the Matheson clan along with exotic plants.
The animals used to congregate around puddles left by dewdrops on the leaves of trees. They are large and slow-moving animals that can live up to 100 years.
These animals have been a major threat to the ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands since the 1800s. Fortunately, they were able to recover fairly quickly and their numbers are now back to their original levels.
Angora goats
Angora goats are the ideal animals for people who want a friendly pet. They are also good grazers. Besides being a great pet, Angora goats make excellent mohair.
These goats are also a great way to turn a profit with mohair.
Angora goats are native to Turkey and are closely related to sheep in their appearance.
They have a long history of domestication in Turkey and have been successfully exported to Europe and the U.S. due to their durability and fine mohair. They typically range in color from white to black but can be painted any color.
The mohair produced by Angora goats is valuable in the textile industry. Their hair can be used for pelts, blankets, and clothing.
It is soft and fine when young, but becomes coarser as it ages. Mohair from Angora goats is used to make fine, warm winter apparel.
Galapagos tortoises
The Galapagos tortoises live on seven different islands of the Galapagos archipelago. These unique creatures are known for their unique shells and different shapes.
During the wet season, they migrate from low elevations to meadowed areas.
Their migration routes have been used for generations, so they have developed well-defined paths through the undergrowth.
The male Galapagos tortoises have larger shells and a wider carapace than the females.
Several of the species are considered critically endangered and their numbers have declined considerably in recent years.
Oh my gosh, several subspecies have gone extinct because of human activities like clearing land for farming and introducing new animals!
Most of the remaining lineages are threatened with extinction.
The Galapagos tortoise is one of two insular species of giant tortoises. The other is Aldabrachelys gigantea, which lives in the Indian Ocean 700 km east of Tanzania.
Both species were widespread in prehistoric times, but humans have driven them nearly extinct. The Mascarenes giant tortoise population was nearly wiped out by the 19th century.
Tarpon Belly Shrimp Farm
If you’re interested in exploring the Florida Keys, you should consider a trip to the former Tarpon Belly Shrimp Farm.
This small island in the Florida Keys is a former shrimp farm.
You can see the old dredged canals and the ruins of man-made structures from the shrimp farming era. The island looks like a sandy beach but is actually coral.
The island is also home to a homemade tree swing and remnants of campfires.
Getting to the island is easy by kayak or canoe.
The island is about 20 miles northeast of Key West.
The water is sheltered and the island is covered in Australian Pines.
It was once a shrimp farm but is now abandoned. A walking trail runs through the island, which is a great place to get out of the water and explore.
The area is a popular camping area and boasts a gorgeous coral reef.
The shrimp farming industry was located on Tarpon Belly Key until the government implemented regulations that made the operations illegal. The new government regulations have since forced shrimp farms to relocate to South America.
While you’re here, you’ll also want to stop at Sugarloaf Key. This island is popular for its abundance of marine life and is close to the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.
Tarpon Belly Key is about a mile and a half north of Sugarloaf Key.
Kayaking in Tarpon Belly Keys Florida
Fishing, manatees, birds, and more await you!
Fishing
Fishing in Tarpon Belly Keys is an excellent opportunity to catch a trophy tarpon. These large fish are found in both fresh and saltwater and are top predators in the mangroves, deeper channels, and grass flats.
They are extremely fast and move around. Kayak fishing in the inlets can be tricky because of strong tides.
Manatees
If you are planning a kayaking trip in Tarpon Belly Keys Florida, you should be aware of the presence of manatees.
It is very important not to disturb the animals. It is important to respect the wildlife sanctuary, which is marked by buoys. You must not touch the manatees or try to feed them.
Birding
If you’re a bird watcher, you’ll want to book a trip to the Florida Keys. These backwaters are relatively unspoiled, and they’re filled with fascinating plant and animal life.
The birds you’ll see here are as diverse as those you’ll find on an open ocean safari. You’ll likely see species like roseate spoonbills and osprey.
You’ll also see bald eagles and great white herons.
Camping in Tarpon Belly Keys Florida
This tropical paradise is home to some of the most beautiful campsites in Florida. However, to experience the most authentic camping experience in the keys, you’ll need to consider four key elements.
First, you’ll need a car. A four-hour drive will take you to the middle of the keys.
Curry Hammock State Park
If you’re looking for a campsite in Tarpon Belly Keys, you’ve come to the right place.
This state park is located about two miles northeast of Marathon, one of the Keys’ most developed cities.
It’s situated on Highway 1, which is also known as Overseas Highway. It features paved roads, picnic tables, and patio areas.
John Pennekamp State Park
John Pennekamp State Park is one of the many state parks in Florida and is situated on Key Largo island.
The park spans roughly 25 miles and extends three miles into the Atlantic Ocean. This area is renowned for its coral reefs and is a great place for fishing and kayaking.
Fiesta Key State Park
You can camp in the park with your motorhome at the Jolly Roger campground, which covers 11 acres.
This campground offers a wide selection of campsites with full hookups, cable TV, and a picnic table. The grounds are very pleasant and have a nice ambiance.
There are also mooring balls and boat slips available for rent.
Long Key State Park
If you’re looking for camping in the Florida Keys, check out Long Key State Park. This 965-acre park is located on Long Key, one of the many islands in this region.
It’s just off U.S. 1 at mile marker 67.5, or 67400 Overseas Highway.
Boca Chita State Park
Camping at Boca Chita State Park in Tarpon Belly Keys is a great way to see this scenic island and enjoy all the activities this park has to offer.
There are two campgrounds located on separate islands, Elliot Key and Boca Chita Key.
Both are accessible by boat, and both offer waterfront views and amenities like picnic tables and grills.
The park’s two campgrounds are separated by a few feet of water, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
Tarpon Belly Key State Park
If you’re looking for a great camping experience in Florida’s Keys, you should check out Tarpon Belly Key State Park. You’ll be able to enjoy the pristine white sand beaches of this island-turned-campground.
Nearby marinas include Cudjoe Gardens and Sugarloaf.
While you’re here, you might want to bring your kayak or snorkel gear!
You’ll also want to check the weather and tide tables before heading out.
Strong winds and tides can disrupt your trip.
Tarpon Belly Keys Florida Weather
The weather for Tarpon Belly Keys in Florida can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared!
You should be aware of the current weather conditions, including rain and wind. In addition, you should be aware of the different tides, as the waters here can become quite rough during high tide.
Checking the tide tables and weather before you leave for your kayaking adventure in the Tarpon Belly Keys is super important!
Wrapping Up
Tarpon Belly Keys in Florida are definitely a place worth visiting!
The scenery is breathtaking, the fishing is incredible, and the people are friendly and welcoming.
Tarpon Belly Keys is also a great place to fish for tarpon!
They offer some of the best fishing in the state and are a great place to catch trophy fish.
If you’re looking for a great place to fish for tarpon, the Tarpon Belly Keys should be at the top of your list.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head on down to the Tarpon Belly Keys for the trip of a lifetime!
