Marquesas Keys facts for kids
NOAA Nautical chart of the Marquesas Keys
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Caribbean |
| Coordinates | 24°34′19″N 82°07′10″W / 24.57194°N 82.11944°W |
| Archipelago | Florida Keys |
| Total islands | 9 |
| Major islands | Entrance Key |
| Area | 6.58 km2 (2.54 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State | Florida |
| County | Monroe County, Florida |
| Census County Division | Lower Keys |
The Marquesas Keys are a group of islands that no one lives on. They are located about 20 miles (32 km) west of Key West in Florida. These islands are about 4 miles (6.4 km) wide and are mostly covered by mangrove trees.
The Marquesas Keys are part of Monroe County, Florida. They are also a protected area within the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. In the past, the military used these islands for training exercises.
Contents
Geography and Location
The Marquesas Keys are part of the Florida Keys island chain. They are separated from the main Florida Keys by a 6-mile (9.7 km) wide channel called Boca Grande Channel. Only the Dry Tortugas islands are farther west, about 36 miles (58 km) away.
Island Size and Features
The total area of the Marquesas Keys, including the water inside, is about 29.37 square kilometers (11.34 sq mi). The land area alone is about 6.58 square kilometers (2.54 sq mi). This includes small lakes on the islands.
The islands have a large lagoon in the middle called Mooney Harbor. The biggest island is in the north. It has a sandy beach without mangroves. This island used to be known as "Entrance Key."
Surrounding Islands and Shoals
South of the main northern island are smaller keys. These include Gull Keys and Mooney Harbor Key. There are also about four other unnamed keys in the southwest. Older maps show that two of these were once called "Button Island" and "Round Island."
About 6 miles (9.7 km) west of the Marquesas Keys is a shallow area called Rebecca Shoal.
Activities and Importance
The Marquesas Keys are very well known for their excellent sport fishing. Many people visit the area to catch fish.
See also
In Spanish: Cayos Marquesas para niños
