maps

Maps and Directions for

Sea, Land and Air

Boating Maps

The following maps are used by permission of Roger Bansemer from his book Bansemer's Book of Florida Lighthouses. For more information on the author and artist go to http://www.bansemer.com/index.html Be sure if you are boating to get marine charts and check the weather before you leave. Everyone in your party needs to have a life vest. Remember these lighthouses are four to seven miles offshore.

Fowey Rocks Lighthouse off Key Biscayne.

Carysfort Lighthouse off Key Largo.

Alligator Lighthouse off Islamorada.

Sombrero Lighthouse off Marathon.

American Shoal Lighthouse off Sugarloaf Key.

Sand Key Lighthouse off Key West.

Other Boating Views

Many marine's have charter boats for diving or snorkeling that go to a reef with a lighthouse. You could ride with the group and take pictures even if you don't snorkel or dive, however, find out how long the total trip is before you pay (many are four hours but some are longer). Other charters are available for fishing or sunset tours that go near the lighthouses.

Land Views

Every reef lighthouse can be viewed from land, however, in most cases it must be a clear day and will be a distance view.

Fowey Rocks Lighthouse - can be seen from the top of Cape Florida Lighthouse. Check the website to see for times the tower can be climbed. http://www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida/RangerProg.cfm

Carysfort Lighthouse - can be seen from Ocean Reef Club (Key Largo) on ground level by the pool (This is a gated private resort, non-members can rent rooms 2 times in 5 years). It can also be seen at the end of Valois Blvd. (Key Largo) Look between the red reflector signs and slightly to the left.

Alligator Lighthouse - can be seen from several places, as this lighthouse is only four miles offshore (the closest to the mainland). From Bud n' Mary's Marina look southeast. Can also be seen from the Hampton Inn at Islamarada. Near MM 78-79.

Sombrero Lighthouse - can be seen from several places. Both the old and new Seven Mile bridges have a view (north bound is easier for the new Seven Mile bridge, however, be careful if you are the driver. You are NOT allowed to stop on the bridge. The old bridge has a parking lot and you can walk on the bridge. A good view can be had from Sombrero Beach Park. Turn south from US Route 1 onto State Route 931 and travel about 2 miles, the park is on your left. Near MM 50.

American Shoal Lighthouse - can be seen from Sugarloaf Blvd. Turn south from US Route 1 and travel about 5.2 miles. The lighthouse can be seen from the small bridge. Near MM 17.

Sand Key Lighthouse - can be seen from the top of Key West Lighthouse (They have a sign on the balcony pointing it out) and the top of the tower at the Wreckers Museum, both are in Key West. Near MM 0.

Air Views

All the Reef Lighthouses can be seen from the air. The local airports usually have people with small planes that can fly near the lighthouse. I believe that they are limited to 500 feet (can not fly lower). I have flown on a seaplane from Key West Airport to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas and the pilot was able to fly near Sand Key. Of course you can also get shots of Garden Key and Loggerhead Lighthouses from that same seaplane.

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