Blue Hole

The largest body of fresh water in the Florida Keys, the Blue Hole is an old rock quarry created during the construction of the Florida East Coast Railway, according to legend. Today, the Blue Hole is home to alligators, turtles, fish, ducks and a variety of wading birds. It is one of the many Key's attractions on the island and is actually a part of the National Key Deer Refuge. The trail at the "Blue Hole" is only a few hundred yards long. You can easily kill 30 minutes to an hour there if you take your time, read the information at the platform and take advantage of the photo opportunities available to you! It's a beautiful little area and is home to a variety of wildlife. You might see Key Deer, alligators, turtles, iguanas, and a variety of birds (including wading birds), snakes and fish. The hole is predominantly fresh water (which is dependent on rainfall) with some salt water filtering in through the limestone.The "Blue Hole" is actually a large sinkhole in the limestone. It has been made even larger due to the limestone being blasted and quarried years ago. The rock was used for local roads, fill, and Henry Flagler's Oversea Railroad. The "Blue Hole" is home to alligators. These guys are perfectly happy just relaxing on the shorelines, soaking up the sun. But remember, don't try to feed them and don't bother them. It's not only dangerous but it is also illegal. Hiking one of the many short trails is just one of the Florida Keys activities to do while visiting Big Pine Key. This island offers some great restaurants, fishing and boating, and many other things. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or visitor's center for more information.