Aquatic Preserve Cape Haze

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Aquatic Preserve Cape Haze is located in the state of Florida and is a protected area for a variety of marine life.


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Summary

The preserve is a popular spot for visitors due to its unique natural beauty and wealth of recreational opportunities.

One of the main reasons to visit Cape Haze is for its diverse ecosystem, which includes mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and a variety of fish and bird species. Visitors can take part in activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking to explore the area and see its wildlife up close.

Some notable points of interest within the preserve include the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve, which is home to a variety of sea turtles and manatees, as well as the Don Pedro Island State Park, which offers pristine beaches and hiking trails.

Interesting facts about Cape Haze include that it is home to the largest concentration of seagrass beds in the state of Florida, which serve as a critical habitat for a variety of marine life. Additionally, the area is a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds recorded within the preserve.

The best time of year to visit Cape Haze is typically in the fall and winter months when temperatures are mild and the area is less crowded. Visitors should be aware of the preserve’s rules and regulations, including restrictions on fishing and boating in certain areas to protect the delicate ecosystem.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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