Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
North America's best diving
Best known for its fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling, a trip to Looe Key is a must for those anxious to dive into the aquamarine waters surrounding the island. The unique shape and varying depths are accessible to divers of any skill level. An abundance of coral reef formations, giant elkhorn coral, billowing sea vegetation and rainbow-colored fish are what made the island Skin Diver Magazine's "Unsurpassed Diving Spot in North America." To keep this sanctuary a pristine delight, marine police patrol the reef to ensure vacationers observe the ban on spear fishing and shell collecting.
Outdoor Focus
With Big Pine Key, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo nearby, there's always plenty to explore. While you can take boat tours, most visitors can't wait to jump in the water. The real attraction here is:
- Scuba diving and snorkeling: Clear waters and moderate sea conditions make the location perfect for exploring more than 4,000 sunken ships, including the Adolphus Busch, which was intentionally sunk an artificial reef. The 210-foot long ship has holes cut in it for advanced divers to swim through. This reef is home to more than 150 species of fish, including the gigantic but endangered Jewfish, weighing up to 400 pounds. Despite their size, these fish are more likely to hide than attack.
Area Attractions
- Big Pine Key's National Key Deer Refuge: Home of the endangered Key Deer, lucky visitors can spot one of these tiny inhabitants. The smallest white-tailed deer species, they stand less than three feet tall and weigh between 65 and 80 pounds.
- Bahia Honda State Park: The coastal mangroves, beach dunes and tropical hammocks that fill this 524-acre park make it the perfect spot for hiking, kayaking and diving.
Area Events
- Underwater Music Festival (July): Divers and snorkelers will love this eccentric annual fundraiser. Through underwater speakers, a concert featuring marine-inspired music like "Octopus's Garden"and whale songs, entertains, educates and raises awareness about the reefs' fragile eco-system. While you listen, explore an underwater art gallery.
- Fantasy Fest (October): This 10-day celebration turns Key West into the Wild West of fantasy. An adult-oriented event, it features themed costume parades, parties and more - all based around fantastical themes such as Alice in Wonderland.
Nightlife
The glorious, and sometimes uninhibited, nightlife takes place on Key West's Duval Street. Rest up, because the party lasts until 3 or 4 a.m.
Accommodation
The Lower Keys at Looe Key offer something for everyone. With gay-friendly, clothing-optional, family-focused and student-friendly bed and breakfasts, resorts, motels and beach cottages, it's easy to find lodgings to suit your style and budget. Check the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce for great Florida holiday rentals.
Need to Know
- Location:
- Off the Lower Keys, near Big Pine Key.
- Weather:
- Ocean breezes keep temperatures moderate in Florida's Keys.
- Average daytime temperatures are 80 F, with evening temperatures hovering around 73 F.
- Facilities:
- Looe Key dive shops are equipped for all snorkeling, diving and equipment rentals.
- Private custom charters provide flexible times to Key snorkeling areas.
Clear water and gentle seas make this a diver's haven. Check out our Looe Key vacation ideas to launch the Florida trip of your dreams.
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