The reef is part of the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, which was created in 1981. Thanks to it's protected status, Looe Key abounds with an incredible variety of fish and marine invertebrates, some of which are endangered.

The Sanctuary is located a short boatride five miles offshore. The reef, consisting of coral fingers with interspersed sand channels in a "spur and groove" layout, is one mile long with approximately thirty different mooring sites.

Water depth over the coral fingers averages eight feet with a maximum depth of 30 feet over the sand channels. This makes it perfect for both snorkelers and divers. Average water temperature is 80 F.

 

We spend an hour at each of three sites and there's lots to see - several kinds of angelfish, a variety of large parrotfish, and 100 lb. grouper as well as rays, turtles, and sharks (don't worry, they don't bite).

Photos and videos shot by our own divers and snorkelers while exploring this amazing tropical "underwater aquarium".