Snorkel Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary

Looe Key:

Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is the destination for many of our snorkeling and diving activities. It is consistently rated as one of the best snorkel and dive sites in the U.S. With depths ranging from mere inches to 30 feet, Looe Key provides an excellent oppurtunity to explore a shallow coral reef, whether from on top (snorkeling) or under the water (scuba)

Looe Key is one of the last remaining intact sections of the North American Great Barrier Reef. Its 800 yard lenght is federally protected as a no-touch, no take zone with mooring balls for the " Island Girl" to tie up to without damaging the reef. The barrier reef runs east to west. The north side of Looe Key is the shallow side where snorkelers get the best view of the underwater world.Scuba

divers prefer to explore the deeper coral fingers of the south side of the reef.

Immediately upon arriving at Looe Key, swarms of yellowtail snapper and sergeant majors arrive underneath the "Lilyanna". Due to this congregation, which can be easily viewed from the boat, a few barracuda generally show up as well. But not to fear, while the barracuda will allow you a very close look at their shinny silvery scales, they will not touch you, nor let you touch them. Looe Key can best be thought of as a giant aquarium! No where else in the world will you encounter such a profusion of colorful and friendly reef fish. Many different species make Looe Key thier home: groupers, snappers, angelfish, scrawled filefish, tarpon, permits, snook, jewfish, damsels, lobsters, crabs, eels, sea turtles, puffer fish, parrotfish, stingrays, spotted eagle rays, and sharks. Yes, if you are lucky enough, you will have the oppurtunity to observe a Nurse Shark or Carribbean Reef Shark swim gracefully amongst the coral. If you listen closely, you moght even hear the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins singing just off the reef. All of the denizens of Looe Key invite you to come explore their world.