Where is Looe Key?
the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Looe Key is a coral reef located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It lies to the south of Big Pine Key. This reef is within a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA). Part of Looe Key is designated as “Research Only,” an area which protects some of the patch reefs landward of the main reef.
Where do you snorkel at Looe Key?
Featuring one of the most spectacular reefs in the Florida Keys with plentiful Elkhorn and massive Star coral, Looe Key has become a major destination for snorkeling enthusiasts throughout the world. Daily departures are 9:30am and/or 1:30pm….Looe Key Snorkeling Tours.
| Tour Prices | |
|---|---|
| Snorkel | $8.95 with tour |
| Safety vest is provided at no charge |
What is the reef in the Keys called?
Key West Bank Reef The coral reef of the Florida Keys stretches 358 miles from the Dry Tortugas National Park to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County. There are three major types of coral reefs around the world. These are atolls, fringing reefs, and barrier reefs.
How big is Looe Key Reef?
Looe Key is a big reef, about five miles offshore, with a large variety of depths and water conditions throughout it. And it is famous for having bigger species like sharks, Colossal Grouper, Tarpon and rays.
How many reefs are in the Florida Keys?
6,000 individual reefs
Coral reefs are also found in Dry Tortugas National Park west of the Marquesas Keys. There are more than 6,000 individual reefs in the system. The reefs are 5,000 to 7,000 years old, having developed since sea levels rose following the Wisconsinan glaciation.
Can you fish around Looe Key?
Snorkeling off Looe Key and Back Country Fishing were both outstanding. From first cast to last, he put us on the fish. As far as snorkeling on the reef, we couldn’t have had a better spot. Highly recommended, you won’t be disappointed.
Which Florida Key has best snorkeling?
10 Best Snorkeling Spots in the Florida Keys
- Bahia Honda State Park.
- Biscayne National Park.
- Fort Zachary Taylor.
- Sombrero Reef, Marathon.
- Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area, Big Pine Key.
- Long Key State Park.
- Alligator Reef Lighthouse.
- Cheeca Rocks, Islamorada. Credit: tropical studio/shutterstock.com.
Where is the Looe Key Reef?
It lies to the south of Big Pine Key. This reef is within a Sanctuary Preservation Area. Part of Looe Key is designated as “Research Only,” an area which protects some of the patch reefs landward of the main reef.
What is the Looe Key spa area?
This a very strict SPA area that is situated inside the Looe Key Existing Management Area. There is also the restricted Research Only Area included within the larger section. The regulations in place are the reason this reefs ecosystem has become one of the most beautiful in the world.
What to do at Looe Key?
In keeping with the desire to do the unusual, every July the Underwater Music Festival takes place at Looe Key. As they like to phrase it – “subsea optimized” music is broadcast by stations through submerged speakers to the happy, floating snorkelers and divers above. Named after the British Man of War that sank here. Light to moderate current.
Is there a coral reef in the Florida Keys?
Looe Key is a coral reef located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It lies to the south of Big Pine Key. This reef is within a Sanctuary Preservation Area.