Looe Key Reef
Looe Key
One of the most popular snorkeling spots in the Keys, a shallow coral reef named after a British warship that ran aground in 1744.
Looe Key lies about 9 km south of Big Pine Key, inside a national marine sanctuary. It is named after HMS Looe, a British warship that ran aground here in 1744. The reef is as shallow as 1.5 meters, with dense corals and tropical fish, and visibility often exceeds 20 meters. An underwater music festival is held here every July. You can reach the reef by snorkeling boat from Big Pine Key, Ramrod Key or Bahia Honda State Park. Half-day trips cost about US$50–80. Please use reef-safe sunscreen.
Opening hours
Snorkeling boats approx. 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Bahia Honda State Park
- National Key Deer Refuge
- Seven Mile Bridge
- Pigeon Key
- Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
- The Turtle Hospital
- Fort East Martello Museum
- Smathers Beach