Looe Key Coral Reef — United States

About this spectacle

Looe Key is one of the finest coral reef systems in the Florida Keys, offering snorkelers and scuba divers a living underwater garden of brain corals, elkhorn and staghorn formations, sea fans, and sponges. Schools of parrotfish, angelfish, and sergeant majors drift through the coral heads, while moray eels peer from crevices and sea turtles glide overhead. The water clarity in this protected section of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is often exceptional, with sunlight refracting through the shallow reef in shifting columns of turquoise and gold. Surface conditions are generally calm inside the sanctuary boundaries, making it accessible to relatively inexperienced snorkelers. The reef lies just a short boat ride from Ramrod Key, and the combination of vibrant coral structure and abundant fish life makes every dive or snorkel feel like a descent into a living aquarium. The site is most alive in the warmer months when water temperatures are highest and visibility is at its best.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Jun — Sep

Getting there

Nearest airport: EYW. Nearest city: Key West.

Booking options

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