There are plenty of incredible spots to snorkel in the U.S., particularly off the extensive coast of Florida's panhandle. One of the best reefs with some pretty epic underwater sightings is in the heart of the Florida Keys, the archipelago extending from Florida's mainland toward the Caribbean. As you're driving down one of America's most scenic drives from Fort Lauderdale down the islands to Key West via the Overseas Highway, about 30 miles north of Key West you'll hit Big Pine Key, a small town
perfect for nature lovers with its unique, backcountry vibe, and plethora of wildlife. Roughly 7 miles offshore is Looe Key, a 5.8-square-mile or 374-acre barrier reef system with a thriving ecosystem of marine life and a pristine spot for snorkeling and diving that is only accessible by boat.
For thousands of years, coral growth at Looe Key has built a natural reef, brilliantly colored and home to a wealth of sea life, including eagle rays, dolphins, sea turtles, parrotfish, surgeonfish, barracuda, angelfish, goliath grouper, tarpon, and even sharks. Ocean currents keep the water cycling and bring in a diverse marine species, and swells can be significant, even without wind.
The area is protected within the Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area, one of seven safeguarded zones in the Mission: Iconic Reefs initiative. Today, the Florida Keys attracts 5.5 million visitors per year, many drawn to the Looe Key area for its diving and snorkeling. In fact, it's such a great destination to observe underwater life that Looe Key has become home and host to the world's only underwater music festival, which entices curious visitors each year to dress up as fanciful sea-themed creatures and listen to music underwater, alongside the fish.
Read more: The 5 Most Alligator-Filled Destinations In All Of Florida
Charter A Boat For A Day Trip Snorkeling Or Diving At Looe Key Sandbar
Snorkeling at Looe Key can feel surreal. As it's only accessible by boat, you're literally out to sea, with wildlife at your fingertips. The reef accommodates all skill levels, with water depth ranging from about 7 to 30 feet. Depending on the tide, Looe Key also has a white-sand sandbar, and divers may spot stone ballasts on the seafloor, thought to be remnants of the HMS Looe that ran aground in 1744 on the reef that now bears its name. Most shipwreck divers, however, prefer exploring Adolphus Busch, a 210-foot boat that appeared in the 1957 movie "Fire Down Below," and was sunk in 1998 to create an artificial reef 3 miles west of Looe Key. Charter a boat through Captain Hook's Marina and Dive Center on Big Pine Key, or nearby on Ramrod Key, where Looe Key Resort offers wreck dive and snorkel charters, a tiki bar, and hotel. Charters also depart from Bahia Honda State Park, which has some of Florida's best beach snorkeling and campsites.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary -- managed by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the state of Florida -- was designated in 1990. It's home to the only coral barrier reef in the continental U.S., and encompasses most of the Florida Keys water, except Dry Tortugas National Park, a coral reef paradise and one of the least visited national parks. Unfortunately, as water temperatures rise, heat has affected even the most carefully protected coral reefs. Coral bleaching and species die-offs increased following a particularly hot summer in 2023, risking the vibrant home of so many underwater species. Marine are now working to determine how to mitigate climate-related damage.
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Read the original article on Islands.
