Looe Key

Looe Key is a shallow spur-and-groove coral reef with dense stands of elkhorn and staghorn coral, brain and star corals, fire coral, large barrel sponges, and abundant soft corals and gorgonians. The reef crest sits in very shallow water and slopes gently to about 30 feet, providing extensive diveable areas where the live coral community and reef fishes are the main attractions. Access is by boat using mooring buoys about six miles offshore; there is no shore entry. Visibility commonly ranges from 50 to 100 feet, and water temperatures typically run about 72°F in winter to the mid-80s°F in summer. A moderate current from the Florida Current and occasional surge can be present, so many dives follow the coral ridges and sand channels or drift along the reef edge; dives are generally limited by depth and air supply rather than decompression. Sanctuary regulations apply, including a Sanctuary Preservation Area and a research-only exclusion zone marked by yellow buoys where diving is not allowed, and heavy boat traffic means boaters must tie into moorings rather than anchor.