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Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary

Looe Key, situated nearly 5 nautical miles (9 km) south of Big Pine Key, is a submerged spur and grove type coral reef, which has been preserved as a marine sanctuary since 1981. The Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is an integral part of the much larger Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which covers all the waters surrounding the Florida Keys. The Sanctuary has been named after H. M. S. Looe, a 124-foot (38-m) British frigate that moved ashore on the shallow reefs in 1744 and the remains of which still lie beneath the Y-shaped Looe Key.

This Sanctuary encompasses a total area of just 7 square miles (18 sq. km.) that makes it the smallest marine sanctuary in the Florida Keys. The 5 to 30 foot (1.5 to 9 m) deep waters surrounding the Sanctuary offer breathtaking views of soft corals, sponges, and vibrant Elkhorn and stag-horn coral thickets. These waters swarm with numerous tropical fish and a variety of other sea creatures. As many as 39 buoys are sprinkled throughout the area for boat piers. The Sanctuary is also a great place for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Great diving opportunities are made available for all dive skill levels. Professional dive charters offering exhilarating excursions to Looe Key from Little Torch Key, Ramrod Key, and the Big Pine Key maximize the adventure. The Sanctuary rules, however, prohibit artifact collecting, fishing, and lobstering.

The Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary also hosts a number of public service programs similar to those at the Key Largo Marine Sanctuary. Besides, the Sanctuary offers great opportunities to view a complete coral reef ecosystem in action. Scuba divers can have a glimpse of an amazing array of life at the Sanctuary. Some of the most commonly spotted creatures in the area include the blue-spotted peacock, cotton-wick, yellow-head jaw fish, and the red lizardfish. This Sanctuary is certainly worth a visit and a ‘must-see’ for all the nature lovers who visit the Florida Keys.

Top 5 National Parks

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All 58 national parks.