YOU SHOULD NOT BE ON THIS PAGE. IT EXISTS ONLY TO APPEASE THE SEARCH ENGINES. CLICK HERE (on this text) TO ESCAPE BACK TO THE INDEX PAGE.
| MileMarker: | 0 |
| Location: | Lat 24 32.70 Lon 81 24.50 Marker 24: FL R 4s 20 feet 6M "24"; 10 nmiles SW of Bahia Honda Channel on a 225° course; most diving operations leave from Big Pine Key |
| Markers: | 54 bouys: 1-32 are on central reef [1' to 30' deep]; 33-39 are shoreward [3' to 15']; 40-49 are 1 mile N of Marker 24 [16' depth]; 50-54 are SW of Marker 24 [30' to 70'] |
| Depth Range: | 5 to 70 feet deep |
| Skill Level req.: | beginner |
| Risks/Warnings: | Deeper areas encounter occasional difficult currents SPA area [Sanctuary Preservation Area], no fishing or lobstering allowed |
| History | |
| The HMS Looe ran aground on this reef in 1744. It is possible that she had a captured French ship, the Snow, under tow at the time. She hit hard in only 25 feet of water, and consequently burned to the waterline, taking her prize with her. Little is now visible of the wreck to the untrained eye. A ballast rock pile and heavily encrusted anchor chain are one the eastern end of the reef, about 200 yeards from Marker 24. Looe Key Reef has been protected as a national marine sanctuary since 1981. Since lobstering has also been prohibited, spiny lobsters are much more numerous than at other reefs in the Sanctuary. |
|
| Dive Description | |
| Looe Key Reef is one of the nicest, most diverse reefs in the Keys. It should be a priority dive if you're diving the Middle Keys or Lower Keys. It is roughly 200 years wide and 800 yards long, and is "U" shaped. It has a reputation for unpredictable visibility. Looe Reef has representative members of both patch and outside reefs, which is unique. It is it's own little world; a representation of the entire Keys reef ecosystem, in one protected place. Many locals and dive personnel think Looe Key Reef is the most beautiful reef in the Middle or Lower Keys. Barracuda and jacks meet the diver upon plunging from the boat. Yellow-headed jawfish, parrotfish, and surgeonfish cruise over the reef, and many divers see loggerhead turtle. There is a profusion of life on this reef, with tropical fish schooling and larger fish quietly watching you as they pass. Consider making your first dive here at one of the deeper buoys. Depths start at about 35 feet, and drop to over 100 feet as you move offshore. Some of the bigger animals, like reef shark, jewfish, or spotted eagle rays are in the deeper water. Rarer species of sponge and coral, such as massive barrel sponges, inhabit the downward reef slope. Looe Key Reef is one of our most HIGHLY RECOMMENDED reefs to visit in the Florida Keys. Divers should be warned that Looe Key Reef has been designated a SPA area [Sanctuary Preservation Area] and fishing as well as lobstering are strictly prohibited. |
|
| Divesite info by: Jonathan Brinkman | |
Divelog for Looe Key Reef
Add your dive to the divelog below!! CLICK HERE.
| LOWER KEYS info (Key West - 7 Mi. bridge) |
MIDDLE KEYS info (Marathon - Layton) |
UPPER KEYS info (Islamorada - Key Largo) |
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2004
BGW, Inc.