Looe Key

Florida Keys, Big Pine Key, Florida, United Statesreef10 m maxbeginner

Conditions & tides

Looe KeyBig Pine Key

Fair · 4/5

conditions visualisation

Fair4/5

Some chop right now — best window today 7 AM–5 PM.

Wind7 kn NNE

Current~0.8 kn ENE · model

Swell

0.2 m · 3s · E

Water

28 °C

Max depth

10 m

Conditions through the day

6 AM6 PM

Calmest current near slack — 02:45 & 14:00 local

Sunrise 06:36 · Sunset 17:42 local

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Tide · local

Outlook — select a day for full conditions

On-face swell 0.2 m — the component of the swell aimed at this site’s exposed face. Current is a regional model value (Copernicus, ~9 km grid) — a guide to the area, not a precise reef measurement. Imagery © Esri · not depth or visibility.

Scored by DiveConnect's site-physics model

Marine forecast via Copernicus Marine. Score is a rule-based guide from swell/wind vs. the site's exposure — always dive your own assessment.

Dived here today? How were conditions vs. what we showed?

About this site

Looe Key Reef is a coral reef located approximately 12 miles southwest of Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys, part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and further designated as a Sanctuary Preservation Area. Its name comes from the British warship HMS Looe, which wrecked on the site in 1744, and the reef carries additional historical recognition as an Underwater Archaeological Preserve. It has appeared in Jacques Cousteau documentaries and is subject to ongoing coral restoration efforts.

The reef runs approximately 200 yards wide and 800 yards long, with depths ranging from 5 to 30 feet (roughly 1.5 to 9 m). Its defining feature is a spur-and-groove formation: parallel ridges and valleys of coral, with some coral structures reaching 30 feet (9 m) tall. The shallower sections suit snorkelers and beginners, while the deeper zones are better suited to more experienced divers. Maximum depth is recorded at 9.9 m.

More than 150 fish species have been recorded at Looe Key. Tarpon gather here in large schools and are frequently sighted, and barracuda are also regular visitors. Visibility is a consistent strength of the site, with crystal-clear water commonly exceeding 50 feet (15 m). Summer months typically bring calmer conditions.

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Access is by boat only; from Marathon the ride takes 45 to 60 minutes. The reef's exposed position makes it susceptible to weather and currents, which can be strong, so conditions should be checked before heading out. Mooring is available at the site. The combination of depth range, current exposure, and distance from shore means beginners should stick to the shallower areas, while deeper sections demand more experience.

AI-written site guide