Scuba Diving in Florida Marathon has some Great Dive Sites

Looe Key Reef

Named after the HMS Looe which was sunk here in 1744. After running aground on the reef the ship was deliberately put to torch and blown up by her captain to prevent the Spanish obtaining any salvage from the wreck.

Not much is left of the wreck now except for the usual pile of ballast rocks, some copper plating, and an anchor chain.

If you're looking for some top scuba diving off the coast of Florida, Looe Key Reef will not disappoint you with some deep scuba diving on the offshore side of the reef, with depths down to 100ft.

As one of the best scuba diving spots in Florida Marathon scuba diving centers bring plenty of divers to this reef to see some very large marine life. Reef and nurse sharks, jewfish and rays swimming against a background of vast coral growths and large corals such as barrel coral.

In the shallower areas of this beautiful coral reef, typical of Florida Marathon snorkelers can observe jacks, barracuda, parrotfish, and surgeonfish to name but a few.

A reef full of vibrant colors and marine life and one not to be missed!

One of the attractions of Florida Key scuba diving is that you will be able to take underwater photographs or underwater videos such as the one below.

With excellent light and clear waters you will be able to get some excellent shots.

This brief video was taken at Looe Key Reef and you can see the fantastic richness of the marine life and growth on this rich area of reef, and you get an idea of what to expect diving off the Florida coast.

(Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)...

Terence's Log

I would advise anyone to scuba dive Looe Key when they visit Florida Marathon dive centers will warn you that the ocean side can be exposed to strong currents and care must be taken.

I was fortunate on this dive to come across a goliath grouper, tarpon, three sharks, and a Green Sea Turtle. There is plenty to see on this dive with shells, lobster, shrimps, and vast amounts of coral growth everywhere.

An absolutely stunning dive- do not miss it!