One of the most popular pastimes in the Lower Keys is diving. Water clarity, warmth and the moderate weather greatly enhance this underwater recreation. The most popular diving spot in the Lower Keys is Looe Key. Actually, Looe is not a key but rather a spur and groove reef. Designated as a Marine Sanctuary in 1981, Looe was named after the H.M.S. Looe, a British frigate that sank there in 1944. Ballast stones of the H.M.S. Looe remain in the Sanctuary as eerie tombstones. Now a part of the Keys-wide Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, this 5.3 nautical mile park is fully protected from many consumptive activities, such as spearfishing, fish & shell collecting. Looe is known as the most spectacular living reef in North America for its diverse population of corals and this colorful array of tropical fish. Because of its unique shape and varying depths, Looe Key is ideal for SCUBA and skin divers (or snorkelers) of all skill levels. Outside of the Sanctuary, spearfishing and lobstering (season, Aug. 6- Mar. 31) are permitted with proper licenses. The Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce holds their annual Underwater Music Festival at Looe Key every July.

Besides beautiful Looe Key, the Lower Keys can also offer superb diving in the patch reefs and shallow ledges. A mini-wall of 60-100 feet is also a favorite dive spot. Lower Keys dive shops are completely equipped for all snorkeling, diving and related activities. Dive shops have trips to Looe Key twice daily (usually at 8:30 am & 1:30 pm) and night dives. Private custom charters also provide flexible times to Looe and other popular diving and snorkeling areas.

Diving and Snorkeling Big Pine Key and Lower Keys

• DOLPHIN MARINA
  28530 Overseas Hwy.
  Little Torch Key, FL 33042
  (305)872-2685, (800)553-0308, Fax(305)872-3885
  Come enjoy the exquisite coral reefs of Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary directly offshore. Fishing, boating, diving, snorkeling- We have it all!

• LOOE KEY REEF RESORT & DIVE CENTER
  PO Box 509
  Ramrod Key, Fl 33042
  (305) 872-2215, Fax (305) 872-3786
  Dive the #1 Reef in the U.S. with a five star PADI and IDC dive center, staffed by professionals, offering dive instruction for all levels of ability. Your full service reef and dive center. B.S.A.C. Facility.

• UNDERSEAS INC.
  MM 30.5 Box 319
  Big Pine Key, FL 33043
  (305) 872-2700, (800) 446-5663, Fax(305) 872-0080
  Your full service pro dive shop in the Lower Keys. Offering Dive and Snorkel Trips to Looe Key, full inventory of dive equipment, and dive packages. We are a PADI Five-Star facility, Nitrox.
  

• ANDY GRIFFITHS CHARTERS
  Captain Andy Griffiths
  (305) 296-2639, Fax (305) 296-9768
  Voyage to the Marquesas Keys or the Dry Tortugas. Featuring customized overnight excursions for 3 days/2 night or 2 days/1 night.

• APPLEDORE / WINDJAMMER CHARTERS
  Located at the end of William Street
  at the Key West Bight
  (305) 296-9992
  Come enjoy whats under the water, but also experience the thrill of the windjammer
  

• ATLANTIC FURY CATAMARANS
  201 Front St.
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305)294-8899, (800)994-8898, Fax(305)292-9689
  Spend a day on the sea, take in the sun and swim with the fish, or sail into a romantic sunset while sipping complimentary, unlimited, champagne, beer, wine and sodas.
  

• EL GATO CATAMARAN
  617 Front st.
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305) 294-0660
  Smooth Sailing on El gato Catamaran for Snorkel or Champagne Sunset Sails. Snorkel trip depart 9:30 or 1:30 daily. Equipment and free beer, wine and sodas included. Champagne is also served on Sunset Sails.

• FLATS FEVER
  1420 Washington St.
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305) 296-9794, Cellular (305) 744-8985
  Unwind, relax and get back in touch with Nature. Fish or snorkel the serene back-country waters of the Florida Keys.

• FLORIDAYS
  323 Duval Street
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305)294-7738
  Floridays, the finest sailing yacht in the Florida Keys, visits only the finest coral reefs. Experience what you came to Key West for.
  

• LOOKER KEY WEST
  P.O.Box 4035
  100 Grinnell St.
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305)294-2249, (800)245-2249, Fax(305)294-0421
  Diving Key West with Looker Diving blends the service and convenience of your favorite dive store with all the charm and adventure of a caribbean resort destination.

• KEY WEST BOAT RENTAL
  At the Galleon Marina
  617 Front Street, Key West, FL 33040
  305-294-BOAT (2628), FAX 305-296-1289
  Fihing, Diving, Snorkeling, Skiing, Hydro Slides, Island Hopping...Open all day-every day. THE BEST WAVE RUNNER TOURS IN THE KEYS.
  

• KEY WEST PRO DIVE SHOP, INC.
  3128 North Roosevelt Blvd.
  Key West,Florida 33040
  (305) 296-3823 (800)426-0707
  Our friendly, professional staff is dedicated to providing you with a memorable dive vacation. Please call or e-mail us with questions on diving the waters surrounding our lovely island.

• NO WAKE CHARTERS
  Oceanside Marina
  5950 Pensinula
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305)294-3912, Fax(305)293-9572
  Our charter business is geared to meet the individual desires of our guests. Anything you're looking for, from a snorkeling/reef trip to a full day private charter of sailing and fishing, we can provide your perfect day on the water.

• REEF RAIDERS DIVE ENTERPRISE
  617 Front st.
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305) 294-0660
  Dive the beautiful waters of Key West aboard the M/V Nautilus I. Departing 9:00 and 1:30. This spacious dive vessel can accommodate small and large groups.

• SEA-CLUSIVE CHARTERS
  Oceanside Marina
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305) 872-3940, Fax (305) 872-3940
  All inclusive overnight trips along the Keys or to the secluded Dry Tortugas. Day trips to Looe Key or remote locations in the Marquesas Keys.

• SEACLYPSE DIVERS
  Oceanside Marina
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305) 296-1975, (800) 626-6396, Fax (305) 296-9516
  A Padi 5 star facility featuring uncrowded boats and uncrowded dive sites, peronalized instruction and complete vacation packages.

• SOUTHPOINT DIVERS
  714 Duval Street
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305)292-9778, (800)891-DIVE, Fax (305) 296-6888
  Key West's premier Dive center, featuring the only two Rob Shirley Pro 42 custom jet boats in the USA!

• SUPTROPIC DIVE CENTER
  1605 N Roosevelt Blvd.
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305)296-9914, (800)853-DIVE(3483), Fax (305) 296-9918
  Dive Key West with the island's friendliest dedicated dive center. Subtropic's dive facilities include our complete retail center and we have all levels of instruction including a one day resort scuba experience.

• SUNNY DAYS SUNSET AND SNORKEL TRIPS
  201 William Street
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305) 296-5556
  Come aboard one of our two boats, the Sunny Days and Reef Express. Experience our champagne sunset sails and reef snorkeling trips. We take fewer passengers, and offer personalized attention from our crew. Come join us and leave the crowds to the others.

• WITT'S END CHARTERS OF KEY WEST
  Lands End Marina Slip #D36 P.O. Box 625
  Key Largo, FL 33037
  (305) 451-3354, (cellular) 304-0139, FAX (305) 295-9832
  A unique sailing experience aboard private 51 ft. Captained yacht. Offerings include: a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Cruise. Wedding/Honeymoon Packages; Dolphin Watch experiences; Bird Watching Tours; Snorkel/Dive World's 3rd largest Barrier Reef; extended cruises; Naturists Welcome!