Named for a British sailing frigate which sank there in the mid 1700’s, Looe Key was designated a Marine Sanctuary in 1981. Traces of the HMS Looe can still be seen on the bottom. Warm, clear water, moderate temperatures and an outstanding variety of colorful coral and tropical fish make Looe Key an exceptionally beautiful underwater recreational paradise. Over 5 nautical miles long, it is protected from collecting, spearfishing and related activities. Depths range from 1 to 35 feet.

 Click on any of the diving locations below!

REEF DIVES

  • +American Shoal

    Nice low profile coral reef formation, good for lobstering, fishing, spear fishing or just enjoy the many beautiful tropical fish that inhabit the reef. Depths range from 20 to 35 feet.

  • +Maryland Shoal

    A beautiful reef formation similar to Looe Key but does not cover as large of an area. Many different types of tropical fish abound on the reef. Depths range from 25 to 35 feet.

 WRECK DIVES

  • +Adolphus Busch Wreck

    A 210 foot former freighter was sunk in 100 feet of water between Looe Key and American Shoal on December 5, 1998. The ship was renamed the Adolphus Busch I in honor of Busch’s grandfather, who came through Key West when immigrating to the United States. The two large cargo holds, one stern and one aft, and the large superstructure are expected to create an enticing wreck site for divers and marine life. The Looe Key Artificial Reef Association located the freighter, originally named the Ocean Alley. Ready for scrapping, the Ocean Alley once was featured in “Fire Down Below,” a 1957 movie staring Robert Mitchum, Rita Hayworth and Jack Lemmon. Filmed in Trinidad and Tobago, the adventure tells of smuggling partners who become dangerous romantic rivals.