reef

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Captain Hook’s Looe Key Reef Adventures

Looe Key is one of those spots in the Lower Keys that just feels right, a genuinely good day out on the water. We usually tie up to one of the mooring balls; it’s just easier, and keeps the reef happy. Drop in and you’re immediately enveloped by schools of silver baitfish, a shimmering curtain that sometimes parts to reveal a sleepy nurse shark tucked under a coral head. We often drift along the shallow patch reefs, maybe 6-7 metres, where the corals, especially the great star coral, seem to glow in the afternoon sun. It’s here we’ve spotted some of our favourite smaller critters – the orangespotted filefish flitting around, or a lined seahorse clinging to a bit of seagrass if you’re lucky enough to really slow down and look. The real draw here is how alive it feels without being overly dramatic. You get that classic Keys experience – good visibility, decent current, and enough to keep you looking without being overwhelmed. It’s perfect for a relaxed dive, a second dive of the day, or for newer divers getting comfortable with reef environments. If you’re into macro, we’d suggest really scanning the sandy patches for those tiny shell dwellers like the three-tooth carditid or antillean tusk shell. You won't find huge walls, but you will find a thriving, accessible piece of the Keys reef system.