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Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary: Traveler Reviews

Big Pine Key, FL
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Ranked #3 of 20 attractions in Big Pine Key
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Activities: Scuba diving, Snorkeling
Description: See some of the finest coral reefs in the United States.
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56 reviews from our community

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Alpharetta, Georgia
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
“Fantastic coral reefs and marine life.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 5, 2012

I love scuba and snorkeling in the Keys -- it's a beautiful location and the experience is similar to that of other Carribbean locations I've been to -- colorful and plentiful marine life and in Spring through Fall, very comfortable temperatures even without a wetsuit. In the Winter I typically wear a shortie suit or full wetsuit to stay comfortable on my dives. I cannot necessarily recommend this more than any other spot in the Keys, but it's gorgeous and worth seeing -- so much marine life to view!

Visited December 2011
Ask trippinjenny about Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Key West
Top Contributor
64 reviews 64 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
“Snorkeling is great here”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 14, 2012

I've been coming to this reef for almost 20 years and I'm still amazed by it. The Goliath grouper, sharks, parrot fish, barracuda, rays, and other tropical fish are abundant because it's a sanctuary. We're really lucky to have this reef. If you had to pick only one place to snorkel or even dive then this should be your top pick because of the amount of sea life here. You will always see something great here. You'll get plenty of bottom time if you're diving. Snorkeling is great here too just check the visibility before you go and if you tend to get sea sick don't go if the seas chop over 2'. Other than that bring an underwater camera if you have one and enjoy the scenery. The water color is spectacular and it's a relatively short ride to and from the reef. You'll be glad you went!

Visited September 2012
Ask Frances W about Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Houston, Texas
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
“A nice little dive”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed August 29, 2012

We are highly experienced and traveled scuba divers. We did a couple of dives out of key west and a couple on Looe Key. Looe Key was be far our favorite spot. Lots of fish and some pretty corals. I'd recommend this over Key West. Also, if you rent your own boat you can take your time and do Looe Key, plus nearby wreck.

Visited August 2012
Ask waejae_jae about Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cudjoe Key, Florida
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Snorkle, Dive”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 22, 2012

A nice snorkle or dive trip. Go with Innerspace, Strike Zone, or Under Seas outfitters of Big Pine Key.

Visited August 2012
See 2 more reviews by Keysgina for Big Pine Key
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
miami
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Beautiful!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed August 19, 2012

On a good day, the visibility is 40 to 50 feet and it's just gorgeous!
on a bad day, you'll just throw up in the boat and beg to go home... don't go on bad days!

Visited July 2012
See 6 more reviews by Dean C for Big Pine Key
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