Lower Keys Diving and Snorkeling

The Islands of the Lower Keys are the most quiet, least developed areas of the Florida Keys. The lack of traffic both off and on the water has helped to preserve the natural beauty of the Lower Keys. There are two main diving and snorkeling locations in the Lower Keys, Looe Key Reef and the Adolphus Busch Sr., a freighter sunk in 1998 by the local dive community.

Looe Key Reef

The Looe Key Reef is a National Marine Sanctuary protected from spearfishing, coral collection and wire traps. Because of this protected status, the Looe Key Reef has a thriving population of tropical fish and spiny lobster. The Looe Key Reef is a complete reef system, ranging in depth from 20 feet to 100 feet and featuring spur and groove coral formations, grass flats, and a deep reef that attracts many pelagic species. Angelfish, yellowtail, parrotfish, sergeant majors, barracuda, moray eel, butterfly fish, sea turtles, and many more of the 150 marine species can be found in huge numbers at all depths on the Looe Key Reef. Divers on the deep reef may even encounter sharks, manta rays, and even the occasional whale shark. The incredible diversity of coral and fish life makes the Looe Key Reef a must for any diver or snorkeler visiting the Lower Keys.

Adolphus Busch Sr.

In 1998, the dive community of the Lower Keys, with help from the Busch family, purchased the Adolphus Busch Sr., formerly the Ocean Alley, a 210-foot freighter and sunk it in 100 feet of water to create an artificial reef system and a dive site for advanced divers. The ship was sunk by creating 12 large holes in the hull. These holes were designed to be large enough for divers to enter the ship and explore the interior. A healthy population of marine life is growing daily at this newly created reef, including some massive goliath groupers that have taken residence inside the ship. The Adolphus Busch Sr. is a dive sight for experienced divers only.