Favorite Places: Looe Key

May is upon us.  If you are anything like me, that usually means vacation planning and/or dreaming hits high gear with the siren song of summer gently calling.  With that in mind, I'm launching a new series called Favorite Places.  I'll share some of my favorite spots, things to do and tips that may help you as you plan your upcoming vacations.  At the very least, I hope this helps to inspire folks to think outside the typical vacation box, to open up to new experiences and enjoyment of being in the outdoors.

I can't wait to share one of my absolute favorite places on this planet - Looe Key - with you as the first highlighted Favorite Space.  If you are a regular to my blog, this name might ring a bell as it was mentioned in the post about my Keys trip last fall (click here to read).

Simply put, this place is phenomenal.
  

Looe Key is a part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and is designated as a Sanctuary Preserve Area (SPA).  It is a groove and spur reef system located a few miles east of the lower Keys.  The reef runs from about six inches to 30 feet in depth which allows for a variety of viewpoints.   It is named for the HMS Looe which is said to have run aground there in the 1700's. 

Logistics are always an important part of trip planning and getting to Looe Key is fairly straight-forward.  Once you've arrived in the lower Keys you can take any number of tour providers out to enjoy a day of snorkeling or scuba diving at the reef.  You're also able to take your own boat or charter a boat captain.  However, planning is important as there are only a set number of available mooring buoys for docking as dropping an anchor is not permitted.  We have used both Bahia Honda State Park (link) as well as Strike Zone (link) and would recommend either as a good choice based on our personal experiences.  Bahia Honda State Park is an absolutely stunning place and is hands down one of the best state parks in the Florida Park system (link).  Strike Zone was also a great tour and they stop at two dive locations.  Both were fantastic the day we went.

Looe Key is routinely named as one of the top locations for diving and snorkeling in the world.  That's right - in the world.  And, I can attest that is the absolute truth.  I've been forunate to have spent time underwater in some of the most outstanding destinations throughout the Caribbean and Hawaii, and I easily rank Looe Key as the best.  It's hard to believe that this bounty of amazement is so near and accessible.  

Our experiences there featured a plethora of sea life, almost too numerous to name.  The stage is set and excitement brews as green and leatherback sea turtles as well as bottlenose dolphin accompany you on your boat ride out to the reef as they flit and glide in the blue waters.  Once you arrive the water displays bands of jade, green and turquoise which combine like the most masterful of watercolor paintings with the lightest azure being highlighted on the sandy bottom of the channels formed by the groove and spur structure.                                                                            It is at that moment you realize you are entering a new world altogether as the beauty and serenity is almost overwhelming.  

However, the real show is under the surface of the water.  After strategically jumping in from the boat deck to avoid those pesky moon jellies* your journey really begins.  The kaleidoscope of coral abounds.  I felt it was a rare opportunity to see such variety.  Fish and other marine life in vast and tropical colors begin to catch your eye as the rhythm of the current and the sound of your breath become like a harmonious song.  Soon you are drifting to the beat of an underwater world that is completely unique.  It is hard to not find a deep appreciation, sense of wonderment and peace from the privilege of visiting this undersea landscape.  

A real highlight for Nick was when he came face-to-face with his biggest fear. For the first time, he was mere feet away from a Black Tip Reef Shark.  The shark was about 5 feet in size, spotted Nick from afar and then slowly, in a predatory manner, came a little closer to check Nick out a little more.  I was, unfortunately, in the opposite direction from Nick around the same time examining a Goliath Grouper so I didn't get up close and personal with that shark. Although the diversity of the fish life was enthralling, I continued to find myself focused on the variety of coral which was showcased in every direction.  

Both trips were magical.  Something so incredibly amazing happens when you push your limits, when you explore something new...in fact, that may be the allure and draw of traveling in the first place.  The appreciation such experiences afford is enormous.  I am certain you'll feel it too if you ever find your path leading to Looe Key.  

* Note:  Moon Jellies are sometimes floating through this area, at times very numerous which may impact or cancel your tour.  This only happens a few times a year.  They are smaller sized jellies and have short tentacles with a sting similar to that of a bee.  If stung, it is easily remedied with a little vinegar which most boat crews keep on deck or you can bring your own.