Looe Key Snorkeling

Are you looking for the BEST snorkeling in Looe Key Reef and Big Pine? You’ve found the right place.

Looe Key Snorkeling
One of the Best Reefs in the Keys!

The Florida Keys are known for their amazing reefs, and Looe Key Reef is right in the heart of it all. Looe Key in Big Pine FL is home to some awesome reefs, full of some of the most amazing aquatic life in the world. Snorkeling in Looe Key and Big Pine FL is a once in a life time experience you don’t want to miss.

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Amazing Reefs

We can’t say enough about the beauty of Looe Key’s reefs. The community does so much to keep the reefs healthy and thriving and it shows!

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Top Rated Charters

Strikezone Charters & Captain Hook’s comes HIGHLY rated for it’s snorkeling charters in Big Pine FL. It’s our job to give you a great experience, and our customers are always happy.

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Safe and Fun

Looe Key snorkeling is fun for all ages. Part of that fun is knowing you’re safe. We pride ourselves on doing things the right way so our customers have fun and stay safe.

What You’ll See Snorkeling Looe Key Reef

Looe Key Reef is one of the most alive places in the Florida Keys. The reef is home to more than 150 species of fish and over 50 kinds of coral, so there is always something new to see. On a typical trip our snorkelers spot:

Parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and other bright reef fish
Yellowtail snapper, grunts, jacks and the occasional barracuda
Sea turtles gliding over the coral
Nurse sharks and southern stingrays resting on the bottom
Goliath grouper, eagle rays and, if you are lucky, dolphins

The coral itself is the star, from towering star and brain coral to sea fans waving in the current. It is one of the healthiest reef systems left in the Keys, and every trip looks a little different.

About Looe Key Reef & the National Marine Sanctuary

Looe Key sits about seven miles offshore from Big Pine Key, inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It is a protected Sanctuary Preservation Area, which means the reef gets the care it needs to stay healthy, and it shows the moment you put your face in the water.

Water depths run from roughly 7 feet at the top of the reef down to about 30 feet at the sand line, so there is plenty to see whether you are a first timer floating on the surface or a stronger swimmer who wants to explore deeper. The reef was named after the HMS Looe, a British warship that wrecked here in 1744.

Because it is only reachable by boat, the reef stays uncrowded and pristine. That is exactly why we run our trips out of Big Pine Key, the closest and easiest launch point to one of the best reefs in North America.

Big Pine FL Snorkeling Trips

We provide the gear. We provide the best spots. All you need to do is book! We offer snorkeling trips in Looe Key twice every day. Click the button below to book your trip.

Book Now

Why Our Customers Love Our Snorkeling

Captain Hook’s Marina and Dive Center earned another Certificate of Excellence in 2024 for our Big Pine and Looe Key services. We work hard to provide the highest level of service possible, and we owe a great deal of thanks to our customers who make everything possible for us. As one of the best dive shops in Big Pine, we’re proud to offer scuba diving & snorkeling trips twice per day and a variety of other services.

     
 
 
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   Tracy Rodgers 
 15 October 2026
 
 
  Great experience. Great dive team. Very safe and fun. All the team was very personable and knowledgeable.
  
 
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   Jeremiah Mason 
 15 October 2026
 
 
  Cap'n Curtis and his crew were awesome! Very thorough with instructions so dont worry if you're a first timer. Very family and beginner friendly. Will do this again for sure!
  
 
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   Tamara Zelaya 
 12 October 2026
 
 
  Captain Curtis runs a tight, fun vessel. Ms. Lisa was AWESOME in personally guiding my 12 year 9ld granddaughter through all aspects, and details, required to attain her Diving Certification. Two days on the boat was wonderful. The depth of combined expertise of the crew was top notch. I would recommend Captain Hooks to others coming to the area.
  
 
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   Eric Azebu 
 11 October 2026
 
 
  I had the pleasure of both snorkeling and getting my Open Water dive certification through Captain Hook’s. Max Ebel was my scuba instructor and he was everything I could’ve hoped for in a teacher. He was a friendly guy, knew an incredible amount about diving, and was enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with me. Max excelled at explaining skills and techniques clearly and breaking them down into easy to understand steps.  He had excellent situational awareness underwater and constantly checked in with me to make sure I was ok, had plenty of air in my tank, and to let me know when a piece of my gear had fallen out of place.  He was a pro at spotting interesting marine life and above all else, Max made me feel safe and comfortable in the water.

Assisting Max during the Open Water class was Jennifer. She too was a very friendly and knowledgeable diver. Jenn helped me review many of the underwater skills, and did an excellent job fulfilling the role of my dive partner during out-of-air drills, pre-dive equipment checks, and rescue drills. Working with her was a lot of fun and in case she reads this, I apologize for my inability to keep your face out of the water during the valve tow.

Finally, I’d like to give a shout out to Captain Curtis. I had the privilege of riding on his boat three separate times. Curtis was a funny and friendly guy but definitely took his responsibilities as captain seriously. While I was resting on the boat in the middle of a dive, another captain steered their vessel over the area where our divers were. Curtis immediately sounded an air horn and called them out for creating unsafe conditions for the divers. I was happy to see that diver safety was a priority for Curtis and that he didn’t hesitate to act.

I was impressed by the professionalism, competence, and friendliness demonstrated by everyone at Captain Hook’s. I had a great time diving with them and hope to return again in the future.
  
 
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   Casey Garcia 
 8 October 2026
 
 
  Everyone was amazing and I highly recommend you go on the snorkeling tour!!!
  
 
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   Nathan Kempka 
 7 October 2026
 
 
  Our family had an absolutely incredible experience with Captain Hook’s Marina & Dive Center in Big Pine Key! As first-time snorkelers, we weren’t quite sure what to expect, but choosing the upgraded snorkeling excursion was one of the best decisions we made. The extra cost was minimal and completely worth every penny.
From the moment we arrived, the crew made us feel comfortable, welcomed, and excited for the adventure ahead. Their professionalism, friendliness, and attention to safety helped put all of our first-time nerves at ease.
The snorkeling itself exceeded our expectations. We were amazed by the variety of marine life we encountered and loved seeing so many different species in their natural habitat. It was truly an unforgettable experience and one that created lasting memories for our family.
A special shout-out goes to Ericka, our snorkeling guide. She was absolutely fantastic! Her enthusiasm, knowledge, patience, and friendly personality made the trip even more enjoyable. She took the time to make sure everyone felt comfortable in the water and helped us get the most out of our snorkeling experience. Ericka is a tremendous ambassador for Captain Hook’s, and we’re so grateful she was part of our first snorkeling adventure.
If you're considering a snorkeling trip in the Florida Keys, we highly recommend Captain Hook’s Marina & Dive Center. Whether you're an experienced snorkeler or a complete beginner like we were, their outstanding crew and excellent service will make for a memorable day on the water.
Thank you, Captain Hook’s and Ericka, for giving us an amazing first snorkeling experience.
  
 
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   Jackie Merideth 
 4 October 2026
 
 
  Curtis and Ericka were kind, patient, and caring while I struggled to get in the boat after wearing myself out. Even while I proceeded to lose my breakfast after getting on the boat they allowed me to feel okay about it. They monitored all drivers and snorkelers to ensure we were all safe.
  
 
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   Carrie Wagner 
 29 September 2026
 
 
  The crew was great even though conditions caused us to come back and miss the second dive. They gave us a 50% refund because of the early return. Great operation. Can’t control the weather. Thanks Captain John and crew.
  
 
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   David cuziwanna 
 25 September 2026
 
 
  5 star experience with the Captain and crew. Cant say enough good things. Clean well manged boat. My Son and I had a fantastic time snorkeling Looekey reef!! Ill be back!
  
 
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   ian magoon 
 19 September 2026
 
 
  Great snorkeling on Looe Key with lots of fish and coral. Crew did a great job with a mix of snorkelers and divers. A++++++

Where to Snorkel in Big Pine Key

Looking for epic snorkel adventures in Big Pine Key? Captain Hook’s Marina and Dive Center has what you need. Our Big Pine location runs daily trips to Looe Key, a top spot to explore stunning reefs and unique marine life. It’s easy access right in the heart of the Florida Keys. You won’t want to miss it. Dive in, discover and make memories!

29675 Overseas Hwy,
Big Pine Key, FL 33043

P: (305) 872-9863
E: Email Us

More About Our Big Pine Snorkel Trips

Which Locations Will We Go To?

Our snorkel trips go to a number of different locations in Looe Key. We even have a few of our own “secret” locations that our captains have found over the years.

The weather often dictates exactly which reef we will go see on any given day.

Is Snorkeling in Looe Key Safe?

Of course! You’ll be accompanied on the trip by one of our captains and a mate. Both are certified in CPR should anything happen.

As for sea creatures, you’ll see all sorts of different, beautiful ocean life!

What will I see at Looe Key Reef?

Looe Key Reef is home to more than 150 species of fish and over 50 kinds of coral. Snorkelers regularly see parrotfish, angelfish, yellowtail snapper and barracuda, plus sea turtles, nurse sharks, stingrays and the occasional eagle ray or dolphin. No two trips look exactly the same.

How deep is the water at Looe Key?

Depths range from about 7 feet at the top of the reef to roughly 30 feet at the sand line. That makes it comfortable for beginners floating on the surface and interesting for stronger swimmers who want to explore a little deeper.

What time are the Snorkel trips?

Snorkel and dive trips depart every day at 8:30AM and 1:00PM.

Do I need any snorkel gear?

Captain Hook’s will provide everything you need!

Where is Looe Key Reef located?

Looe Key is about seven miles offshore from Big Pine Key, inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It is only reachable by boat, which is why our trips leave right from our Big Pine Key marina, the closest launch point to the reef.

How much does it cost to snorkel in Looe Key Reef?

Our Looe Key Reef snorkel trips are $54 with gear included.

Looe Key Snorkeling