Looe Key Reef

U-shaped spur and groove reef 5 miles south of Big Pine Key, named after the 44-gun HMS Looe — a British man of war that ran aground here in February 1744 while towing a captured French ship. Anchor, ballast pile, and copper plating from the wreck still lie on the eastern end in 25 feet of water. The 374-acre Sanctuary Preservation Area is renowned for one of the densest surviving stands of elkhorn coral in the Florida Reef Tract, with parallel coral fingers and sand grooves dropping from 7 to 35 feet. Reliable encounters with goliath grouper under ledges, tarpon, large schools of grunts and yellowtail snapper, and seasonal nurse sharks. Hosts the annual Underwater Music Festival in July, when speakers are lowered to the reef.