Today we went snorkling at Looe Key, a coral reef located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It lies to the south of Big Pine Key; it is part of the reef system that defines the Hawk Channel, which runs down the outside of the Keys. There is not an actual Key per se: nothing above the water, but the reef is very close to the surface, and it’s clearly visible as you float on the surface. Of course, you see more if you free-dive down alongside the reef.
My dock-friend Jane DiPietro came, along with her son Steve, an active surfer and kite surfer. (The folks from Beach Haven.)
We chose a day with very moderate winds, but there was still a strong surge: swells rolling in from offshore. No bad once you were in the water, but the swim back to the boat (into the swells) promised to be exhausting, so we kept our dives rather short.
Nevertheless, it was a living coral reef: good to see one again, and sad to realize that it is something our grandchildren may never see. We saw sea fans, brain coral, and a great variety of fish, turtles and dolphins. It was a real treat; I had not been diving in many years.
A nice ride out and back, although Guinness got seasick while we were at anchor in the swells.
Rod & Guinness' Amazing Adventures 