Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival

Divers and snorkelers can explore part of the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef each July, while rocking to a unique sub-sea concert that promotes reef protection. (Yes, a concert — and it’s unlike any other dive or snorkel experience on the planet.)

It’s called the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival, and it takes place each year at Looe Key Reef, part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary — a protected area located about six miles south of Big Pine Key that’s home to the continental U.S.’s only living coral barrier reef.

The festival is presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce and US1 Radio, and delivers an immersive experience invites divers and snorkelers to dive into a whimsical undersea soundscape where marine melodies meet conservation messaging — all beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. 

“The Underwater Music Festival is a way to celebrate the coral reef, and we celebrate it by looking for a balance between protection of the reef and public enjoyment,” said festival co-founder Bill Becker of US1 Radio. “The more people realize what’s down there and enjoy it, the more they’re likely to protect it.” 

And divers and snorkelers who take part really DO hear music underwater. Water-themed selections ranging from the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” and Jimmy Buffett’s “Fins” to the themes from “Gilligan’s Island” and “Titanic” (!) are broadcast on US1, and piped beneath the waves by special speakers suspended under boats positioned at the reef.

So what does the music sound like? “It has a very ethereal sound — it seems to come from all directions,” explained Bill. “The reason is that sound travels five times faster in water than in air, so it reaches both of your ears almost instantaneously, which gives it a very much of a surrounding sound.” 

Some divers who participate in the underwater adventure wear costumes, portraying everything from mermaids to rock stars. A few even pretend to play instruments such as a “baratuba” sculpted by Florida Keys artist August Powers — whose other creations range from a “trom-bonefish” to a “clambourine.” Born in August’s imagination and then carefully crafted, each instrument playfully incorporates the characteristics of an undersea creature.

The musical merriment has a serious side, too: it’s all about promoting coral reef preservation. Interspersed between tunes are eco-friendly dive tips, from using mooring buoys and avoiding contact with coral to understanding why reefs are known as “the rainforests of the sea” for their incredible biodiversity.

According to Bill Becker, the sub-sea songfest began in 1985 as a quirky way to make the already wonderful Keys underwater experience even better. 

But it’s not just divers and snorkelers who appear to appreciate the musically enhanced environment. “The fish seemed to enjoy the music as much as I did,” said Gail. “They almost were dancing in unison to the melody.” If you’re a diver or snorkeler and want to “immerse yourself” in the festival, just reserve space on a boat run by a Lower Keys dive operator. “This is the only living coral reef off the coast of the continental United States that you can drive to,” advised Bill. “Why wouldn’t you want to join in the fun, get in the water and enjoy this coral reef?”

Want to be part of this only-in-the-Keys tradition? You can book a seat with local dive and snorkel charters or launch your own boat from area ramps and marinas. Costumes encouraged. Reef respect required. Fun guaranteed.