Jam Out at the Florida Keys Underwater Music Festival

By Kara Franker

Have you ever been to an underwater concert? Here's your chance!

Get ready to rock it out in the Florida Keys while you're snorkeling under the sea.

Divers and snorkelers can explore the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States while jamming out to a unique sub-sea concert on Sat. July 11, during the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival.

Divers strum on an artist's marine-themed musical instruments at the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival

- Fla-Keys.com

Participants pretend to play mock musical instruments and enjoy the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival

- Fla-Keys.com

While you swim among colorful tropical fish, you'll listen to a playlist featuring songs like the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” and Jimmy Buffett’s “Fins.” And if you wear a costume, you can compete for a prize for best-dressed underwater rockstar.

Hosted by Keys radio station WWUS 104.1 FM, the underwater music festival is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that's located approximately six miles south of Big Pine Key. And it's all for a good cause; the event encourages coral reef protection and environmentally responsible diving.

A mermaid and a clever artistic instrument.

- Underwater Music Festival

Don't miss the Underwater Music Festival in the Florida Keys.

- Contributed Photo

How it works: music broadcast by the radio station is piped underwater via Lubell Laboratory speakers suspended beneath boats above the reef. Stop by Looe Key Reef Resort, 27340 Overseas Highway on Ramrod Key, any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, July 10, for a free dive clinic. Buoyancy tests, equipment checks and other elements are to prepare underwater enthusiasts for Saturday’s fun.

Check out this video for inspiration:

While many underwater concert goers are drawn by the unique aquatic experience, they also receive valuable insights into preserving the Keys’ rich coral reef ecosystem. The broadcast incorporates diver awareness announcements emphasizing ways to enjoy the reef while minimizing environmental impacts.

If you go...

Divers and snorkelers interested in participating can reserve space on boats run by Lower Keys dive operators or launch their own boats from public ramps and marinas in the area. For more event info, visit LowerKeysChamber.com or Fla-Keys.com.