A Sea of Song

FLORIDA KEYS (June 24, 2025) — The Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival returns July 11–12, 2025, inviting ocean lovers, divers, and music enthusiasts to gather for a one-of-a-kind celebration beneath the sea. Now in its 41st year, the event combines coral reef conservation with whimsical entertainment, featuring submerged speakers playing ocean-themed music and costumed mermaids adding a touch of magic to the underwater experience.

Held about six miles south of Big Pine Key at the spectacular Looe Key Reef, this submerged songfest invites divers and snorkelers to explore one of the most beautiful reefs in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, while listening to a soundtrack of sea-inspired classics. 

Presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce and US1 104.1 FM, the festival blends tropical tunes and marine magic with a message to protect and preserve our underwater playgrounds. For four hours on Saturday, July 12, special speakers hanging beneath boats will beam music straight into the sea. Think Jimmy Buffett, The Beatles and Disney favorites, all echoing through the reef’s aquatic amphitheater. 

The weekend kicks off Friday, July 11, with a free welcome bash from 6-8 p.m. at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Coral Reef Research Center on Summerland Key. Guests can tour the high-tech facility, meet marine scientists, enjoy live music courtesy of the U.S. Navy’s Rock Band, nosh on and light bites, and dive into the cutting-edge coral restoration efforts happening right here in the Keys. 

Then it’s all fins on deck Saturday morning as boats set course for Looe Key. Whether you’re diving deep or floating with a snorkel, you’ll groove along with the reef’s resident fish who, according to seasoned festivalgoers, might be dancing too. Throughout the broadcast, festivalgoers will also hear eco-friendly dive tips, like how to avoid harming coral, the right way to use mooring buoys, and why respecting the reef is key to keeping it alive and thriving. Messages, event organizers say, are essential. 

“We’re not just making waves — we’re making a difference,” said Steve Miller, executive director for the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce. “This festival is pure underwater Florida Keys fun, while respecting, protecting and enjoying our reefs.” 

For more information and to register, visit lowerkeyschamber.com/chamber-events.  

High-resolution images, photo credits, and captions available at this link.  

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