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There’s music in the ocean in the Florida Keys.

At least scuba divers do their best to pretend to play music during the annual Underwater Music Festival, held in July at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary approximately 6 miles south of Big Pine Key.

The unique event showcases the colorful diversity of marine life that characterizes North America’s only living coral barrier reef plus instruments. As many as 600 divers and snorkelers gather each year for the sub-sea songfest. Yes, there is actual music piped into the sea as well as diver awareness announcements, written and recorded by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary officials, offering tips on how people can enjoy the ocean while minimizing the impact on the coral reef ecosystem and overall marine environment.

Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary has hosted this event in past. They are located in Big Pine Key, and a kick-off the event with a reception at their Tiki Bar as the 2017 event takes place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 8.

Appetizers and beverages will be served, and there will be a lecture about great barrier reefs. The cost is $10 per person. Then, attendees don their favorite undersea costumes and head down to the scuba areas to pose underwater playing instruments and listening to world-acclaimed music piped into the sea. The music is specially written and broadcast by Lubell Laboratory via speakers suspended beneath boats.

Those planning to submerge themselves in the festival can stop by Looe Key Reef Resort 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on July 7 for a free dive clinic, buoyancy tests and equipment checks to get divers ready for the unique underwater experience. This year’s theme includes humpback whale songs and melodies like the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” and Jimmy Buffett’s “Fins.”

All divers and snorkelers participating in the marine musical event are encouraged to wear costumes and compete for prizes awaiting the best dressed. Some might even pretend to play underwater instruments sculpted by Lower Keys artist August Powers, whose creations blend elements of oceanic creatures and whimsical musical instruments.

If you go

Underwater Music Festival

27340 Overseas Highway, Ramrod Key

305-872-2215

lowerkeyschamber.com/festival.php