Is the snorkeling better at Biscayne Nat'l Park or Pennekamp Coral Reef St. Park? Any recommendations on tour companies to go out with?
Any recommendations for good wade in places to snorkel? Thanks!
best snorkeling in Florida Keys
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Dennis:
Pennekamp is better. As for specific companies for snorkeling, I believe most companies (in Key Largo) go to the same sites, so there isn't much difference. I've never had a "bad" experience with any snorkel operation that was the operation itself's fault- they can't control vis, and seem to make an effort to find the clearest conditions they can. As far as wade-in snorkeling, there's not much that will compare with the reefs, you pretty much will snorkel sand bars, grass flats, and mangrove roots. While certainly ecologicaly important, these habitats don't have much to offer in terms of fish and corals. Gets you in the water, though.
Pennekamp is probably a better spot. May more options there. But as Larry said if visbility is bad, it doesn't really matter where you are!
Any of the dive companies in the Keys (and there are hundreds of them) can get you to a good spot along the reef (they'll know how the tides are, where the fish are running, etc.) Let me mention that at most places along the reef, you'll be in 5 - 10 feet of water. And sometimes, it can get choppy out there. If you feel comfortable handling your own boat, I'd strongly receommend renting a boat and heading out to the reef on your own. this way, you avoid the throngs of people who go out on snorkling boats. Most boat rental places will provide you a map and point out the good, but little visited sites along the reef.