La_Mesan

In Early June we will brave the heat to stay at the beach and enjoy the Marathon Key Beach Club pool. Then 3 days at the Bottle Inn, Key West. Is a 2 PM flight on seaplane to Dry Tortugas a good idea? We don't want to get up too early, but we want to miss the crowds. Renting mopeds/bikes in Key West is also planned. Any suggestions?

Tandoori_Girl

I doubt you will have crowds during June at Key West. If I were you, I think I would go as early as possible to the Dry Tortugas. In the summer, even the birds take siesta during the heat. For your best bird-sighting, go early. And if this is your first trip, be sure to go to the Hemingway House, the Audubon House, and the Lighthouse.

highbay

The only time it will be crowded is when a cruise ship is in port. KeyWest Citizen, the local paper used to publish a calendar letting you know when a cruise ship would be docking. This was especially helpful to us if we wanted to go into town for lunch. I looked on their website (keysnews.com) and can't find the link to the calendar. It was there just last May. Maybe you can check the site more thoroughly. You have to register to open anything up on the site, but it is free.

Postal

My sister has lived in Key West for 24 years and ridden a moped for most of that time. Recently she was involved in a hit and run accident on her moped which she as an experienced rider could not avoid. She is lucky to be alive, and six months into her recovery she is still not 100% well.

My point is that renting a moped in Key West may be common, but it's very dangerous. Being a Floridian, I can assure you that many of the worst drivers in the world are right here! I suggest you second think the moped idea.

As for the Dry Torugas, absolutely go in the morning. You'll have a much better chance for good weather then.

La_Mesan

Thanks. I think we'll skip the mopeds and stick with bikes. We will probably book the 2 PM flight to Tortugas though, in order to sleep in. Hope the birds and sealife won't be napping.

eddiesgirl

I belive June 5 - 12 is Gay Pride Week in Key West. I don't know exactly what days you will be going in June, but it will be very crowded if it is that week. We will also be in the Keys that week, but we are staying on Islamorada at Cheeca Lodge.

Tricia

Le Mesan ~

My family just did the seaplane ride to the Dry Tortugas last month.

The pilot told us that the best flight times are first thing in the a.m. OR the last flight at 2:00 p.m. We went out on the first flight and literally felt like we had the island to ourselves. There was one other family there, and the park ranger. When we were leaving, the boats had just arrived. The island is not big ~ I imagine it's a bit crowded snorkeling once the boats arrive.

Be aware of the fact that if it's windy there will be no decent visibility for snorkeling.

We rented bikes while in Key West and just loved riding around! It's so flat, you don't even work up a sweat. Have a great trip!

La_Mesan

I guess we'll be going to Key West during Gay Pride week. We've already paid for our trip. We're there for only 3 days, but it would be nicer if it weren't crowded. And we're definitely not gay (not that there is anything wrong with that!)

SteveL

I'm trying to decide on a place for a buddy of mine and I to spend 5 days in mid-September. We get together every year and we've done a lot of different things. I'm trying to find something a little different. We do Vegas a lot and we've done golf trips and all sorts of other trips over the last 30+ years. What sorts of activities are there in the Keys? I know about snorkeling at Key Largo, but don't know about other snorkel areas (I'm an avid snorkeler and he's hopefully willing). We like to hike and play golf, etc. Where in the Keys is the most fun, yet also quiet and relaxing, with decent, if not plush, accomodations?

garyt22

Try the Chelsea House Inn...reasonable price, good accomodations, close to everything...

SteveL

Is Chelsea House in Key West? Is Key West the best place to stay to enjoy all the Keys have to offer?

Tandoori_Girl

SteveL, the different keys along this chain of islands are very spread apart. It is a 5-6 hour drive from Miami to Key West. For a first-timer, I'd definitely suggest you spend most of your time in Key West. Take the boat to Loue Key where you'll find a great snorkeling reef, one of the best I've ever been to. Take an early morning sea plane to Dry Tortugas to explore the old fort and more snorkeling. Spend at least one day doing Key West, going to Hemingway's and Audubon's houses, walking the steps up the light house, walking the myriad of streets, enjoying the pace of this friendly island.

I don't know about golfing at the Keys. I would save a day for that and if you can't find a recommended course in Key West, why not stay a day in Miami (where they surely have some first-class courses), golf and enjoy the city? You will have to fly in to Miami regardless. It has a lot to offer if you've not been there.

SteveL

Thanks. Golfing isn't real important, so we may not bother, but I think there is a decent course near Cheeca Lodge (Islamorada, I think). Also, I know I'll want to spend some time at John Pennekamp and Bahia, which was why I was trying to figure out the best place to stay to get to them as well as KW. Maybe we'll spend one night on Key Largo or halfway and the other nights in KW.

GoTravel

Golf is scarce and expensive in the keys. June would also be a miserable time to play.

Keep in mind it doesn't really cool off much at night. I think the temperature only varies by 10 degrees or less from day to night.

Tandoori_Girl

Don't miss out on Looe Key (http://thefloridakeys.com/dive/divesites/looe.htm). It is spectacular.

SteveL

Thanks! I'd never heard of that. Great suggestion.

highbay

TG is right!! Looe Key is a wonderful place to either scuba or snorkel. We used to own a home on Cudjoe Key (23 mile marker) and still go to Cudjoe Key for the month of May, and usually make a trip to Looe Key. Have seen tarpon, and even sailfish in the sancuary. Fun place to go, and there are always dive boats making trips there.