JoniC

I apologize if this is a relatively duplicate post but it does not appear my original one worked and unfortunately I did not keep a copy, so here goes.

I am planning a trip to the Everglades and the Keys for our 10th anniversary. We do not like the party atmosphere, but prefer quiet (eg., no/few kids) and enjoy bird watching, hiking, and snorkeling. We also like staying in the nicer hotels although we don't want to get rediculous and stay at a place like Palm Island for $1500/nt. More in the range of $200-$400.

We were thinking of starting in either Marco Island or Naples as the base for the Everglades, using the NW entrance as it does not appear there are any upscale lodgings on the East main entrance by Flamingo. (And I guess Flamingo is still heavily damaged from the hurricane?)

Then we would drive/take a boat to the Keys and stay in one or two spots there. (How long is the boat ride from Marco Island to the Keys?)

What hotels are in these areas which are NOT family oriented but more couples oriented? Do you have suggested itineraries? Does anyone recommend specific tour operators who we could hire for day trips? Can you snorkel from the beach at any of the keys or do you need to take a boat?

Also, I want to drive the bridge road once but I am thinking either on the way there or back we should either fly or take a boat as I am not sure it is an experience we will want to repeat.

Sorry so many questions but as always I really appreciate your expertise!
JoniC

GoTravel

The Moorings or Casa Morada in Islamorada would be my first two choices for couples only and relaxation in that order.

keymom

Flamingo is closed - although you don't need to go all the way to Flamingo to experience the eastern side of the Everglades. However, you are right that there are no nice accommodations in the Florida City area so Naples would be a good place to stay. Do you have to fly out of the same city you start from? I see this trip as starting in Naples (splurge on the Ritz Carlton beach resort?). There's several birdwatching/nature opportunities (Corkscrew comes to mind). Then drive across Tamiami Trial towards Miami. Stop at Clyde Butcher's gallery and the Shark Valley entrance to the everglades. Best is to rent bikes for the 15 mile loop - there's also a tram.
Then continue on to the Upper Keys for a couple of days. (The Moorings is a great suggestion). Be sure to have an anniversary celebration at Pierre's in Islamorada. You need a boat to snorkel. You could do it from Islamorada or wait until you get to Looe Key (off Big Pine Key). End up in Key West and fly home from there.

npurpleh2

We stayed at The Simonton in Key West and loved it. http://www.simontoncourt.com/

The hotel is very quaint, private and nice. They have rooms and cottages that are all pretty much different for a variety of rates. I think it is an adult only place. They have several pools that are very private with only a couple of rooms or cottages using each one. It was nice to spend a day out being active and then come back to take a midnight swim. You can walk to Duval St & Mallory Sq within just a few minutes. We were very happy with the level of service and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

While in Key West, we took a boat/ferry out to the Dry Tortugas islands. Here is the site that described the day trip http://www.yankeefleet.com/ follow the links for Key West ferry/Dry Tortugas. The snorkeling there was just ok, but it was a nice day trip, there was a beautiful beach and lunch plus it was a historical area to explore. The islands are pretty remote and there are lots of birds.

hausfrau

My brother got married at Ocean Key Resort in Key West two years ago. Some of the family members (no kids) stayed at a wonderful B&B on Big Pine Key called The Barnacle. I think it was about 1/2 hour drive to Key West. Very affordable, lovely setting, if you want to be more "off the beaten path." There is a lovely beach on Big Pine, I think it is Bahia Honda State Park.

Ocean Key Resort was fabulous; they also considered Casa Marina for the wedding - it looks like it might be more intimate (Ocean Key is right at the end of the Duval Street "strip").

The best snorkeling in the Keys is definitely accessible only by boat (and note that you will be out in the open water, not near land). We took a charter boat out to the reefs off of Looe Key. Unfortunately I can't find the name of the company but they were based on Big Pine Key and were very well-organized. It wasn't as good as snorkeling I've done in Hawaii, but my parents saw 2 sharks and we saw plenty to keep us interested. Note that the deeper water is cooler.

We did the bridge road both directions and it was not overly arduous, although we were there in April so traffic wasn't bad.

JoniC

Thanks for all the great recommendations. I always know I can count on the fodors folks to point me in the right direction!

Regarding the Dry Tortugas-How long is the boat ride and is it choppy? We are going in January.

And same for the snorkel boats-Has anyone had experience with specific operators and if so, how long is the boat ride and how choppy? (I am not too great with boats but I try not to let it keep me from doing things if I can manage it).

How long is the drive from Naples to Islamorada and would it be realistic to be able to not only make that drive but also spend a fair amount of time in the Everglades on the way? I recall in Florida many places are not that far in terms of miles but it seems like it takes forever to get anywhere with speed limits of 40 mph on highways, etc.

Thanks again for all your help!
JoniC

npurpleh2

The boat to Dry Tortuga was about 1.5 hours. I took the trip in January and the day we went we had perfect weather and the water was very calm. I didn't see anyone who had any visable signs of being seasick. I'm sure that there are other days in January though that do have rough water but it would depend on the day. You should be prepared though that in January in Florida the water is certainly warm enough to snorkel in that you don't have to wear a wet suit but the water is not "warm".

hausfrau

The boat ride from Big Pine Key to the reef off Looe Key was about 30 minutes and quite smooth, but it depends entirely on the weather conditions. However, since the snorkeling is not so good when the water is choppy, you'll want to play it by ear. We went in April and the water was cool enough that some people wore short wetsuits (loaned by the charter company). My husband and I did not wear wetsuits and we got a tad chilly after a while.

I haven't been able to find the company's name, but they are at the south end of Big Pine Key on the west side of the highway. Big place, big sign - I just can't remember the name!

I can't help with the drive time from Naples but you are probably right to assume it will go slowly.

keymom

Naples to Miami without stops is about 3 hours. Miami to the Florida City entrance to the Everglades (with the Anhinga Trail) is about 45 minutes. Florida City to Islamorada is another 45 minutes. Islamorada to Key West is 2 - 3 hours. So, yes, you could drive from Naples to Islamorada and spend 4 hours in the Everglades. Be warned that there are no food concessions in the park so take a cooler.
I suggest you take bonine or dramanine for the boat trip regardless of the state of the seas that day. Better safe that sorry - when you get sea sick, first you are afraid you are going to die. And then you afraid you won't. The dive operator mentioned seems to be Sea Center Dive Shop. They are a reputable company.

Larry1

Keysmom, just to let you know, Flamingo is not totally closed- the Lodge and restaurant are, of course, but neither was much of an attraction anyway. And while the Park doesn't have any concession stands as such, the Marina Store at Flamingo is open and sells drinks, snacks, etc.

Peter_krynicki

This is an overview of snorkeling in Key West with some specific operators. The conditions will depend on the weather.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g3...ing.Trips.html

Pjk