CarolB

We're headed to the Lower Keys next month and hope to snorkel Looe Key a couple of times. Most of the trips I've found on the Internet are combined, with snorkelers and scuba divers on the same boat. Does that work out OK? I would think that a location that's ideal for one might not be great for the other. Anyone have experience snorkeling from a combined tour?

scott

Hi Carol,

I've snorkeled with divers on Looe Key several times and it's never been a problem. The divers stay in deeper water and the snorkelers are in the shallower areas. Looe Key is great!

Have Fun,

Scott

Pumpy

I've been on many an excursion as a diver with snorkelers aboard and it has never been an issue. While I prefer to SCUBA, I've met people who prefer to SNUBA or snorkel. Since visibility is best from 0-15 ft., SNUBA & snorkeling have their advantages. Enjoy!

tropicalbreeze

i have been to looe key several times, snorkeling. it is not a problem, and there are many snorkeling/diving outfits. all are good.. the water is cool now, when are you going?

NatalieM

We do both, and most scuba trips include snorkelers. One piece of advice would be to ask about depth and visibility issues. The divers usually prefer deeper water, and if it's very deep you won't see as much. A snorkelers only tirp is sometimes better. Also, I know there are some areas where you can snorkel without a boat trip...I'm thinking John Pennekamp State Park may have this? Also watch weather as related to visibility. The last time we dove in the Keys there'd been a storm a few days before, and even the divers could hardly see anything. Hope this helps. Have fun!!

Candy210

We went out of the Looe Key Dive Shop last May. It was snorkelers & scuba divers. Having bot groups together is not a problem at all. They took us to three different reef locations. It was absolutely beautiful.Lots of fis & sealife. We highly recommend that if anyone gets motion sickness, get an Rx for the patch to wear during the trip. It was a long day for those that got seasick. They had to wait until the trip was over to go back inshore.

CarolB

Thanks for the helpful replies. Two years ago (in March) we snorkeled in Pennekamp and it was wonderful. I wore a wetsuit but probably didn't really need it. Another snorkeler there recommended Bahia Honda. In fact the concessionaire at BH State Park is the same company as in Pennekamp, so unless folks have other advice we might just go with them.

Pumpy, you mentioned SNUBA . . . I searched the postings but hardly anyone has reported trying it. Would anyone recommend SNUBA over snorkeling?

scott

Hi Carol,

There really isn't anything worth snorkeling to see at Bahia Honda State Park. The concessionaire at the park will take you out to Looe Key (about 1/2 hour boat trip). Save yourself the entry fee in to the State Park and drive to Deer Key and hook up with one of the Dive Shops (I had great trips with Strike Zone Charters). If it's a light day the different charter companys trade off trying to fill a boat so you may not be going on the boat that sold you the ticket. In March the water temperatures should be in the low to mid 70's...after two hours in the water you are going to want a wet suit...definetly worth the $7 rental fee.