Lauren

We are looking for a half day snorkeling trip while in Key West in early February, any suggestions? Sebago, Atlantic Fury and Sunny Days are the few I've seen listed.

Will the water even be warm enough to snorkel?

Thanks

J T Kirk

The water will be on the coolish side. And chances are good the water will also be choppy. I usually rent a boat when I'm in the Keys. To me, it's easier to get around from the crowds that the dive boats generate (although in February, that won't be such an issue.) You might want to see about renting/borrowing a wetsuit (at least the top). Incidentally, you don't have to snorkel out of Key West. The reef runs up the entire length of the Keys (and farther). Sometimes, it's way less crowded out of the other Keys (except Key Largo where John Pennekamp State Park is located).

Owen O'Neill

I last snorkeled there in July and it was fantastic. I'm going back in mid-february and will go again but have lowered my expectations due to comments on visbility and choppiness but still look forward to it. Be cautious about the size of the group you go with - the larger the group, the shorter the experience (often the case) and bigger groups tend to scare away some of the aquatic life. I went previously with Restless Native - they have a max of 4-6 people per trip and there are other charter companies that also do small groups. Additionally, they go out twice per day rather than three times and try to schedule their time on the reef so that the big charters (75-100 people per catamaran) are just about to leave or are just arriving when you're finishing up. It costs more to go with a small group but I've tried it both ways - the extra $$ is definitely worth it.

Paige

We've only been in May and the water was great, but with at least a wet-suit vest, you should be comfortable enough.

We have taken the Sunny Days which we liked a lot, although there were more people than we ordinarily like; a smaller boat is what we prefer, but I don't think you will have that large a crowd at that time of year. I think it would depend more on the day of the week that you're able to go.

The reef is about 7 miles out from Key West and we have had mixed experiences with choppy water and calm. We have found, however, that whatever the conditions, we love it so much that it really doesn't matter.

Have fun.

Karen

I have been to Key West 4 times and have gone snorkeling with Sunny Days all 4. We lucked into this company our first trip and loved it. The catamaran is lovely and the captain very informative and friendly. I have been with first time snorkelers and experienced snorkelers and all have enjoyed it. We have also experienced both beautiful calm days and choppy days. If you are prone to sea sickness, choppy days make floating on the water, norkeling, a little uncomfortable!

Have a great trip!

Gene

My wife and I had blast on Sebago. We'll be doing it again in August. It's a 3 or 4 hour trip. They take you right to the reef. After you snorkel or if you don't want to snorkel, it's all the beer you want to drink for free. Recommend bringing your own masks, especially perscription ones. The rental equipment (though free) is a bit scratched - but that's a problem on any snorkel trip. The catamarran is dynamite!

susan

I can highly recommend Floridays, which docks at the Hyatt. It's a sailing sloop and limits passengers to around 20.