Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Local dive operations take you to Sombrero Reef and Lighthouse, the most popular down-under destination in these parts. For a shallow dive and some lobster nabbing, Coffins Patch, off Key Colony Beach, is a good choice. A number of wrecks such as Thunderbolt serve as artificial reefs. Many operations out of this area will also take you to Looe Key Reef.

Hall's Diving Center and Career Institute. The institute has been training divers for more than 40 years. Along with conventional twice-a-day snorkel and two-tank dive trips to the reefs at Sombrero Lighthouse and wrecks like the Thunderbolt, the company has more unusual offerings like rebreather, photography, and nitrox courses. MM 48.5 BS, 1994 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, Florida, 33050. 305/743–5929; 800/331–4255; www.hallsdiving.com. From $45.

Spirit Snorkeling. Join regularly scheduled snorkeling excursions to Sombrero Reef and Lighthouse Reef on this company's comfortable catamaran. It also offers sunset cruises and private charters. MM 47.5 BS, 1410 Overseas Hwy., Slip No. 1, Marathon, Florida, 33050. 305/289–0614; www.captainpips.com. From $30.

Tildens Scuba Center. Since the mid-1980s, Tildens Scuba Center has been providing lessons, tours, gear rental, and daily snorkel, scuba, and Snuba adventures. Look for the huge, colorful angelfish sculpture outside the building. MM 49.5 BS, 4650 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, Florida, 33050. 305/743–7255; 888/728–2235; www.tildensscubacenter.com. From $60 for snorkel trips; from $70 for dive trips.