I've never been to the keys but am thinking of going down there this summer. Are there any good places to snorkel off-shore?
I've been to Turks and caicos, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. Would I be disappointed with the snoreling in the keys?

I have snorkeled only in the keys and had mixed experiences. Other folsk I'v e spoken with have confirmed that in general the snorkeling is better in the Caribbean. Several issues - where you snorkel int he keys makes a difference and what charter you take (large or small) is also a factor. The reef is 5 -6 miles offshore, thus shore snorkeling offers little of interest to most of us. I've been twice - once from Key Largo in the Pennekamp Marine park and once in Key West to Dry Rocks. My Pennekamp experience was marginal but others haved told me that parts of Pennekamp offer the best snorkeling in the keys. Dry Rocks was great for me - more fish other marine life and I went with a small charter (four people). Some say that the best snorkeling inthe keys is from Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas. It's a fair distance from Key West and reached by high speed catamaran - typically a day trip. I haven't been there yet and can't confirm. I would suggest that snorkeling or diving is a great activity to take in when already planning to visit the keys but if budget allowed and snorkeling/diving was my primary interest I'd head for Caribbean destinations.

I snorkled a few years back on a sunset cruise in Key West. It was worth the trip! We sailed out on a catermaran (spelling ??) and plopped into the ocean at a huge reef and saw lots of fish and underwater creaters - my only recommendation would be to go during the day - you don't get to see the viberant colors of the fish when the sun is setting - give it a try - I'm sure you'll love it! Enjoy !!

I don't know if disappointed is the right word but it certainly will not be equal to areas you list above. As I like to say, " a bad day in the ocean is still better than a good day at work." The reef formations will not be close to what you've experienced but the fish should be in abundance and the water will be clear. Enjoy and don't worry about being let down!

We have snorkled in Key largo, Cozumel, Cancun, and Grand Caymen. We had our best experience in Key Largo-fish were beautiful. Went on a tour out of Pennecamp state park (spelling?)