My husband and I are looking for the best of snorkelling in Florida for the second week in December. Oceanfront accomodations would be perfect with cooking facilities(love to hear/see waves) ......don't need bugs NOR super-fancy --- Suggestions???

Are there ANY snorkelling spots in the Keys???? What is the water temperature in December?? Anyone?????

There are many places. You might want to look at Key Largo and the John Pennekamp State Park. It could be cool water wise in December but you could always rent a wetsuit too.

We head to the islands for snorkeling. Did go to Key West in early Feb a few years ago - water temp was fine but had stormed a few days before we arrived and water was not clear - sand was kicked up. Others may have a different opinion but Florida is not where we would head if snorkeling was our goal.

Ooops sorry - did not stay in Key West. Stayed in the key called Marathon. Check out http://www.fla-keys.com/ for info on snorkeling in the Keys. My guess is that the Keys are your best bet in Florida.

http://www.fla-keys.com/weather.htm has the water and air temps.

Travlover2: I thought I was reading my own post when I saw yours. <g>

My husband & I are also wanting to go to Florida the w/o Dec 10th and have the same requirements as you. We are avid snorkellers but never thought of it for this trip.

Have you made any decisions yet? Or narrowed down the choices? Where are you travelling from? We are going to drive from Toronto. It looks like Daytona Beach is about 19hr but Key Largo is 24hrs. Ouch!

Daytona Beach could be very cool in December. I live near there and we have already have evening temps in the low 40's.

Check out Ocean Pointe in Key Largo. You can get a 1 bedroom unit with a kitchen. You'll see, but not hear, the ocean. We don't have waves crashing up on the beach. I think this is because the reef off-shore breaks up the waves and the water leading up to the shore is too shallow for good wave formation. OP is at MM 92.5. You'll be close to Pennekamp to snorkel and Islamorada to eat.

Thanks for everyone's comments. It looks like I might have decided on Lauder-by-the-sea. Not confirmed yet but it's looking good. Not a 24hr drive but south enough to be warm.

We'll take our snorkeling gear because they say there is a reef near shore for beach snorkeling but if we don't go snorkeling that'll be okay.

Do the drive to Key Largo and snorkel at Pennekamp State Park. I did it in March and wore one of their wetsuits. Great trip!