Going to Key west on 10/20. Plan to do a great deal of snorkling. Already planned trip to John Pennekamp Park and Looe Key Reef Sanctuary (we are staying at the Casa in Key west, but will have a car). Is it worth it to go to Dry Tortugas if we are interested in snorkeling? Any info on the other two spots would be great also...thanks

We took the trip to the Dry Tortugas in June. If you are only interested in the snorkeling, ditch the trip: while we did see fish, it's not nearly as clear or "populated" as the Carribean. We did see several rays ( Eagle spotted and Southern,) a giant snail, damselfish, parrotfish, etc. The best part of snorkeling was when a school of tarpon would swim by us, each of them averaging 4' in length!
The tour of the fort was interesting. We had 4 children with us, and not one was bored. They also enjoyed the moat area, where we saw upside-down jellyfish and land hermit crabs 1/2 the size of your pinky nail.
...It's your call!

Thanks for the advice...We may wait till we get down there to decide.

We enjoyed the trip to the Dry Tortugas very much. If you go I recommend the float plane--the flight over was beautiful and gives you more time for snorkling and visiting the fort.

It is a must see trip IMHO. I would also do the plane over the ferry. We enjoyed the flight and it was a beautiful sight to see the water from it.

Fort Jefferson from the air is just one of the most incredible things I've ever seen. The snorkeling has really gone downhill in Key West and it's a little better in the Dry Tortugas, but the coral all over the Keys is really deteriorating these days.

Jess... I know you think going to Dry Tortugas is a must, but we have only 3 full days for snorkel trips and are already going to Looe Key Reef and John Pennekemp. If you went to these two places, were they better or worse for snorkeling??? Thanks