bookmarking.

Once you hit Key Largo on your trip from Miami, the views are wonderful! We stopped at Bahia Honda on the way down to Key West; http://bahiahondapark.com/ They give snorkeling tours. You can also rent kayaks and paddle to the mangrove trees. Did not do that, it just looked like fun.

Thanks, Cindy, I looked at that one, and it looked like they didn't start operating until later in the season. We're trying to decide between Sebago, Danger, and Echo for the sunset sail. Looking for a smaller group with good food and drink, more romance than party. Are any of these close to the Mallory Square area? Any advantages of one over the others?

cd, Bahia Honda looks gorgeous!

volcanogirl, we took the Appledore for an afternoon sail and it was wonderful! All the beer and wine we wanted! They do offer a sunset sail, you can read the reviews here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...s_Florida.html

Thanks, cd. It looked to me like Appledore is in Maine right now and returning to Key West for the winter? Their tours look great though. I think we've decided to go with Danger for the sunset sail, and maybe Sebago for the snorkel tour? I like the idea of a less crowded boat that still goes out to the reef.

We took the seaplane from Key West airport to the Dry Tortugas in February 2012. It was above temperatures that week and the flight was smooth (I was in my 2nd trimester of pregnancy). It was the most amazing half day trip.

We saw HUGE (6 feet+) barracudas feeding on a school of fish right next to the fort. The snorkeling was beautiful. There were a few people camping over night. On the flight in, we saw deserted boats, sea turtles, and sharks. The flight was smooth & relaxing. I've been in more bumpy cab rides here in Chicago!

If you can afford it ($250? per person), I would definitely take the trip. My husband and I still talk about the trip.

sara, thanks for the details - we've decided to do it. I'm excited! It just looks like something that would be so memorable. We did a helicopter tour in Kauai that we still talk about, and I imagine this is something special like that. You guys are all really helping to point us in the right direction.


I checked out the Sebago site, and they have so many tour options. Not sure if we want to do the one that has the jet ski and all that, or the one that has kayaking, or just do a morning snorkel trip. Also thought parasailing might be fun.

Have a great trip and report back!

Rent bicycles while in Key West to get around the island. So much fun to ditch the car and explore!!

Also we love to stop at Island Grill in Islamorada for lunch. Amazing Hogfish snapper sandwiches and a little beach front area to get your feet wet while you wait for your food.

Not sure if I'm too late on this, but we too did Floridays sunset cruise and it was terrific. The group was small, drinks were served, and they actually did get their sails up...infinitely better than listening to a diesel motor throbbing!

OO, if you get a chance the Appledore is wonderful also! It is a tall ship, when we went there were only about 15-20 aboard, she put her sails up for most of the time we were out, of course that depends on wind, but for a sailor it was great, the captain even let DH take the wheel. We'll look into Floridays next time!

Don't forget Frank the Magician performing at the Magic Bar (where else?). In the back of the Schooner Wharf Bar nightly at 9:00.

Pjk

Miami, I've never heard of hogfish, but now that I'm researching the Keys it keeps coming up. We'll definitely have to try it.

I'm with you guys, definitely prefer sails to motors.

Cd, I know he was in heaven! Sails up at sunset doesn't always happen, as that is the time of day winds are usually calmer, but there's nothing better than turning off the engine and listening to the sound of....nothing!

Has anyone done parasailing in Key West or know of any good companies you could recommend?

Thanks for all of your continued great advice.

I've been toldd that Sebago givers you a few more minutes in the air. They have departures on the hour beginning at 9:00 a.m. The lease expensive is a morning parasail with Sunset Watersports, $29.00 pp for the 9:00 a.m. flight. Even if you don't use them it's a hoot to watch their video...

http://sunsetwatersportskeywest.com/...#SmathersBeach

Pjk

Thanks, Peter!

We're back - we had a great trip! We fed the tarpon at Robbie's, did a Sebago reef snorkel, went to the Hemingway House, did the trip to the Dry Tortugas, the Danger Wine and Wine sunset sail, Mallory Square for sunset, and ate at a bunch of great restaurants. We had some rain so didn't get to parasail, but it's on our to do list for our next trip, and we'll definitely go back. Thanks again for all your great help and advice.

does anyone have recommendations on a jet ski tour?