I am traveling to Key West in August with my husband and 3 sons 15, 15 and 12. We have been to ST John and snorkled all around the island. Very easy to do and inexpensive if you rent snorkle gear for the week. Can you do this in the keys? Also am I crazy for going in August.......

We were in Key West last August too & of course if was extremely warm during the day, but we got used to it. I would recommend a day trip out to the Dry Tortugas Island. You can get a tour of the island and go snorkeling all around the surrounding reef. We had a great time & met some really nice people. They also supply lunch for you. (Ask at your hotel where to sign up - it's near the marina) You can also take boats out on just snorkeling trips. Also another side note - we did the Key West Haunted Tour & we thought it was awesome! All the stories are true (some elaborated). Try to see if Robert is still doing the tour - he was so great - a real character. We got so scared! Have fun!

Ditto on the trip to the Dry Tortugas.

You'll find Key West's temps to be a lot like those in the islands.

I third the snorkel trip to the Dry Tortugas! We had a great time and the fort there is interesting. I recommend that you wear a t-shirt when you are in the water. Even with Waterbabies 45, I got "cooked", and I've lived here for 32 years. The sun is extremely intense, especial in August.

Try the back side of the fort; there are pilings under the water where we saw the most fish, including a giant barracuda...very cool.

Snorkelling in the Keys typically involves a boat trip as the reef is several miles off shore. A popular snorkel spot is Looe Key off Big Pine Key (mm 29). People usually rent gear for the particular boat trip. You could check with a local dive shop to see about weekly rental gear. You could use the gear to check around beach areas and/or off the beach at Bahia Honda. But, again, it is not the same as going to the reef by boat.

This is a kind of overview of snorkeling trips out of Key West...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g3...ing.Trips.html

It is not 100% comprehensive but it gives you an idea of what is available.

I don't suggest you go to the Dry Tortugas as it will cost you a fortune and I think the day is too long for a 12 year old. And maybe for a 15 year old. One of the "all-day" trips is better and less expensive and less time-consuming. I would suggest the Sebago Island T'ing.

Pjk

Too long for a 15 year old boy????

I would hope a 15 year old boy has more energy than my husband and I do considering I'm 40 and he's 50.