The tips on here have been very helpful, but now I have too many options and need some help! My husband and I will be in Key West in three weeks (!) and are interested in snorkeling. We have never been snorkeling before. We are looking for something not too...athletic. Also, my husband doesn't want to be out "all" day, but seems receptive to the 10am-4pm trips. We saw some that included kayaking, but probably aren't up for that. I found one with Sebago that includes snorkeling, as well as several different watersports. Does anyone know more about that? is the snorkeling option worthwhile? do we get to choose our own activities on the trip, or is it scheduled? We have also talked about a combo snorkeling/sunset cruise. We enjoy more premium drinks (not light beer) if there are drinks involved. I also saw the Hog's Breath cruise and it looks fun, unless the music is too loud. Do I seem as confused as I am??? Any suggestions about what might be a good bet?

Thanks!

The Srbago Island T'Ing and the Danger Charters offer a 9:30 boarding - 4:00 trip which includes breakfast, snorkel stop, lunch, kayaking and then drinks and fruit. These two are my favorite trips during a vacation and I do both. The Danger also has a half-day trip which excludes lunch.

The Fury and Sebago also offer Power Adventures which are similar in terms of what you get - jet ski, banana boat, parasailing, etc, and these, too, offer the meals and drinks. I've never done these, but I understand you get to choose from whatever activities are offered and, based on how many people do what, you may be able to do one activity more than once.

Note that "seating" is limited on all of these trips, and the Sebago Island T'Ing only goes out three times a week. (I've already booked the T'Ing on-line for 5/18)

Fury's web page is here
http://www.furycat.com/

Danger's is here
http://www.dangercharters.com/

And Sebago is here
http://www.keywestsebago.com/

hth
Pjk

I broke this in two so that one reply was for snorkeling type trips and this one.

There are also three better than average sunset sails. The Fury's Commotion on the Ocean, Danger's Wind and Wine sunset sail, and a new one, Sebago's Wine on the Water. This last one only goes out once a month to start - 5/18.

Pjk

And naturally I forgot this overview...

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

Pjk

Here's a tip that you can do early. Go to a local dive shop and get a mask, snorkel, and fins, take them to the local pool (or lake if you have one and it is warm enough) and try them out. Use a dive shop instead of the discount store so you get ones the fit right on you. Take time to get comfortable with them, maybe take an introductory class if one is offered. Then when you get to Key West, you won't waste time trying to learn to breathe with your face in the water and kicking with fins won't be a new chore to learn.

Since you have never been snorkeling, take rm_mn's advice. Buy the snorkel, mask, fins ahead of time from a reputable dive shop in your area. Try on the equipment. Make sure the mask sticks to your face. Try on the fins. Look at the different types of snorkels. Then take them to your local pool, or gym with a pool and practice. You will be glad you did this ahead of time, so you don't fumble around in the Keys. Get used to breathing so you can relax on the snorkel tour instead of thrash around!

Having your own snorkel is more sanitary

If you get a good mask it will not cloud up when you wear it.

You will see lovely fish. Snorkeling can be very relaxing, you can just hover and enjoy.

"We saw some that included kayaking, but probably aren't up for that." Give Kayaking a try. If the water is calm, and its not windy then kayaking can be very peaceful, quiet and relaxing being on the water.

be careful and ask questions. May of the "tours" take you out to the the great east reef and there you go, jump in and you are on your own. I can get tiring fast. The best time I have had is the cat to the dry tortugas. You are at a beach and can wade in on your own, come out and eat, soak up some sun, go back in at your own pace etc. Much more relaxing.

All good advice but...

1. there are no introductory snorkling classes in Key West, and
2. for a $35.00 morning or afternoon, or combo afternoon snorkel / sunset sail it's worth going out on the boat to the reef even if you try snorkeling and don't care for it. If this happens you can return the mask and the snorkel to the boat, blow up the life vest, grab a beer and float along side the boat with the others who are along for the ride.

Pjk

Thank you so much for the information! We're leaning toward the sebago power adventure. I also touched base with our hotel and they said it gets great reviews from their guests. For $122, we can snorkel, as well as all the "fun" activities. We can even *try* the snorkeling ; ) Unfortunately, we won't have time to take a class-this trip will be our break from the kids and we don't regularly get a moment's peace. That is a great idea, though. I guess I have snorkeled a little during lifeguard training back in college and do remember how different it was. I may lose my husband to Peter's suggestion, but floating with a beer might just make his trip!

The Sebago trip is offered daily and I'll compare my hotel's rate with the internet rate. I think Wed, right in the middle of our trip would be nice. I'm also looking at getting a massage at the hotel. They have a couples massage, but hubby isn't too excited. I think I'll just schedule a longer one for myself : )

Peter-the Fury Commotion looks like the most fun if we do a sunset cruise. If we're up for it, and it's available, we may sign up when we get there. We don't want to get too overbooked before we leave home.

If you are not staying at the Pier House you might want to check into getting a massage there if the rates are comparable. If you do this hubby can relax at their beach-side bar there, then you can join him for one of their bloody marys.

As you walk around Key West there are people in kiosks on most of the streets who sell tickets to many of the activities, so-called Bob-in-a-box people. You may be able to get a discount to the Commotion through one of them. There is a good one on the corner of Duval and Front.

Have fun.

Pjk

Going to Key West for the first time myself in a couple of weeks. Planning on the Far Tortugas trip for snorkeling.

Snorkeling is very simple. You really don't need lessons. If you decide to dive a few feet under:

Take a deep breath. Bend at the waist and slip down. When you return to the surface, use that deep breath to blow out the water in the snorkel.

If you buy a new mask, scrub the inside of the glass with toothpaste (and rinse) before your first dive, then follow the usual anti-fog procedures (spit or commercial anti-fog).

I just returned from a trip to Key West. My wife and I loved the snorkeling, and it was very easy.
We took the 3 hour morning trip which left at 8am. It was much less crowded (less than 1/2 full) than the afternoon trip. You can easily book a snorkel trip at the last minute from your hotel or at one of the booths near the marina. We booked the night before with no problem. Here is a map of the area where all the tours depart:

http://www.hotelmapsearch.com/?llz=2...from_this_area.

Don't go snokeling if it is windy. Even small waves can take all the fun out of it.

Keith

Another question-my husband wears a size 15 shoe. Will most places have fins that will fit him?

I think so... might want to ask the captain just in case because he can probably grab a special pair if you give him notice.


SEBAGO's standard fins don't have adjustable straps on the back and instead are stretchy slip ons. I'm a size 12 and I know they didn't give me the largest fins they had on the boat. because there was another bucket for size 13+ feet

I haven't noticed those adjustable fins in Key West in a long time. They've gotten away from them since the straps would break, like the strap on a mask, occassionally.

I recall people asking for men's size 13, but if you need fins larger than size 13, you don't need fins.

8-)
Pjk

bookmarking, thank you!