Will be staying in Key West Dec 20-23 at Hilton. Wondering about status of E.coli contamination. Wondering about swim with dolphins experience - three different operators, any opinion on who/where is best? Wondering about snorkeling/boat trip/ and sunset cruise experiences, who are best companies to go with? Thanks.

The water around Key West is still contaminated and probably will be for several months. However, the water at the reef and at Dry Tortugas is clean, so if you're interested in snorkeling or scuba you'll be fine. I can highly recommend Floridays, which docks two doors down from the Hilton at the Hyatt. It's a beautiful sailing sloop and doesn't cram folks on like the catamarans do. They're available for sunset cruises and snorkeling. I've been to Key West quite a few times but have never heard of dolphin swims there. Are you sure you're not thinking of Key Largo or Islamorada?

Sorry for the miscommunication. I was referring to dolphin swims in Key Largo and Islamorada, although I found some ecotours out of Key West on the internet that claim they take you out to snorkel/swim where the dolphins are. Not the same controlled experience I'm sure. Thank you for the tip on the tour provider near the Hilton.

Dolphins Plus at Key largo - very good. They have both wild ( no guaranteed contact) & trained ( guaranteed contact.

just there over thanksgiving. great beach at BAHIA HONDA STAE PARK 40 minutes north of key west-long stretch of beach and no one around. if i can help with anything else just e-mail.
p.s. water was still contaminated when we were there.

Hi Kris
Check out" www.theaterofthesea.com " .They have a great attraction,I've visited there a number of times and although I didn't join in,I've watched others swim with the dolphins and it looks neat.In addition to swimming with the dolphins they also have swimming with sting rays and a neat program where you are a trainer for a day(the real trainer's asst.)Check it out,I hope this leads you in the right direction,have fun!!!