we are planning a trip to the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort for 2002. Can anyone tell me about the beach/water there. Will be travelling with a child who loves clear water without many waves. Will she be happy?

What month are you talking about. Unless there is a storm in the Gulf, there will be virtually no waves -- a very calm surf. But the water in the Gulf near the beach is not very "clear"; don't expect to see your feet if you are standing in more than three feet of water, for example. By the way, Sunday brunch at the Colony is one of the best ones I've ever been to. Enjoy!!

What the previous poster said is correct concerning water clarity in that area. It is a very nice beach, however, with an equally nice pool right on the beach.

Colony Beach and Tennis Resort was one of the nicest places I've ever stayed, with the best restaurant! And the service is fantastic! I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time there, especially if you play tennis!

here's a good snorkelling outfit out of of key west (very child friendly, we even had a baby onboard the 16 people max catamaran):adventure charters 1-888-817-0841 $25/half day

oops, looks like their prices went up to $30, here's the web site:

http://www.keywestadventures.com/gallery/reef_adv.html

(i'm sure they're willing to negotiate)

Longboat Key is many miles from Key West, on the WEST coast of Florida, not south of Miami.

We have a time share in Longboat Key and spend 2 weeks every July there. The water is calm, unless there is a storm as the previous poster noted. It isn't always real clear but sometimes we have snorkeled on clear days. The sand gets very hot so be sure to have beach walking shoes. Here is a list of our favorite places to eat when we are there
(even though you didn't ask!)
Euphemia Haye
Harry's Kitchen
Posieden
Colony
The Plaza
Hope you have a great time!
Tannya

sorry, must have confused it with long key, there is one of those, right?! :0