We just discovered the joys of snorkeling recently on a trip to ST. Lucia. In late Sept. early Oct.,we are going to be driving fom Tampa to Key West, then back up to Clearwater. Any suggestions for snorkeling?

Check out Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on the keys.

I took a snorkeling trip in Key Largo 4 - 5 years ago and was very disppointed - too many people land a ver small section of the reef. Have now just returned from Key West and took a trip with "Restless Native". It was pricier than the big charters ($50 each vs. $28) but you get what you pay for. They run a small trip (6 passengers max) and arrive at the reefs on a staggered schedule to avoid the crowds of the big boats (the big charters in KW hold as many as 90 people per boat and several larrive on reef at same time). We had a fantastic experience and the proprietors, Rebecca and A.D> are very nice - their phone # is (305)295-0885. I can also recommend a great, moderately priced guesthouse in KW - e-mail me directly if you want info.

We were in Marathon (just before you get to the 7 Mile Bridge) this past June and chartered a private yacht. The captains took us to Sombrero Reef for some snorkeling in the morning. There were about 6 other charters out but we never bumped in to any other people. We did meet a few barracuda though! Ugly but interesting looking fish, they left us alone. There were lots of fish. I saw a whole school of sargent fish, some parrot fish and other fish I don't know the names of (small blue and yellow ones). Compared to the colorful fish, the coral was a bit drab. I would like to snorkel and dive some of the wreck sites next. I heard there are many in the Keys.

We have snorkled thru-out the Keys, and highly recommend Pennecamp State Park. Stay away from the "head-boats" (upwards of 80 people), and book space on one of the 6-paks. I recommend Quiessence, near the top of Key Largo. The park has more areas for snorkling than any other area, and is diligently protected by the rangers, even to the point of SCUBA diving to stop other divers from damaging the reef.

I lived in FL for 22 years. The Keys are the only places to snorkel. All else is terrible.

In Maui there is a short boat ride to the Molokini Crater and it is the best snorkeling I have found anywhere. Yes we saw lots of sharks and eels but we also say fish with huge plummage and the brightest colors. When we go to Hawaii we are snorkeling the whole time as it is the best there. St. John's is a good spot too.

Where did you stay in St. Lucia?

How was the snorkeling? We tried it in Tahiti last year and now are hooked. We're looking for a good place to snorkel in the Caribbean, and like the lush look of St. Lucia. Any tips would be helpful!