Are there any places to snorkel without having to boat out to the reefs? Somewhere we can swim a short distance from shore? We will be staying in Marathon, but are planning on seeing the Keys from Key Largo to Key West. As I am of a fair complexion and burn easily, I am afraid that I may not like being out in the water/sun for 1/2 day. I would like to have the option to head into shore to get out of the sun. Thank you.

The reef in the Keys is several miles off shore so the best snorkelling is by boat. The Pennekamp park boat has lots of shade so that may work for you. For "shore" snorkelling, you can try Bahia Honda state park and the rocks next to Founders Park in Islamorada. But these are 7-11s compared to the department store at the reef. Consider buying a lycra "swim shirt" or even all over body suit. You can get shirts at the WalMart in Florida City for around $20. The shirts and suits are in larger dive/watersport shops. This gives you SPF 50 protection.

And aren't many of the good sunblocks waterproof now?

Regarding sunburn, I use Water Babies spf 50. It has a lot of Titanium Dioxide which actually blocks the sun. Others scatter or just diffuse the sun. If you have a Trader Joes, they have a body moisturizer for about $3 'midsummer nights cream" that I apply like mad after the sun and it keeps you from actually turning too red if you do burn.

krukab,
pennecamp park in Key largo is a good option for snorkling. I am also fair and raised in south fl. and when i go out in the sun i wear Desitin the stuff used for diaper rash which contains titaniun oxide and zinc oxide. Yes it's white but it's the only physical sunblock. sunscreens that do not contain titanium or zinc are chemical sun blocks and yes they work but not as well and also burn your eyes. for my face i use only desitin and for my body i mix the desitin with a 50 spf block. also i wear a long sleeve white t-shirt and a hat. yes it's effort but that's what it takes to enjoy the fl. sun.

My blond haired, blue eyed, very fair skinned son uses Banana Boat SPF 50 waterproof sunblock. It comes in a black tube (available at Wal-mart and groceries stores). He's used it white water rafting and while spending a week on a houseboat at Lake Powell and he swears it's the only thing that really works.