I am planning to spend a week in Florida, snorkelling off Key Largo plus exploring Southern Florida. So I have a couple of questions:

1. Key Largo is so close to the mainland that I would like to rent a apartment on the Florida proper (hopefully it is cheaper there, too), and drive to Key Largo. Is it realistic ? What town would you suggest to rent in ?

2. Do I need to take a boat trip for snorkelling, or I can do it off-shore ? Which boat trip would you recommend - I am sure there are tons of them ?

Thanks a lot for any suggestions.

Unless you find a dramatic savings on the mainland, I would pay the premium to stay in the keys. Commuting to the Keys can be a pain. The stretch from Florida City to Key Largo is under construction and frequent accidents can cause long delays.

Florida City and Homestead are not really tourist meccas. Where are you thinking of renting?

If you stay in Key Biscayne or Coral Springs you are talking a two hour minimum trek.

There is a lot to do in the Keys. Check out other Keys threads by entering Florida and Search the Forums Keys to catch a lot of good advice.

I agree on not renting on "mainland". Split your time if you want and rent something in the Keys then in Miami. Or just stay at a motel a few nights each. If you have an idea of where you want to stay and your budget I can give you suggestions. Driving into the Keys can get backed up from Miami - you wouldn't want to make that drive every day.

On the snorkeling - you really should go out by boat. Not much to see right off shore. John Pennekamp State Park is in Key Largo and fantastic!!
http://www.pennekamppark.com/
You can take on our their snorkel boats out to the one of the many reefs. They can also rent you your gear. I prefer to snorkel in low tide - the water surface is less chop then - so pick your departure time based on that for a more enjoying trip.
There are other operators that do snorkel trips - just google Key largo snorkel and you will find some.

Thanks for your replies. If I stay in they Keys, near Key Largo - are there any not-too-expensive motel or apartment rent options for daily renting ?

Check out the list of them on tripadvisor and see if any look good.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g3...da-Hotels.html

I have stayed at the Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club - got it on priceline last April for a good deal. I have also stayed at random places on Islamorada - dont even know the names.

Islamorada is about a 15 -20 minute ride south of Key largo.

The closer to summer your go the cheaper the rates get.

You can also try vrbo.com for places to rent that are privately owned if you want a studio or apt.