Would appreciate advice re: Seaside or the Keys. We like to snorkle, love Grand Cayman and Provo, T and C but have not had much luck with Gulf Shores or Sanibel.

Are the beaches either place white sand? Is the water clear? Is there good snorkling to be had?

Looks great online, but I'd rather hear from folks that acctually have been there and know.

Thanks for your help.

I cannot speak to Seaside.

John Pennecamp State Park in Key Largo is a divers and snorkelers destination. Bahia Honda State Park W of Marathon has near shore snorkeling.

Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Key West each have dive shops who can provide specifics on local snorkeling trips.

The water is clear in the Keys. Like everywhere, so long as the wind and storm activity is moderate. The Keys do not have natural beaches. The man made beaches have light sand, but not snow white as in the panhandle. The better beaches in the Keys are Sombrero near Marathon, Bahia Honda in the State Park, and Smathers in KW.

I think if you have snorkeled the Caribbean you will be disappointed in Florida snorkeling. At least that has been my experience. I love the Keys, the scenic drive to Key West is worth the trip. You could stop in Key Largo and snorkel at John Pennekamp State Park: http://www.pennekamppark.com/snorkeling.html The day we were there the boats did not go out because of rough seas. Continueing on you could stop at Bahia Honda State Park: http://www.bahiahondapark.com/ Key West is not known for her beaches but we sailed on the Appledore located in the Marina and had a great time.

Have never stayed in Seaside so no experience there but we did snorkel in Destin and it was disappointing, a fish was a raritiy.

There's nothing to see in the gulf (Seaside). You're snorkeling in a shallow bathtub with no coral reefs. Unless a fishy swims by in front of your mask, there's not much to see.

Pennekamp is good. I've snorkeled in Islamorada but it was nothing to write home about. I do want to go to the Dry Tortugas National Park to snorkel -
http://www.yankeefreedom.com/key-west-snorkeling.htm

I have to agree with the other posts - the snorkeling in the keys is not awesome. Scuba diving, however, is fantastic and you will see a lot. I have snorkeled Bahia Honda and Dry Tortugas and I have to say, neither were too great. The Keys are great for lots of reasons, though, and have such a great vibe - very different than the more manicured Seaside. It just depends on what you are looking for. Either way, have fun!

It has been pretty much covered but from Key West you can also visit - http://www.yankeefreedom.com/, http://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm