My family is planning a trip to the Keys next Spring. We would like to snorkel and I have always thought that Pennekamp was the best place for this. I have read many posts from people that are of the opinion that Key West is better for snorkeling. Could anyone comment on the differences and why one would favor one over the other? Is Key West snorkeling best done from a charter or from a beach? I have past experience snorkeling but it would be new to the wife and kids (ages 10 to 16).

Being a scuba diver who has done all of her diving in the keys I can tell you that the BEST snorkeling is on the UPPER keys, like Key Largo and Islamorada. I have heard that the snorkeling/diving is not good off of Key West.

Another thing: Snorkeling can only be done with a charter, there is no snorkeling accessable from the "beach" plus there are really no "beaches" in the keys.

I've done lots of snorkeling/ diving in the upper and middle keys. I've heard that Key West is better for fishing. You take diving boats out from all over Key Largo and they take you to the best reef for the day and weather and provide rental equipment.

We were in Key Largo last June, just down the road from Bahia Honda State Park. We took a snorkel trip from our hotel (mariott)that took us to the underwater statue and we had a great time! I have snorkeled in many places and was surprised at how big the fish were in the keys! We also saw two lobsters and an eel. There was a huge amount of jelly fish in the water but they apparently were harmless and you almost couldnt see them.

We just returned from Key West last week. We sailed on the Floridays from the Hyatt to a nearby reef. We saw tons of fish and other sea critters. I saw a sting ray, barracuda, parrot fish, many jellyfish and lots of coral and other fish. We had a great time with Roger and Kevin, the captain and first mate. Have fun!

The dive shop LenLeigh mentioned at the Marriott is "Its a Dive" I have dived with them many times. I would recommend that you go with them or another dive shop instead of with Pennekamp because Pennekamp's snorkel boats are very crowded.

I think jelly fish are not harmless. They sting and leave a very annoying rash. We keep meat tenderizer in the boat. Possibly new methods in more recent years but I still use it and stay as far away as possible. Maybe the boat charter didn't want to loose the business and I certainly wouldn't cancel a trip, just dive lower and dart them.

Pennekamp is great. They will take you out in a boat for like $20 bucks and it is the best snorkeling in this state. Only other place is maybe Dry Tortugas and that is $$$.

Correction, I meant to say we went to Pennekamp for snorkeling not Bahia Hondo. It's A Dive (dive shop at the Marriott) was definitly better than going out with the tours directly from Pennekamp. It was hardly crowded and the guys on the boat were really nice. As for the Jelly Fish, I freaked out when I noticed them and rushed over to the guys on the boat. They didn't think they were dangerous and we never got rashes or any pain at all. They were so clear (about the size of a small orange) that most people didn't even notice them. First time I had ever seen them though so I was a little worried.

I have also been diving all over the keys. For deep wreck and deep reef dives I like the Upper and Mid Keys better usually (depends on weather), for snorkeling and shallow dives I prefer the lower Keys and Key West.

By the way, I also brought my family for the first time, many years ago, and we went out from Key West.

We try to go to Key West once every couple of years to relax. My wife is the diver of the family and me and the kids are the snorkelers. We usually go for about a week and go out to the reef 2 of those days. We always have a great time and see some amazing creatures. We like staying in Key West because on the other days there seems to be more to do with the kids.

If you are looking for other activities
to do on the days you are not snorkeling, you might find the upper keys do not offer as much as the lower keys, in particular Key West. You might want to consider staying in the mid keys so you are not too far from either point. JMO

Jess brings up a very valid point. How long will you be vacationing and how many days of those do you want to spend snorkeling? The upper keys are better for diving but Key West has better nightlife, activities, restaurants to keep you busy and the kids entertained.

We just returned from the Keys 5/2/02. We snorkeled at the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. We went to the Looe Key Dive Shop in Pidgeon Key. It was a 3-4 hour trip. The boat took us to three different sights on the reef. It was only $25.00/person and rentals were available.We saw so many beautiful fish,colorful coral, sea fans, plants, etc. Our disposible underwater camera captured the beauty. The water depth ranges from 4-20 feet deep so it was great. I would highly recommend it.Enjoy!!!

I don't think you can beat the snorkeling or scuba diving at Looe Key, and I've been everywhere in the Keys.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. Sounds like Key Largo is a pretty good bet and maybe the Marriott dive shop might be the way to go. We will probably be there for about 5 days - as couple days snorkeling, maybe a deep sea fising trip, a day touring Key West. Last time I was there was about 25 years ago - we used to rent a mobile home near Harry Harris park and snorkel and scuba there, at Pennekamp, and in the canals by the mobile home - I imagine much has changed since then!

With that kind of itinerary I would stay in the Mid Keys to avoid spending much of your vacation driving up and down the Keys.

Looe Key had marvelous snorkeling. We went out with a very small group and had a great time. The water was crystal clear and very calm. I think they are located somewhere near mile marker 30-35.

WHERE SHOULD WE STAY IN THE KEYS? WANT TO SNORKLE BUT PREFER TO DO SHALLOW SNORKELING AS FAIRLY NEW AT IT. WOULD LIKE TO BIKE RIDE, KAYAK AND SEE NATURE. LOOKING AT ISLAMADORA IS THAT A GOOD LOCATION TO DO ALL OF THESE THINGS? IF PENNEKAMP IS THE BEST LOCATION FOR NATURE THINGS IS STAYING IN ISLAMADORA CONVENIENT? THANKS FOR THE INFO.