Just wanted to drop a quick message and say thanks. I read all the message and it helped us greatly to plan a vacation.

Here is a quick synopsis:

We flew into Miami Beach and stayed at Beacon Hotel on Ocean Dr. It rained the first 3 days. We found ways to keep ourselves busy: seaquariam, downtown miami, and lincoln drive (which is pretty cool with lots of good restaraunts). Miami Beach was a bit of disappointment, the beach is totally beautiful with nice water. BUT it seems pretty rundown and felt like we missed the heyday down there.

We then picked up a rental car near the airport at AutoRental.com. They were fine but just be sure to bring proof of auto insurance to avoid the xtra costs. We drove down to the ten thousand island area of everglades. We bought Florida book from Lonely Planet and they recommended this area. We rented a canoe and took a 3 hour nighttime journey via canoe to a primitive campsite on an island. The wildlife is fantastic -- we saw dolphins, birds, snakes, glow in the dark fish, etc. Only problem was the bugs -- they were so small they could fit through our tent mesh. I bought some good stuff at REI and thought I was prepared but I guess not!

The final two days were spent in Key West. We loved it down there -- so beautfiul and so relaxed. Everyone just wants to have a good time. We stayed at Center Court B&B. Turned out to be a very well managed and beautiful setting. Plenty of water sports available down there -- we snorkled and thought it was fantastic.

It was alot of travel but that is what we like. I just wished we stayed in Key West a little longer.

Drop me an email if you have any questions!

steve

Hi Steve, We are going to Key West for a week next month. We would also like to do some snorkeling. Did you use a tour company? Were you able to see many tropical fish? Thanks! Laurie

Yes we did use a tour company: http://www.furycat.com/. It was a 3 hour trip with about one hour of snorkeling. The cost was $40 per person. The fish and the area was quite beautiful with lots of very colorful fish even a small shark. All the beer/wine you can drink on the way back. If you want more snorkeling time you definitely can find other places. I saw some stands down there offering trips for $25 a person. From what I saw though our boat was much nicer than most. The only problem is they don't tell you how many people are going to be aboard and I've heard that it can get packed. We just asked what time would be the best for less people. Have fun!

For snorkeling, I'd like to recommend Floridays - they dock at the Hyatt. They limit the number of snorkelers to around 20, so you get lots of personal attention.

I also would suggest Floridays for the same reasons Susan mentions.