We have never been to either So. Padre Island or The Key's and we are having a tough time figuring out which to choose.
Would be going in Jan. 99' and looking for things to do but also what to relax on the beach and do some snorkeling.warm weather, nice rooms,etc.
Fly in, 7 days.
We have done DisneyWorld & Universal for the past 3 years (always in Jan.) and looking for a direct opposite.
Thanks for your help.
Deno

I'm on the phone with our daughter, who has lived in Key West since '77. She dives & says that Dec. * Jan can be VERY iffy for snorkeling, diving & weather. We've been there and it's been cold (for there) in Jan. She has also shrimped in the Keys & off Texas & said S. Padre can be iffy and colder then, too. Sorry to be so negative, but, she says NOW is the best diving/snorkeling time in the Keys-the water is very calm and usually is.

Snorkeling in general is much better in the Keys because they have and accessible coral reef. Not the case in S.TX. But there are few beaches in the Keys, you got a pocket man-made one in Key West (and one hotel boasts a tiny one) the only decent one in the whole Keys is Bahia Honda. Padre has beautiful beaches. South Padre is very developed, with lots of clubs, restaurants,etc. "North Padre" is the Padre Island Nat'l Seashore, 80 miles of the longest undeveloped beach in North America. Beautiful. It is south of Corpus Christi, which is where you'll stay if you don't wanna camp out. The weather is generally better in the Keys, but that is no sure bet. Lots of sights to see in Miami, or Houston and San Antonio for that matter. Depends on your tastes.

The Keys! hands down. Been to both. Water sports and fishing are outstanding. Water is tropical- so much to do - museums and galleries in Key West. Fishing charters are abundant in Islamorada and Key Largo. Snorkeling trips out of John Pennekamp park in Key Largo. EXCELLENT seafood restaurants. If you're the upscale type Cheeca Lodge is ultra chic, or you can stay at a Mom and Pop hotel for half the cost. Not many "beaches" as you think of a beach until you hit Key West. But plenty of places to snorkle. January is high season so book early. I think you'll have a great time. I used to live in Miami - I may be too partial. Just get off a plane in Miami rent a car and drive south - plan on making many stops along the way!! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

As a native Texan, I sadly have say that you probably wouldn't enjoy South Padre in January. Texas isn't the tropics (although it feels like it now...) and the winter temperatures can be quite chilly. Swimming pool season here is usually from late April through early October, so you'd need a wetsuit to dive in January. Also, there really aren't any coral reefs in this part of the Gulf. My suggestion for an inexpensive, troipcal vaction with good diving is Cancun or Cozumel.