Which part of Florida should we visit?
 

My boyfriend and I are thinking about taking a vacation to Florida in August but we are not sure what part of Florida to visit. We are in our early 20's and would like to go snorkeling and stay where the ocean water is clear, our budget is moderate. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

I think I would like to spend August in the Keys. More of an island feeling and less of the hot humid jungle feeling :)
The water and water sports are good there too..

I second the Keys. The snorkeling requirement, as well as the less-oppressive humidity, makes the choice obvious. And since it's decidedly Low Season in Florida in August, you should be able to find a good deal.

There is minimal snorkeling on the west coast of Florida as there are no coral reefs of any note. There is snorkeling from West Palm Beach south but the best snorkeling is in the Keys, particularly Looe Key which you can get to by way of tour operators on Big Pine Key. There are reefs surrounding Key West and you can take boats to them. There is snorkeling on the Dry Tortugas which are a few miles off Key West, reachable by boat or sea plane. Pennekamp park in Miami is also good for snorkelers. It will be mostly hot and miserable wherever you are in Florida in August so your best bet will be to stay in the water. And of course walk around semi-naked, that will also help keep you cool. In the Keys, no one will notice nor care!

I believe Pennekamp Park is in Key Largo. ;-)

I also think the keys would be a good choice. Split your stay up between Islamorada and Key West.

And now, cd, I'll further correct me : <) In West Palm and south, you can scuba and dive on reefs (mostly artificial ones such as sunken ships) and see lots of sea turtles and fish, but I don't think there's any snorkeling except for shoreline snorkeling where you will see little fishes. If anybody knows any other snorkel areas, pls. pitch in.

HOW ABOUT COSTA RICA OR BELIZE, YOUR DOLLARS WILL GO A LONGER WAY... GO INTO THE LATIN AMERICAN POSTING AND YOU WILL FIND LOTS OF INFO ON THESE BOTH PLACES..