Encounter A New World With Key West Sail And Snorkel Experiences

By Janine Hughes


Key West is a magical place located at one of the furthest south tips of Florida. Many come to visit Hemingway House, where the famous author once lived. Others come simply to enjoy the sun, sea and relaxation. But some of the best fun includes sailing to the coral reef to blend with the sea in a snorkeling experience.

Year round, tourists arrive by bus from the mainland to see the bridges and islands of US Highway 1, which ends a mile zero about ninety miles south of coastline. Many opt to take rental cars along the route, too. Checking in the car once on the island is common, as the legendary place is only two or so miles wide. Rentals for the return trip can be scheduled easily. The trip is about four hours from Ft. Lauderdale and perhaps three from Miami. Booking a key west sail and snorkel adventure is the easiest part of a vacation there.

You can board a catamaran to sail to the coral reef for your snorkeling adventure. Most enjoy the moments spent in this colorful spot, with fish and sea life in abundance. The best tour operators include instructions to prepare you for this part of your adventure. Concern for your safety and comfort in the aquatic environment is complemented by knowledge of the varied weather conditions. Some tours will specify that access to the reef and swimming will not be included if the weather does not allow it.

Absolutely exquisite colors in the underwater scenery is what encourages visitors to learn how to use the snorkel equipment correctly. The tour guides are marine professionals who take safety seriously, and though they are great lifeguards, they are often even better teachers. They know the nicest places to locate for a day of dipping into the watery world, and they can offer information about what is seen.

Excursions combining sailing and snorkeling the reef are day trips. Average time sailing is about two hours and time in the water takes about an hour or two. You will need to add in the round trip time, and then extra time to enjoy shopping and the sights and sounds of Mallory Square. There are restaurants and shops there to have a bite to eat. Seeing Hemingway House is a must. You may expect to take about twelve hours to enjoy this small journey.

For tourists choosing to sail the coral using kayaks, there are companies that provide sturdy and ocean stable boats. These focus on up close inspection of a variety of marine life while paddling near the reef and the coast. It is another option for taking in the sights and sounds the area has to offer. Even if kayaking is a completely new pastime, instruction is available.

It is possible to stay on the island itself. Key West has many hotels available. You can choose to stay in the Old Town sector, which is the original and historic area, or the New Town. Either way, there are choices in the center of town and also on the beach. This will give you close access to cruise departure sites for the snorkeling experiences.

Flying to the island is easy. Major carriers provide flights to the main airports in Florida, with small connectors to Key West International Airport. Once settled in at their lodging choice, many guests then opt to walk or ride bicycles for the entirety of their visit. The distance from coast to coast is only about two miles in total, and getting around in town is only a few blocks of walking. Transportation to and from the mainland is an easy car rental or bus tour either way, so enjoying the character and flavors of this spot is pretty much worry free.




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