Best snorkeling from the beach Key West

[billford]

How are you guys doing
My Foreign exchange student from Germany and I will be going to the Florida Keys the week before Christmas for snorkeling.
This will be our first time snorkeling and we will be taking one class before we go.
we don't want to spend a lot of money on charter boats, that's why I ask the question about snorkeling from the beach.
which two charters would you guys suggest as the best for the money and scenery.
Also will the water be too cold without wetsuits?
Is it worth going down there this time at the year, are there any disadvantages?
Thanks for any info

 

[mbscuba]

I think the best way to get a lot of action from snorkeling, is to go with Looe Key Dive and Resort. They take the snorkelers and divers on the same charter. It's only about a 4 mile trip out. They cost is real reasonable. As far as snorkeling from the beaches, you can pull along side any where on US1 where there is room to park. The rockier the shoreline the better. As long as the sun is out and shining you should be fine without wetsuits. It will be a little shocking at first, but it goes away after the first 30 secs. If you are planing on staying in the water longer than 30 mins, I would advise a 1mm to 3mm suite to be more comfortable