good snorkling sights in fort meyers

[tangafish]

I am going to Fort Meyers Florida 3/21 for a long overdue vacation. This is the first time I have been that far south in Florida and i am interested in some good areas to go snorkeling in. Can anyone recommend any spots to go too or any good excursions in that area.

 

[TheReefKeeper]

That's a good question I live in ft Myers and I don't know. I suppose you could just hit the ocean. Make a road trip to Key West. that's where its at.

 

[jeffbrig]

You don't have to go all the way to Key West. There are a number of boats running out of Key Largo at the top end of the Keys.

 

[TheReefKeeper]

jeffbrig You don't have to go all the way to Key West. There are a number of boats running out of Key Largo at the top end of the Keys.

Or That!

 

[vtminter]

Best bet is to go to the keys. I believe it's less than a 3 hour drive from ft. myers. In the ft. myers/ sanibel area it's all mostly sand as far as I know.

 

[tangafish]

thanks everyone looks like i will be keys bound then. what is the water temp going to be like when i go? We are interested in going deep sea fishing (first timer) and maybe a dolphin cruise, anyone in the area you know of or would recommend? You mentioned some boats leaving out of key largo, do you know which goes to the best sites? I appreciate your help guys!

 

[jeffbrig]

Conditions on molasses reef (Key Largo)
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=mlrf1

Looking at historical data, last year's water temp around 3/21 was ~25C, so about 77F. A tad on the cool side for my thin FL blood, I prefer to go when it's 80 or more.

If you're interested in a sail/snorkel with a small group, look up morning star charters. They take a maximum of 6 on a 50' sailboat, and sail to a reef off the beaten path. You'll pay a little more, but it's well worth it.

 

[tangafish]

thanks jeff i checked out there sight, looks like just what i was looking for.

Yeah i am not to excited about the water temps, i am used to going in the fall so has never been a problem. This time we scheduled during spring break so i guess i will have to put some heat packs in my suit!

 

[jdhuyvetter]

Pennekamp on Key Largo is sweet. You could do that in a long day from Fort Myers. When I lived in Miami I used to snorkel off of the beach. There is a reef line that runs right off the beach from Dania to north of West Palm Beach. The pier at Commercial Drive in Fort Lauderdale is on the first reef line. There is another sweet spot at the Breakers Hotel in West Palm. There is a public beach just south of the hotel. Also, take Alligator Alley (I-75) to Fort Lauderdale, keep going east on I-595 past the airport. The interstate ends at US1. There is a park with a pier that sits on the reef line. Park at the pier and walk north til you see a palm tree standing all by itself. There is a line of concrete breakers in the water at this point. Snorkel it straight out to the reef. This actually turned out to be a halfway decent man made artificial reef. I think the park is called John Young State Park. Can't remember for sure.

 

[jdhuyvetter]

Oops forgot a spot. Go north on I-75 to Venice. Go to Caspersen Beach just south of the Venice Airport. Swim out until you find gravel and start looking for sharks teeth! FYI, on a good day visibility is about 30 feet.

 

[tangafish]

thanks everyone, my list of things to do is growing. Not to sure about the caspersen beach, yes i would love to swim with beautiful reef fish but preferably ones smaller than me. :lol: I dont think "looking for the sharks teeth" is a good sign :rollface: Not that i really think about sharks when i get out there but I dont want to become part of the food chain either. :eek1: