Need a boat for Florida Keys

[Recty]

Ooops, that subject was supposed to have a "?" on the end but now I cant edit it to reflect that...

I'm going to be going to Florida in a little less than a month. I've never been there before, but I know I enjoy snorkeling and scuba, I've done both in Hawaii many times.

Does anyone on here know if there is any good snorkeling near Orlando? We will be staying in Vero Beach which is about an hour from Orlando.

Also, do you have to go on a boat to get good snorkeling in the keys? Everything I've looked up online about snorkeling in the keys says to take a boat 2-3 miles offshore... I've got a pregnant wife I'm bringing along who doesnt want to do that, so we are looking for good spots to snorkel that dont involve boating.

Anyone have a good suggestion or two? I'm all ears!

 

[Lacy]

John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo is great since no collecting is allowed. They also have a glass bottom boat which your wife might like.

 

[drew1]

How do you define good snorkeling?

How do you define good snorkeling?

There are tons of places in the keys that you can snorkel from shore, but you won't see the reefs without a boat. The bridges at slack tide are great! Lots of life, corals (watch out for the fire coral), sponges, small fish, large fish, lobster, etc but it must be slack tide. Most other roadside pull-offs and parks also have areas to snorkel where there is a lot of rubble, sea fans, sponges, etc. Checking around the base of the sponges you'll find a whole ecosystem (lobster, nudibranchs, bristle worms, banded coral shrimp, arrow crabs, cuccumbers, etc). Many shorelines will have mangroves which harbor crabs, larger fish, damsels, etc. So there are lots of places to snorkel and have a good time, just don't expect to see elkhorn corals or any pristine reefs. Set the expectations at the right level and there is good snorkeling. Also, if conditions are perfect while in Vero (not likely in the winter) there is some phenomenal beach diving right there. Reefs start about 100 yards out in about 15feet of water. It can be snorkeled with top-to-bottom visibility, but typical visibility in that area is less than 5 feet, so don't expect to snorkel in Vero. But do keep it in the back of your mind in case conditions are perfect. Have fun!

 

[6-line]

what about the ft. lauderdale/Hollywood area insofar as off the beach snorkeling? Sorry to hijack...

 

[6-line]

double post...sorry, server lagging

 

[TurboGuru]

Try Coral cove on jupiter island. Snorkling right off the beach. Not a coral reef but has many huge rock structures underwater and tons of tropical fish.

 

[cwegescheide]

I've also been to John Pennecamp park in Key Largo. The water is pretty calm so I don't think a boat ride would upset your wife. There is a VERY NICE Marriot (one of the nicest I've ever seen) almost right accross the street from the state park. Its awesome.

You can snorkel without taking a boat ride but I don't think your going to see much. If you take a boat out, ask them about horse shoe reef. There is some enormous elkhorn coral which are kindof rare in the keys now. Lots of fish and lobsters etc.. Water at Horse Shoe reef is about 15' - 20' deep and clear as a bell.

Have fun. The keys themselves are pretty boring if your not snorkeling. Thankfully at Pennekamp park your about 45min to Miami.

 

[WarmWaterWuss]

I've always wanted to snorkel with the Manatees at Crystal River, Florida but I think that is a couple hours away from Vero Beach.
Another thing to note is that the dive boats out of the Keys usually drop you in the water and you are your own guide, no DM to show you where the good stuff is. That is fine if you can hook up with someone as your dive buddy, you may want to email the Dive shop you will be using. I had a hard time navigating back to the right boat and almost ended up getting on the wrong boat. Have fun.