snorkeling in the fl. keys

[hotrodolds]

Best place to go other than sombrero or coffins patch. I'll be staying with some freinds on key west. Normally stay up on the north side of marathon/duck key.

Taking 7 friends, none have been to the keys and wanting to take them out snorkeling one day we are there.

Water might be a little chilly as it will be mid march. Should be alright though right?

 

[jdhuyvetter]

Dry Tortugas, Sand Key, Western Sambo or West washerwoman.

 

[killarsox]

One of these days' ill make it there hopefully. Sounds Awesome.

 

[hotrodolds]

i might have to my navigation skills to use and head out to the dry tortugas. I haven't been out there since i was little kid when we lived in key west.

 

[DaveG99]

you in your own boat? if you are in keywest head straught out past malory square (where the cruise ships dock). go about 6-7 miles and aim for the light tower. Once you get near the light house tower you will be near the reef. tie up to one of ther bouys and have fun.

the water might be a little cold. probably around 72-75 degrees.

 

[jdhuyvetter]

go about 6-7 miles and aim for the light tower.


That is Sand Key.

 

[hotrodolds]

yeah i know the water will be a little chilly, that sucks but its the only free week i have to go before i turn 23 and lose my base privileges. For 65$ a night i'll deal with chilly water. If the water is to cold I'll just give some fishing a go. Cobia and tuna both should be out in force. I think it'll be a little early for mahi, still gonna hit the weeds and birds and try my luck for them though.

I'll be getting a boat out of MWR on the base. I'm pretty good with knowing my way around the middle keys but never been out of key west on my own.

 

[jdhuyvetter]

Buy or rent a wet suit. water won't be cold then.

 

[DaveG99]

Ive stayed on the base before. Its OK. Sometimes in the winter months the weather can get very windy and they wont let you rent a boat unless the conditions are nice.

 

[hotrodolds]

i used to live on the base when i was growing up

If we cant rent one we'll head up north and get cheap charter trip to sombrero.

I'll definitely look into a wetsuit. I'd love to get certified for scuba but a college budget and living in atl makes it kind of impractical. I shouldve just done back when i was working full time near florida. Then again if i tack on a K to my loan I'm looking at taking out for this year i could swing it. :lol:

 

[jdhuyvetter]

If you drive or fly into Miami, stop by Divers Direct. They always had the best prices. There is one on Key Largo and on Key West. It was around Mile Marker 103 on the right side. (no clue where the one on Key West is)

www.diversdirect.com has maps.

 

[hotrodolds]

I'll probably stop on by the one key west to check it out. Their prices seem really good. I'd stop on Key largo but by then im sure the rest of the group will be ready to get to key west. Ive got a 4hour drive to my home town on the fl. line. Meeting up with 7 freinds there and all driving 8 hours to key west.