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Encounter A New World With Key West Sail And Snorkel Experiences

By Janine Hughes


About ninety miles off the coast of Florida lies the Caribbean magic of Key West. This island is most south you can travel and still be in the United States. Ernest Hemingway once lived here with his poly-dactyl cats, and many come to visit his museum house. Fun seekers travel the distance looking for blue sea, sunshine and snorkeling through the colorful coral reef.

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.

Once arrived, there are many ways to sail the reef. Day trips leaving from various destination points in the city offer catamarans, yachts and even kayaks as vessels for reaching the coral and its unique sea life. Each will provide safety and technical instructions so that even beginners can spend time snorkeling and swimming. The only time that these activities are limited is due to poor weather, and there is no way to know for certain when that will be.

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.

Because Key West has many kinds of available lodging, it is completely possible to stay overnight. Hotels and inns located in Old Town are part of the historic section, while New Town lodgings are less so. But whatever the choice, there are options for locating in the middle of the city or on the beaches. Close access to cruise departure sites advertise so that combining overnight stays with the day trips is easier.

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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