Keys and snokling?

[SNAPDRAGON]

Hey, My husband and I are headed for the keys in two weeks so I can do my OWs. He's not a diver but does like to snorkle. I'm looking for a few good beach access spots with in about an hour of Key West. Any tips? thanks :cheering:

 

[armyscuba]

Hey, My husband and I are headed for the keys in two weeks so I can do my OWs. He's not a diver but does like to snorkle. I'm looking for a few good beach access spots with in about an hour of Key West. Any tips? thanks :cheering:

Snapdragon,

I'm Diving Key West Next Week on Leave with My Wife..I'll definately let You know if I find anything of interest for You. I'm hitting a couple of shops that I know and I'll give You some input..I'll be back on Scubaboard on or around the 5th of May.

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

features one of the best natural beaches around, with nearshore depths of 10-12 feet at the edge of the roped-off oceanside swimming area. There's another swimming area on the Gulfside, with loads of juvenile tropicals hiding out amongst the rocks. Enjoy!

 

[Reel Crazy14]

Another vote for Bahia Honda. Saw eagle rays, barracudas, lobsters. Lots of sponges and stuff for little critters to hide in.

 

[garyfotodiver]

If you go on a boat, perhaps it is one that handles both divers and snorkelers. I have seen this on the Keys.

 

[gj62]

features one of the best natural beaches around, with nearshore depths of 10-12 feet at the edge of the roped-off oceanside swimming area. There's another swimming area on the Gulfside, with loads of juvenile tropicals hiding out amongst the rocks. Enjoy!

Gulf or ocean side? I was there a month ago and the beach was, well, gone on the ocean side (didn't check out the other side). You couldn't lay your towel out between the plants and the water. I only went out a few hundred yards, but didn't see much except grass. Either way, be sure to wear soled water-shoes - sharp coral/rocks abound. Also, the sand flies were so thick, nobody there stayed very long - we went to Marathon beach instead (1 island north) - great beach, nice sand, grassy area with showers, but not much snorkeling.

It's in a different category, but we rented a little runabout and went out to Sombrero Reef lighthouse. There's moorings you can pick up and it was the best snorkeling we did in the keys.

 

[SNAPDRAGON]

features one of the best natural beaches around, with nearshore depths of 10-12 feet at the edge of the roped-off oceanside swimming area. There's another swimming area on the Gulfside, with loads of juvenile tropicals hiding out amongst the rocks. Enjoy!

I've read a bit about Bahia Hondo in NG travel guide and it did sound like one of the better areas...Is there any where to get a map of the island any where on line that would indicate various beach locations that you know of? :cheering: