Naples-Largo: worth a day trip for snorkeling?

[jtonra]

I'm going to be in Naples visiting relatives during the third week of February. I'm considering doing a day trip over to Key Largo to take my kids snorkeling. I realize this will be a long day but will it be worth it? Are there shops there doing snorkeling trips at this time of year? Will the water / air be warm enough for it to be enjoyable for the kids? Any input from those in the know would be much appreciated.

jim

 

[Speargirl]

jtonra,

The water here is pretty cold for kids I would think, they would need to wear wet suits and gloves to keep warm. Shops here are always going out on snorkeling trips I like It's A Dive I know that no one else seems to mention them on this board but I live here and send all my vacation renters to them, I have also never heard of them leaving any of there divers in the water. When I have gone out on a dive boat it's been with It's A Dive but I only go out with them when my whole family comes down and I just don't have enough room on my boat for 20 people.
Becky

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

Being that your coming from MA, I seriously doubt that your kids will find the water too cold for snorkeling here! Plan on water temps in the low seventies (El Nino is keeping things nice and warm this winter). Air temps vary greatly, depending on the passing of winter cold fronts, but are generally quite comfortable (think shorts and tee shirts weather).

The water in Naples will be a bit cooler. Why not see how they fare at the beach there... and play Key Largo by ear, depending on the weather? You can take a look at NOAA's Florida weather data at http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Florida.shtml.

Enjoy!

 

[CBulla]

The water in Naples Friday was clocking in at 64 and we've had cooler weather, cloud cover, and rain the past few days... head to Largo and have fun!

 

[beautybelow]

I would think a trip to key largo with the kids would be fun no matter what. Take US 41 across and go through the Everglades (not 75 straight across). Stop in Everglades City maybe take an airboat tour. For you, if you like photography be sure and check out Clyde Butcher's gallery www.clydebutcher.com about half way across the state. Amazing large format black and white photography. Then check out Pennycamp in the keys. It is an amazing part of the state. If the weather doesnt look like its good for swimming, go to Shark Vally and/or Flamingo in the National Park since you are over that far.
Have fun either way and don't let the kids jump off the Naples Pier!