Snorkeling trip operators in Key West
 

I'll be in Key West for a few days, and would like to go on a half-day (or so) snorkeling boat trip (or two). I've done the private boat charter thing before, but since it's just me this time, that would be excessive.

Optimal would be a few-hour snorkel trip, departing from Key West, with not too many people, to uncrowded reefs, in a relatively comfy atmosphere (am I asking for too much?). I'd rather not go on one of the huge cattle boats. I'm flexible on price, but I imagine it would cost about $50 per person?

Does anyone have firsthand recommendations (or warnings!) about Key West snorkel trip operators?

If you don't have company recommendations, then maybe places on the island that can help me find one, and don't get big kickbacks?

It would be really nice if the operator had a website I could look at.

By the way, the question that often comes up when I ask about Key West stuff: "Are you looking for a straight or gay place?" I'm straight, but have no problem with being around gay people -- so either "straight themed" or "gay themed" snorkel operators are ok with me.

Thanks very much. I really appreciate it.

We did some snorkelling a couple of years ago in Key Largo. It was awesome. They took us out for half a day to a marine park for 3 stops. It was more snorkeling than I ever done. It was like swimming in an aquarium. Absolutely awesome. I do not remember the name but the outfit is one of the first ones on the right as you enter the keys.

http://reef-divers.com

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Thanks -- though I'll be in Key West, without a car. Although I appreciate the tips, the operators you guys pointed out aren't in Key West.

If you can spend all day, I'd suggest taking a ferry trip out to Dry Tortugas National Park/Fort Jefferson. The big attraction is a huge 19th century fort built on a tiny island. It appears to be rising out of the middle of the ocean, 90 miles west of Key West. There are two ferry services out there, and I've used both with success. You can snorkel at Fort Jefferson itself (only so-so). One of the operators has a side trip to a nice snorkeling site that includes an old sailing ship wreck. There are flyers for both services all over Key West. I just looked, and one of them has a web site at www.drytortugasferry.com. They also advertise other pure snorkeling expeditions, but I don't have personal experience with those.

There are seaplane trips out there, which are faster and should be breathtaking, but I don't have personal experience of them. Try www.seaplanesofkeywest.com.

Have fun!
Mike, the landlocked snorkel buff.....