Snorkeling in Key West

[bobbiwoz]

Has anyone gone snorkeling out of Key West in December? We picked a Dec. cruise because I want to go to the ruins in Mexico when the weather was more moderate, and now I'm wondering if it will be too cold to snorkel around Key West.



Bobbi

 

[alexandrew]

the water tends to be choppy...

This reminds me of a story....about 10 years ago (prior to having kids), went to Key West with another couple....although we made a pact that we would stick together the whole weekend, the other couple just had to go snorkeling (they being the so called "active" type that you see on the Nissan Xterra ads)...too bad my buddy's wife had that big country breakfast, she puked in the water while snorkeling, and all the fish swarmed to get a bite!!!!!...the water was so choppy, that she got seasick from snorkeling!!!This, by the way, was in December...

 

[bobbiwoz]

Choppy I can take! I will leave DH on board. Thanks.

Bobbi

 

[dzneprincess]

Originally posted by alexandrew
the water tends to be choppy...

This reminds me of a story....about 10 years ago (prior to having kids), went to Key West with another couple....although we made a pact that we would stick together the whole weekend, the other couple just had to go snorkeling (they being the so called "active" type that you see on the Nissan Xterra ads)...too bad my buddy's wife had that big country breakfast, she puked in the water while snorkeling, and all the fish swarmed to get a bite!!!!!...the water was so choppy, that she got seasick from snorkeling!!!This, by the way, was in December...

EWW Did you have to go there?? LOL

 

[snelsonbrown]

Being born and raised in Key West - my boys have always enjoyed going snorkeling - I believe they have snorkeled all up and down the keys and in all kinds of weather and in every month of the year - I have seen very few bad days in Key West, but of course like any thing else - it is prone to changing - when are you planning to go to Key West - the waters in and around Key West is just so beautiful but unfortunalty due to the way that those that come to visit Key West, do not have respect for the coral reefs or for that fact the ocean or the gulf and we are losing the beauty it once was - I remember walking all around Key West and there wasn't one place you couldn't see the waters and most of all it was healthy - you are most welcomed to send for the Key West informative packages I offer those going to Key West - they do not cost anything except for the cost of a large manilla envelope and $3.75 in postage - also make it self addressed.
Anyhow hope you enjoy my hometown when you go there - you should have seen Key West during my times - now that was a Magical paradise.
Always
Shirley

 

[bobbiwoz]

snelsonbrown, Thank you for your reply. DH and I have been to Key West for vacations or long weekend trips in recent years. Fort Zachary Taylor is a wonderful state park, the picnic areas that are in the trees with views of the water are very special. The only snorkeling that I've done in the area has been at Dry Tortugas NP and that's an all day excursion, not for us cruisers. We are going in December, and I was just hoping to take one of the excursion boats to do some snorkeling while we are there. I thought the water may be too cool, but apparently, it's the choppiness that may make the idea impractical. I agree that the coral reefs are not what they once were and need protection.

Bobbi

 

[bobbiwoz]

I did go snorkeling on Tuesday Dec. 16th, along the reef off of Key West, and the seas were choppy, warm enough, and I did see enough fish and coral to make it worthwhile, but just barely.

We had some sun in Key West, but rough seas followed us into Cozumel, and it was downright cold and blustery in Cozumel. However, I wanted to do the ruins and they were wonderful.


Bobbi

 

[snelsonbrown]

Glad you had the opportunity to do some snorkeling while down in Key West ----my boys really go year round and so far havn't had a "bad" time -Key West is really building up so you can no longer just go off the Blvd and check things out as when I remembered -
Anyhow glad you had the chance to go again and Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Always
Shirley

 

[BadgerRob]

We did the catamaran and snorkel expedition in Key West on 12/7. The water was choppy and cool. Once you were in and swimming it was OK. My DW and DS lasted about 10 minutes in the water. I stayed out about 40 minutes but ended up getting a little sea sick. The one hour ride back to the port was very cold if you were wet. We had packed sweatshirts and rain suites so we were OK but there were several families with very cold children. I don't think I would do this excursion again