Sunday, January 25, 2015

Encounter A New World With Key West Sail And Snorkel Experiences

By Janine Hughes


Encountering the magical sea around Key West, Florida is not to be missed. The island is the southernmost part of the United States, but it boasts a Caribbean atmosphere that lures many visitors. With a coral reef to cruise and gorgeous sunsets to soak in, there is plenty to experience and enjoy.

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.

Day trips are the most common way to combine snorkeling and sailing to the reef. Most of these cruises average about two or three hours. When touring from the mainland, expect to spend about twelve hours to complete all activities and drive round trip. Dining, shopping, exploring Hemingway House and Mallory Square are musts for anyone participating in a short journey.

Some people enjoy spending some time sailing close in on kayaks. This is one option that will depend on the company you select for your tour. These feature sturdy versions specifically designed to stay stable in ocean waves.

Spending a few days or longer is wonderful on Key West. There are many hotel choices. Old Town is the original part and boasts the historic sights and sounds which made the island famous. But New Town also has accommodations in its center and on the beach as well. Luxury and charisma fill most any lodging, and provide easy access to the departure pick up points for the sailing tours.

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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