24 janvier 2015

Discover A New World With Key West Sail And Snorkel

By Janine Hughes


Key West is a magical place located at one of the furthest south tips of Florida. Many come to visit Hemingway House, where the famous author once lived. Others come simply to enjoy the sun, sea and relaxation. But some of the best fun includes sailing to the coral reef to blend with the sea in a snorkeling experience.

Many tourists take the popular bus trips so that they can see the 42 bridges and 32 islands along the way from Miami. Most tour companies state that the journey is about three to four hours, but the turquoise ocean and pristine beaches with their white sands lure visitors regardless. For them, there is nothing quite like a key west sail and snorkel vacation.

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.

The professionals who take their visitors to see the exquisite marine life underwater also are excellent teachers. They know exactly how to help beginners to use the necessary equipment. They serve as instructors and lifeguards, teaching all members in their groups the best way to enjoy the water while minimizing any potential problems.

These day excursions which combine a sail with a snorkeling stop are a few hours long. When traveling from the mainland, an entire outing will take at least half of a full day. There are sights and sounds in the city which are must see and hear. Restaurants and shops offer delicious and refreshing bites. Shopping in Mallory Square will unearth treasures to take home. Hemingway House is a must visit historic location. Tour guides prepare bus travelers for essentials in town.

For tourists choosing to sail the coral using kayaks, there are companies that provide sturdy and ocean stable boats. These focus on up close inspection of a variety of marine life while paddling near the reef and the coast. It is another option for taking in the sights and sounds the area has to offer. Even if kayaking is a completely new pastime, instruction is available.

It is possible to stay on the island itself. Key West has many hotels available. You can choose to stay in the Old Town sector, which is the original and historic area, or the New Town. Either way, there are choices in the center of town and also on the beach. This will give you close access to cruise departure sites for the snorkeling experiences.

Major airlines fly into Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, with connecting flights available to land at Key West International Airport. These are small planes, but make the travel time from mainland to island much quicker. Some travelers enjoy renting cars to get there, and then stay for a vacation. It is not necessary to keep the car while there, so making advance rental arrangements for the return trip is wise. The entire place is filled with character and very easy to walk or bicycle. It is only about two miles long, so keeping it simple with daily walks is just perfect.




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