 |
|
      |
|
Snorkeling the Reef on Looe KeyQ: Hi, my family will be traveling from New Orleans to Key West by car to visit our son who moved to Key West about a year ago to attend Florida Keys Community College's marine biology program. My question is: When I traveled with him to Key West last August, we did a snorkel trip out of Key West to the reef. It was very beautiful. However, what about snorkeling at Looe Key? Do you know what the differences are and what would be better as far as the number and types of fish, coral, etc. you would see? Also, any suggestions on who provides a nice snorkel trip if we decide to do the Looe Key trip? One more question: I have found a Web site about the Florida Marine Research Institute, also mentioned in one of your answers about the Mote Marine Lab, because my son is so interested in this I would love for him to see and tour these kinds of places. Do you know if any of these labs allow visitors and give tours? Any help you can give me would really be appreciated. -- Karen Castrinos A: Whew, you've really thought out this trip, haven't you? I hope my answer will be of some help, Karen. There is really only one reef in the Florida Keys, according to Reef Relief, a nonprofit reef conservation organization. Not having snorkeled enough sections of the reef myself, I can't really say where might be the best place to see the most underwater beauty. Looe Key does seem to be a popular choice, and there's a nice tour from Bahia Honda State Park before Big Pine Key. For more information about the reef, please check out Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. About the Florida Marine Research Institute, there are several locations throughout the state. I don't really know if they allow visitors (they are research facilities as part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), but the link above includes phone numbers of each location, and you could call and ask. If FMRI doesn't allow you to visit, then definitely take the boat or bus tour at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in Fort Pierce near the Indian River Lagoon. Mote Marine Laboratory is an excellent organization that allows visitors and offers tours in the Sarasota area. Best wishes for your trip and your son's marine biology education. Do you have a question? Contact the editor. |
|
Wildlife and BirdsGetting your butterfly garden or backyard certifiedWhere to see manatees in April Stingray mating season and danger What to do about pesky sandhill cranes Sandhill crane nesting material Sandhill cranes and birding in Florida Viewing manatees and dolphins in Longboat Key Birding at the Prairie Lakes unit of Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area Birding in south Florida with friends Water SportsEverglades canoe toursShould you be afraid of alligators when water-skiing? Shallow swimming areas in Florida parks Snorkeling at Long Key State Park Diving trips in Florida Kayaking in southwest Florida's lakes and rivers General TipsIs the Everglades salt water or fresh water?Alligator Alley / I-75: Are they the same thing? Can you make campfires on Florida beaches? How many people visit the Everglades each year? Taking your dog outdoors in Florida Bank fishing and algal bloom |
Touring FloridaWhere to hike and lodge between Key West and TampaDisney-area nature spots in central Florida What's the best way to visit the Everglades for the first time? Alligator Alley Trail And ATVs Where to see spring wildflowers in central Florida Touring Everglades backcountry Traveling on Florida's west coast CampingJacksonville beach camping resourceCampgrounds near Daytona Speedway Campgrounds within a short drive from Tampa Camping, horseback riding and off-road biking on the beach Do you need to make campsite reservations in the summer? Where can you camp on your own beach? Spring break camping on a college budget Cayo Costa State Park -- a question of kayaks & kids Southwest Florida camping near the Gulf Coast Family camping between Jacksonville and Daytona Where to camp in Florida during Christmas vacation Camping near Disney World Camping on Florida's central east coast beaches Where to camp near the beach in the Florida Panhandle Southeast Florida camping ideas |