A string of about 1, 700 islands in the southeast United States, this archipelago begins at the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula that extends to the gentle arc southwest then westward to the Key West and on to the uninhabited Dry Tortugas. The islands lie along the straits that divide the Atlantic Ocean to the east from the Mexico Gulf to the west that defines one edge of the bay. The geography itself explains why snorkeling in Florida Keys is all together some place else.

The jumping off point to this fascinating cruise will be an overview of the five main areas afterwhich, you can garb on your shorts and slip on those flip- flops as we head to the so- called “Conch Republic”.

* Big Pine Key
As a gateway to the Lower Keys, there lies an unspoiled tropical wilderness of over a hundred small mangrove islets. The Big Pine Key got its named for its extensive pine forests. It was once the homestead site of Keywesters of Bahamian decent in the 1890’s. This is absolutely Mecca for those who love snorkeling in Florida Keys. It has a wide diversity of fish that roam the shallows and the deep blue waters of the Gulf Stream. It is also excellent for nature trails as you pass through the exotic pinewoods and tropical foliage.

* Islamorada
Meaning “purple isles”, Islamorada has plenty of local color to take in. This is the self- proclaimed “sportfishing capital of the world” which explains why its extra grandiose for snorkeling in Florida Keys. Former US president George Bush fell in love with what this has to offer. Searching for the hard-to-pin-down bonefish is one of his favorite activities to do. It has a famed coral reef that extends miles into the ocean that is both feeding and breeding grounds for hundreds of aquatic species.

* Marathon
Called as the “heart of the keys”, Marathon truly lived up to its appellation. It started out as a bustling fishing village in the early 1800’s and has already developed into a metropolis sated with malls, hotels and restaurants. However, this has not lost its charms of being a great spot for snorkeling in Florida Keys. It is home to Key Vaca, Duck Key, Boot Key and Grassy Key which have an abundance of sea creatures. There are manatees, tarpoons, trouts, groupers, snappers and other kinds.

* Key Largo
On this corner is a dwelling of chain of coral reefs. Key Largo is legendary for its lore of pirates and sunken treasures which makes it very popular for snorkeling in Florida Keys. It is known for its excellent water visibility with John Pennekamp State Park as its lead diving destination. It is abode to more than 600 species of psychedelic tropical fish and 40 bright types of corals. It is protected by the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary.

* Key West
Located just 150 miles from Miami and 90 miles from Cuba, Key West sure knows how to maintain its beauty where it is still a tourist destination for snorkeling in Florida Keys. However, if you are in for solitary vacation, you can simply retire in a hammock between two palm trees as you feel the sound of the breeze and the sunlight kissing your skin. Sunset in this place is undeniably romantic, it is more than a time of the day, it is a happening.