Keys 3/18-3/25, kayaks, snorkeling ?'s

Looking very forward to a 2nd visit to the Keys in a couple weeks. Staying on Summerland: Tortugas, Pennekamp and Looe Key on the ';hard'; itinerary.

A couple ?%26#39;s.

Are there any places in the Lower Keys where snorkeling from the beach is good/better than anywhere else? I%26#39;ve found a couple references to locations off of Big Pine, but have found no specifics.

$50/day for kayak rental seems outrageous! Is there anyplace where we can get a better deal on renting 2-3 tandem sit-on-tops for 4 days? Are there interesting places to explore by kayak from the oceanside tip of Summerland? Is it unrealistic to think that we can paddle to the bayside backcountry from the oceanside end of Summerland?

Are there any excellent but under-the-radar restaurants that we should try?

Thanks in advance!!

-kg

Minneapolis, MN

Keys 3/18-3/25, kayaks, snorkeling ?'s

Hi KG-

My husband and I are leaving tomorrow for Key Largo. We have spent a fair amount of time in the Keys but not that much around Summerland. Looe Key has fabulous snorkeling and I would guess you are taking the tour from Bahia State Park. Mostly in the Keys you will not find great snorkeling close in to shore since the reefs are all offshore (I am sure someone will correct me on that if I%26#39;m wrong). However, I remember reading in a cruising guide by Frank Papy of doing some snorkeling close in to shore somewhere around Big Pine Key, I think. If you want his book (not a bad idea) just google his name and you can buy it online. For restaurants in the lower keys I have heard that the No Name Bar is a good place. If you head up to Marathon there are tons of great places there. The Keys Fisheries for a lobster reuben is my first choice. The kayak prices are what they are. Actually $50 a day is not bad for down there. If you want more specific restaurant suggestions I would try posting on the Key West forum and just ask for restaurant suggestions. Good luck and have a great time!

Keys 3/18-3/25, kayaks, snorkeling ?'s

Capt. Bill Keogh from Reflections Nature Tours on BPK gave us a good deal on kayak rentals.

www.floridakeyskayaktours.com/rates.htm

2)tandem sit-on-tops $25ea/day for 4 day rental.

The price listed on the website is $45/day, not sure why the difference.

$215 total for 2)boats, 4)days, 4)PFDs, 4)paddles, charts, tax and delivery to Summerland.

Now we%26#39;re REALLY looking forward to this trip.

-wg2g2

See you in 10 days!!!