(First timer) Thinking about doing a either a reef snorkel trip w/ Sunset Watersports or the dolphin/shipwreck snorkel trip w/Echo Catamaran. Echo is 4 hours versus 3 hours for Sunset and Echo is twice the price (which isn't a big deal).
Would welcome comments/recommendations on either or both trips.
And assuming good weather - is it too cold too snorkel in mid February (70 degree water is fine)?
Thank you!!
The biggest differences will be the number of people on the trips - usually more with Sunset Watersports, less with the Echo, and the expirience of motoring vs. sailing.
I usually like the smaller boats and sailing but if you mean you're a first time snorkeler. I'd suggest going with the least expensive to see how you like it. And it will be chilly in Frebruary, so you will probably not be able to stay in the water for long anyway. Check to see if they provide wetsuits, either for free or for a cost. If not, there are places in Key West where you can rent one.
hth
Pjk
the Catamaran Echo and Sunset Watersports probably take about the same number of people. I did the Sunset Dolphin Watch and really enjoyed it. Only about 6 passengers, wetsuits are on the boat (for rental) in case it's cool, and the captain gave me a whole new way of thinking about dolphins. We spent about 1 hour looking at the dolphins in the shallows and then spent an hour snorkeling at Cotrell Key. Then we motored back into Key West, stopping to get lots of sunset photos just off Mallory Square.
It was $75 (plus a tip) but is like doing 2 trips at the same time.
The boat also is pretty fast, has a hose shower for rinsing off and docked right at the Sunset Pier.
