My family and I have snorkelled John Pennekamp several times on our boat and once on a cattle boat. This trip we decided not to trailer the 250 miles, but we still did not want the "shoulder to shoulder" experience again either. We knew we had made the right decision to go with Pleasure Diver on a custom snorkel trip as soon as we looked over at the miserable hordes on the tour boats going out. Besides Captains Aja and Rob (that's right, two captians/dive masters), there was only my family of three and a friendly couple from TX. Our 13 year old daughter had not seen the statue, so that was our first stop. Right off the boat and a sea turtle slowly glided right in front of us. I went off to take a few free dive shots of the statue while my wife and daughter worked their way over. We all five were permitted to get our fill of this spot before we left the mooring for the other spot. This was the highlight of my trip. We were alone on this stop that Rob and Aja found, and it was the best reefs/marine life I have ever seen. Aja even got in the water and pointed out a goliath grouper under a ledge, but I could not get down as far as she could to get a good look or a picture. There were other grouper, along with tangs, parrotfish and swarms of baitfish to keep things interesting.

If you want something else to do for a half day, stick with the cattle boats. If you want an experience to last a lifetime, spend the few extra bucks and go out with Pleasure Diver. We'll definitely be back.