Overview
The Florida Keys hold many natural treasures with one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world and many endangered species. The program focuses on the coral reef and mangrove island habitat, which are disappearing fast as development continues to put huge stresses on the limited natural and human resources of the Keys.
The Florida Keys are home to the only true barrier reef found in the U.S and snorkel and diving in Key Largo is a year-round pleasure because the Gulf Stream passes just offshore. Water visibility can be from 20′ to 50’ with water temperatures from the high 80’s in summer to the mid to low 70’s in winter. We cannot guarantee what the weather brings us as unpredictable winter cold fronts from the North can affect the area and disrupt normal conditions.
Our Program
We offer three opportunities to snorkel offshore in the John Pennekamp State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary plus one kayaking field trip. The reef is off-shore, about 3 to 6 miles out, therefore, snorkeling must be done off a boat instead of wading in from the beach. Snorkel depths on most of the reefs we visit range from about 4’ to 30’ and a one-way trip to the reefs is about 30-40 minutes.
The vessel used is a 46 foot Newton that is US Coast Guard certified for 52 passengers, has full safety facilities, and a marine head. While it may sound obvious you must be able to swim in order to participate in the snorkel sessions. Non-snorkeling companions are welcome on board to observe.
STARTING AT
$1,713
SINGLE: $2,393
Meals at Local Restaurant
6 Nights of Lodging
Complimentary Transportation From Airport
Itinerary
DAY 1: ORIENTATION
Program Registration & Orientation: 5:30 p.m. We will gather in our reserved room in the downstairs Welcome Center Area of the hotel for registration and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and other important information. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check-in.
DINNER:
At a local restaurant.
DAY 2: KAYAKING/SNORKELING PRACTICE
BREAKFAST:
At a local restaurant
MORNING:
We’ll drive to the kayaking location where you will receive instructions about kayaking basics and familiarize us with the kayaks and necessary paddling equipment. We will be assigned to tandem or single seat sea-kayaks according to ability. In the interests of safety, couples and companions may be placed in different kayaks as determined by the instructor. We will be out on the water for approximately 60-90 minutes.
LUNCH:
At Local restaurant
AFTERNOON:
Snorkeling Practice by the Pool. You will learn the basics of how to snorkel and our safety protocol.
DINNER:
At a local restaurant
DAY 3: REEF CENTER/FIRST SNORKELING
BREAKFAST:
At a local restaurant
MORNING:
We will ride to REEF’S Interpretive Center for a unique educational, underwater experience without having to get on a boat. A floor-to-ceiling mural combines the many different marine ecosystems found in the Florida Keys. A formal presentation centered around Fish ID, lionfish, or mangrove ecology will be given by a local expert.
LUNCH:
At a local Restaurant
AFTERNOON:
We will travel by boat for reef snorkeling (Approx 2.5 hrs including boat ride). The specific location will be determined by our Captain depending on water conditions.
DINNER:
At a local restaurant
DAY 4: SECOND KAYAK/FREE TIME
BREAKFAST:
At local restaurant
MORNING:
Our second Kayak/Paddleboard to enjoy an active way to keep exploring the coast.
LUNCH:
At a local restaurant
AFTERNOON:
At leisure
DINNER:
At a local Restaurant
DAY 5: WINDLEY KEY STATE PARK/SECOND SNORKELING
BREAKFAST:
At a local Restaurant
MORNING:
Our next expert-led field trip is to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park in Islamorada. Formed of Key Largo limestone, or fossilized coral, this land was sold to the Florida East Coast Railroad, which used the stone to build Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s.
MORNING:
Our next expert-led field trip is to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park in Islamorada. Formed of Key Largo limestone, or fossilized coral, this land was sold to the Florida East Coast Railroad, which used the stone to build Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s.
LUNCH:
At a local restaurant
AFTERNOON:
We’ll return to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for our Second snorkeling field trip. As before, the specific location will be determined by the boat Captain based on weather, tidal conditions, and other pertinent factors.
DINNER:
At a local restaurant.
DAY 6: FREE MORNING/THIRD SNORKELING
BREAKFAST:
At a local Restaurant
MORNING:
FREE
LUNCH:
At a local restaurant.
AFTERNOON:
We’ll return to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for approximately 2.5 of Snorkeling. With our Group Leader and boat staff supervising, we’ll go snorkeling in the shallow-water coral reefs, vibrant with color and activity, to appreciate more of the biology of corals and their importance and see the fish swimming around.
DAY 7: END OF TOUR
BREAKFAST:
At a local Restaurant
MORNING:
Hotel Check out and return to Miami Airport Approx. return time 11:00 am
Lodging
OCEAN POINTE SUITES AT KEY LARGO
UNIQUE FEATURES
Ocean Pointe is an all-suite resort located directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Their 60 acres are part of a protected mangrove forest and is entered through a private gatehouse and road. Your vacation begins the moment you drive through our gatehouse entrance into their beautifully landscaped tropical grounds and enter your spacious room
FACILITY AMENITIES:
Oversized heated swimming pool with whirlpool spa
Free tennis on 2 lighted courts
Marina with boat ramp and rental slips
Waterfront cafe and lounge
Small, private white sand beach, volleyball court and kayak rentals
Courtesy guard at gatehouse
For kids there is also a children's play area.
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION:
Transportation from Miami Airport to Ocean Pointe Suites. Complimentary for all participants arriving to Miami Airport not later than 2:00 p.m. No reservation required. Need to be at Terminal H baggage claim 6 between 2:30 pm to 2:45 pm to take advantage of this complementary service. Transportation on 12 or 15 pax vans. Note: This is a one time transportation, since we are not a shuttle company. For a Shuttle Company we recommend Keys Shuttle Co. Tel 305-289-9997. Call to coordinate time.
At the end of the tour we will be returning to Miami Airport approx. 11:00 am
Additional Nights: Call Hotel directly for additional nights, mention you are part of GL Explorers Group.
What’s Included
6 nights Accommodations
17 meals ( 6B, 5L, 6D)
Expert Tour Director
Customary Gratuities
7 Field trips
You Might Like These Tours Too:
All Tours
Florida Keys Birding
Dry Tortugas National Park
FROM $1,837
Fort Myers Birdwatching
Southwest Florida
FROM $1,463
Christmas in the Keys
Key West
FROM $2,260
Puerto Rico Guided Tours
Puerto Rico and Culebra Island
FROM $1,999
Interested?
or give us a call at 800-971-3884