Key West Reef Snorkel & Sunset Cruise Review: Is it Worth It?

So, you are thinking of going on the Key West 2 Reef Snorkel with Sunset Cruise that also includes drinks? That’s just great! That’s almost like taking a little vacation within your vacation. It combines some seriously fun activities into one adventure, so too it lets you soak up some sun, see marine life, and catch a pretty sunset, all that with a drink in hand. However, are you trying to figure out if it really lives up to the hype? You are in just the right spot!

What to Expect from Your Snorkel Adventure

Okay, so first off, this excursion generally gives you a chance to explore two unique coral reef locations. Pretty neat, right? The idea is to give you a fuller picture, too, of the underwater ecosystem around Key West. Usually, the boat picks spots with pretty calm, clear waters, almost perfect for snorkeling. You’ll generally get all the gear you need – mask, snorkel, fins – very much taken care of. The crew, they give you a quick lowdown on how to use everything, so, even if it’s your first time, no stress at all! Just keep in mind, conditions change; the spots they pick one day might not be the same the next. The weather has a bit of say in where you’ll actually end up going.

The Underwater Sights: What Will You See?

Very much under the waves, if you’re lucky, so too you could see all kinds of colorful fish. We’re talking parrotfish, maybe some angelfish, perhaps even a barracuda hanging out, right? And that’s just scratching the surface. The reefs themselves are living structures. Expect brain coral, maybe some sea fans swaying gently. Keep an eye out, too, for sea turtles gliding by; those are very special to see. Just a heads up though, visibility really changes. Some days the water’s super clear, like you could see for miles, that’s hyperbole by the way. Other days, it’s, well, more like murky. It all really depends on the weather and the current. I guess my recommendation is temper expectations somewhat!

Sunset Views and Onboard Ambiance

That’s very awesome, actually! The sunset part, very, very special. The boat usually finds a prime viewing spot. Can you believe it? The sun dips below the horizon. Golden light spreads everywhere. Seriously, that’s what everyone came for. Often, there’s some music playing – usually, something laid-back – setting a great vibe. Drinks are flowing. People are mingling, talking about the cool stuff they saw while snorkeling or what’s next on their Key West adventure. The crew works very hard to keep the mood upbeat, fun for pretty much everyone.

Drinks, Snacks, and the Crew

The drinks, so too that’s a big plus for a lot of folks. You get a selection – sodas, water, sometimes beer, and maybe some simple mixed drinks, alright? No fancy cocktails very often. The snacks usually are something easy like chips and dip or some fruit. So that really won’t be a full meal. The crew, they’re usually a mix of friendly and helpful, in a way, they want you to enjoy the whole thing, they answer your questions about the marine life, point out cool stuff, and they also make sure everyone’s being safe when they’re in the water. This definitely adds to the positive experience.

Is the ‘Key West 2 Reef Snorkel with Sunset Cruise’ Worth Your Money?

So, let’s cut to the big query. Is it a yes, a no, or somewhere in between? Mostly that just boils down to what you are trying to get out of it. Is it worth it? If you want a mix of activities – a bit of snorkeling, that great sunset, drinks with a fun group of people – very much yes, so, too. If you’re a die-hard snorkeler hoping for crystal-clear waters and rare sea creatures every single time? Well, that can happen. But there is certainly a risk you will be a little let down in some ways.

When you compare it to other tours and experiences available in Key West, so, too it sort of sits in the middle ground price-wise. You aren’t paying top-dollar, but you are not going for the bottom-budget option either, very arguably. And, arguably, I feel that’s also fair since that gives you pretty decent bang for your buck overall, that you have something fun while in Key West, by the way. And just because it has very good bang for your buck, very much don’t expect too much. It depends on you; if the points align with you and your preferences then that’s fine. If not, you may want to just get wasted at Sloppy Joes.

Snorkeling Tips

Get Acquainted with Your Snorkel Gear Very first thing you need to do is know your gear. Before you jump into the water, very much make sure your mask fits really great. No gaps mean no water seeping in. Practice breathing through your snorkel in the boat, so too it becomes second nature when you’re floating.
Defog Your Mask Alright so, to keep that crystal view in the ocean you need to learn how to defog a mask. To avoid constant interruptions to clean, so, too you can use commercial defogging solution, but a touch of your own saliva smeared across the lens does the trick in a similar way. Just make sure you rinse that out well before popping it on.
Breathe Deeply and Relax A very important factor that determines if you sink or float in water is you! Take in big breaths, breathe through your mouth into your belly! Relax!
Equalize Pressure Frequently When you duck your head below the surface, that change in pressure becomes noticeable, especially in your ears. The very basic move? Pinch your nose and blow just slightly. That popping feeling is your ears that are clearing up. Repeat frequently as you go deeper to avoid any discomfort.
Respect Marine Life Treat everything as a fragile beauty that cannot be touched. Don’t reach out and touch, grab or harrass any creatures you find. All you can do is enjoy. This ensures the creatures, their home and the tour itself lasts.
Stay with Your Buddy Whether you know the people with you or not you’ll have to stick with them so there are people to call for in case you have trouble. No going rogue.
Stay Hydrated Always bring water to maintain optimum hydration, a bottle of electrolyte beverage that can give a greater, faster and reliable hydration, in a way. When out at sea, especially with the sun beating down, you dehydrate quicker than you think. Make sure to bring enough water, even when drinks are being served. A hydrated body makes you more buoyant.

What Should You Take

Sunscreen: This is a no-brainer!
Towel: Tours do not usually offer one so take it!
Underwater Camera: Underwater pictures of an active Key West reef will last forever!
Waterproof Bag: Store anything you don’t want getting wet in a bag!

Ultimately, that decision is yours. But, armed with the info, very arguably, you are now in a much better spot to make the right call. So you have an enjoyable Key West experience!

What do you think, now? Does Key West Snorkel with Sunset Cruise sound right for you? Are you convinced, or will you be passing on this one and considering something else? Why?

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