Great video. I have been 3 times. Last time I went via sea plane in October 2022. Was right after Hurricane Ian so it was a little banged up. The water was rough too, so the best snorkeling by the coal mining ruins was almost impossible. Too rough and too cloudy. The Mote wall was still doable. The first two times I went I did snorkel by the coal mining ruins and that is the best part. I highly suggest you take the sea plane if you can and plan it for the time period the yankee freedom is not running due to maintenance. This happens atleast once a year. You will be one of the only people on the island. Its great.
Hi, thank you. That is a very nice comment, I appreciate it. I’m too old to toss in hype and glitz, so I will just stick with useful information and hope it’s appreciated.
Heading there in June via the Yankee Freedom, so this is a nice preview--thanks! Seemed like most of the coral is already bleached, but that's happening everywhere.
Hi, you're welcome. Thanks for watching. I hope the coral fares better this year. I did see some recover in Ft Lauderdale between last summer and this January. Have fun.
Hi, thank you. I used an Osmo Action 4 . It's a great all round action camera, and the best in the water for my money. Unfortunately, 2 weeks ago it fell into the South China Sea as we were returning from a snorkeling trip around Na Trang, Vietnam. I lost the footage of the dives, boats, swallow sanctuary, and most importantly a day of spearfishing and dinner on the beach in Phu Quoc. Not the cameras fault, the mount on the stick I used just fell off. Not a good feeling. My next Osmo Action 4 is arriving Tuesday.
Thank you so much for your educational video! I'm heading there for a trip of a lifetime in a couple of weeks. Do you have any advice regarding equipment for a beginner snorkeler?
Hi, thank you. If you’re going to be renting snorkel gear I recommend that you take some time to make sure the mask fits properly. While in the shop, without putting the straps over your head, put the mask in place and suck in a tiny bit through your nose. The mask should snug up to your face and stay in place without any air leaks. If you need to try a couple different ones till one fits. For the fins, I recommend wearing a pair of short socks with them. That will keep them from rubbing your skin on a long snorkel. Finally either pick up a small bottle of defogger for the mask, or use some saliva and rub it around the inside of each mask lens just before you go in. Then rinse it out with the ocean water. That will help keep it from fogging up. Finally, I just suggest making sure the current or waves aren’t too much for your abilities and then relax and have fun. If you’re going to be buying gear I recommend going to a professional dive shop, they are all over the keys. In Key West my favorite is Divers Supply. A professional shop will have a large selection, help you fit the gear and make sure that you get the right equipment. Have a great trip!
Just got back and we had a blast. What a beautiful location! We took your advice and made sure that our masks fit properly and has defogger on hand. Thank you so so much! Your video was so helpful.
Enjoyed your video. We're heading there in February. I'm wondering if they offer flotation vests with the snorkeling equipment they supply. Do you know if they are available? Thank you.
nice fish identifications and comments, however, the last was not a mantaray, it i a female southern stingray & she attracted a male (they r smaller than the females).
Hi, thank you very much for letting me know. I didn't realize that the southern rays got that large. That puts a whole different spin on their encounter :)
Hi, I believe the water is generally about 8 feet. Swimming around the whole moat might be a bit much for young folks unless they are used to the water. But there’s a couple places, such as the pilings, where they could go without too far of a swim.
