[Hudlander]

I am considering going to the keys sometime between December through February for 3-4 nights solo.
I have a tight budget but I also can use hotel and airline points.
Had a few questions.

1) Are there any tour groups which go? I am concerned about going alone and being lonely.
2) In that time period, when is the best time to go where you can swim, get a good sun at the beach, and be more affordable?
3) Are there any places in the Keys where a single guy can go, hangout, meet people and make friends?
4) My hobby is surfing/bodyboarding. Can you do this in the Keys or is this more of a flat surf for swimming/floating and snorkling?

Thanks.

[doggiebus]

The keys really doesn't have many beaches. Most of the beaches you will find are man made and located at hotel. That said there are a few small beaches in the keys that are open to the public. People don't surf or bodyboard in the keys because the waves really aren't there and/or its just to rocky to do so. Kite surfing is big, kayaking, paddle boarding snorkeling and diving are other great water sports.

Dec - Feb is a nice time to visit. January is usually very windy. February is nice, depending on the cool fronts the water may be chilly. December will probably be your warmest of the three months. All three months are part of high tourist season in the keys, so hotel rates will be higher. Low season for the keys is June - November.

[mateo384]

its such a bummer Key West doesn't have a beach, like let's say Clearwater Beach or Siesta Key.

[MiamiRob]

^ mateo? either way the Keys are stunning even with out the "hardcore" beaches as we Floridians are used too. You can snorkel and the coral reefs are amazing.

[mateo384]

I know that. But with a great beach, it would be REALLY perfect.

[Hudlander]

Thanks!
So where do you go to swim on the keys?

[Florida Vince]

Originally Posted by Hudlander

Thanks!
So where do you go to swim on the keys?

Pretty much anywhere. The Keys are over 100 miles long spread out across hundreds of islands and ending at Key West. The Keys are surrounded by a barrier reef and beautiful water, so swimming is not the issue but getting past the mangroves and coral rocks is. You'll find plenty of areas along the way to swim. Just be a little adventurous and get off the beaten path or try Bahia Honda state park or the beaches in Key West. Here's a link to them - (Key West Beach Information | Florida Keys Beaches).

Don't go in thinking you'll find miles and miles of Hawaiian style sandy beaches or you'll be disappointed. Most of those in the Keys are either diving from a boat, carefully wading from shore or using one of the public beaches listed above.

[bigh110]

Originally Posted by Hudlander

I am considering going to the keys sometime between December through February for 3-4 nights solo.
I have a tight budget but I also can use hotel and airline points.
Had a few questions.

1) Are there any tour groups which go? I am concerned about going alone and being lonely.
2) In that time period, when is the best time to go where you can swim, get a good sun at the beach, and be more affordable?
3) Are there any places in the Keys where a single guy can go, hangout, meet people and make friends?
4) My hobby is surfing/bodyboarding. Can you do this in the Keys or is this more of a flat surf for swimming/floating and snorkling?

Thanks.

to answer your questions
lots of dive shops have tour group trips down here to go diving. Not too sure about any other tour groups sponsoring trips.
I would say go in December (1st choice) or February (2nd choice) I have see some cold fronts come through in January 2010 where the water actually hit the low 60's and dagnabbit, i had to use the heater!! so i am a little biased towards January myself

my favorite "gotta pay money" beaches are Bahia Honda state park around MM38 it voted the best beach in America in back in 1992. you can rent kayaks there and they have a snorkel boat to take you out to the reef. in key west there is fort Zachary Taylor state park with great near shore snorkeling, a bit rocky of a beach but really nice sunsets. my favorite free beach is Sunset park on Ramrod key turn at Mako Ave just down from boondocks Bar and follow the road to the end to get to sunset park. lots of locals cooking out and drinking just enjoying the sun and water. also in marathon there is sombrero beach worth an honorable mention. contrary to popular belief there is a long stretch of beaches in key west but i never really take advantage of them so i can really rate them for ya.

A single guy is going to have the most luck along Duval street in key west if they are trying to get lucky try all the bars but Irish Kevin's has worked for me in the past. if you are trying to get lucky on a budget go to the brass monkey bar in marathon. they have the cheapest drinks in all of the keys! if all else fails, Coconuts Bar on big pine key is open till 4:30AM. if you are not an introvert and will strike up a conversation with a total stranger than you will have no problems meeting people. just watch out cuz some people you just don't want to meet if ya catch my drift!

you will not surf/bodyboard in the keys unless you go out to the reef about six miles offshore and catch the smaller size breakers created by the reef. the water is flat and often shallow for several hundred feet form shore. there are places to para sail/kite board or better yet paddle board. swimming and snorkeling not a problem. there is a really cool guided kayak tour at the old wooden bridge in Big Pine Key. if its a full moon they have a awesome night tour!

if you are looking for a free place to stay in the keys and don't mind homeless people there is always KOTS. (Keys Overnight Temporary Shelter) on stock island. as for cheap that really won't happen in the keys during your time frame unless you can find another traveler to supplement your room costs. i wont be there in January and friends are using my place in February but you could always pitch a tent in my front yard till the neighbors complain like they did when all the hippies i met at sombrero beach and the hippie bus arrived onsite.
anyway good luck on your adventure and if you are down there in early December (when i will happily return to roost again in BPK!!) let me know and maybe we can do some fishing and or drinking

[Irishtom29]

At what time of year are the least people visiting the Keys?

[Cubanchic]

Originally Posted by Irishtom29

At what time of year are the least people visiting the Keys?

Right about now, but we also have the cruise industry that dumps tons of tourist on the weekends and they are here all day until five, then it is just the folks that are staying in the keys proper.