You've been waiting for this moment all year long. You're finally headed to the Florida Keys - your vacation destination - to engage in many fun activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and fishing in the Florida Keys. There are many spots along the Keys to swim and snorkel. You really need nothing more than your swimsuit, snorkeling gear, and a place to park your vehicle at one of the numerous beaches along the Overseas Highway. Fishing in the Florida Keys, however, may involve a little more planning especially if you're a novice fishing there.

If you're fishing in the Florida Keys, there are several types of fishing to choose from. One type of fishing is backcountry fishing in the Florida Everglades. Fishing in the backcountry will require that you hire a guide who knows the area well. It would be ill-advised to venture into the backcountry on your own if you're not famliar with the small channels where you can find redfish, bonefish, and tarpon. Fishing in the backcountry can be an enjoyable adventure but not recommended for the novice. If you decide to do this type of fishing, be advised that you may encounter a problem with mosquitoes when traversing the backcountry. Make sure that you carry plenty of repellent if you want to fish in the backcountry.

A popular type of fishing in the Florida Keys is party boat fishing which is recommended for the vacationer who is a novice fisherman. Party boats venture out to the scenic coral reef and around some of the shipwrecks where you can fish for king mackerel, snapper, and yellowtail. There are party boats available for half-day and full-day excursions. Party boat owners sometimes have crew members on hand who can show you how to fish and will even rent fishing gear to you if you don't have your own.

If you would like to fish in the back country or book space on a fishing boat, check with the concierge at your hotel. They can book space on a party boat that departs at a time convenient for you and can also get you in touch with a guide for backcountry fishing.

Few activities in life allow one to get closer to nature as snorkeling. As a result, many people list this activity as one of their favorite hobbies and seek out the best snorkeling spots on the globe.

In case you aren't familiar with snorkeling, this is when people swim with a diving mask and a special tube, which is called a snorkel. The snorkel is typically made out of rubber or plastic. Often a wetsuit is also worn in cold waters.

Snorkeling is very different from scuba diving in that with scuba diving you use an air tank, which allows you to stay underwater for an extended period of time. In contrast, those who are snorkeling swim along the surface with their heads underwater.

So what makes the best snorkeling? Ideally, you need clear blue water and interesting aquatic life. This means that a tropical setting is ideal. Some locations also offer old sunken ships to explore.

If you have never snorkeled before, that shouldn't be something to hold you back. Many tropical destinations offer instruction as well as equipment rental. Just ask around and make sure that the snorkeling company you choose is respected and has satisfied customers.

When you are looking for the best snorkeling options, you will find that there are many attractive tropical destinations that are ideal. Antigua is known for its rich snorkeling options, as is Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, which is famous for "Stingray City." Other fine options are, of course, the Curacao Underwater Marine Park in Curacao, The Grenadines and St. Martin.