7 days Miami and Keys trip - highlights recommendations

[vmattiola]

I have a 40ft Hunter (4.5ft draft) for 7 days with a group of nonsailor friends starting/ending in Miami with intentions to explore the Keys. Their priorities are, snorkeling, spear fishing, beaches, bars, sailing (not motoring). We're ok doing a nonstop back to Miami from Key West or somewhere south, and slowly meandering down the islands the first five days or so. This is a hearty bunch of young professionals who want to learn to sail, spend at least 5 hours under sail each morning, then anchor to snorkel/explore, and party into the night.

My experience has been primarily nonstop along the Keys chain delivering, so I was hoping to get some suggestions for highlights to visit, and particularly any good anchorages we can dinghy ashore to a good bar from too.

Thanks in advance!


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[Tetra]

We did that trip just about this time last year. Sailing from Dinner Key, we stopped at Rodriguez Key, Long Key, Saddlebunch Keys and then off Boo Boo Key in the Marquesas. For snorkeling, you'll have many choices down Florida Reef (Molasses Reef was our favorite). Our trip is documented here: John and Tandy sail the Keys!

Have fun. It's a great trip.