Keys or gulf coast for a week?

[Transporter2112]

I have a Lancer 28 and am planning a week, possibly 2 this spring for a trip. I have been planning to go to the keys. This will be our first extensive cruise and we're looking for some advice. My brother is suggesting that we go to mobile and sail the Mississippi gulf coast hitting the barrier islands like Dauphin, dog and ship islands. He also has a trailer able boat and wants to join us if we only go to the gulf coast. It is half the driving distance for us to get to mobile instead of the keys, we are not divers so that is not a factor. We could get an extra day of sailing in if we only go to the gulf coast. So, the question is, if you had a choice of sailing grounds for a week, and it could be anywhere from Mississippi to North Carolina, including all of Florida, what would you choose and why?


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[Dulcesuenos]

If you like great snorkeling and pretty water then the keys gets my vote.

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[thomm225]

The water is much clearer/prettier (Caribbean Blue/Green) over by Pensacola, Ft Walton Beach, Destin, and Panama City if you are going to sail the Gulf Coast.

It's muddy along the Mississippi Coast including Alabama until you get all the way out to the islands like Ship Island.