http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20127 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20127 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19964
The dorms are basic, but there's a fantastic open-sided dining room/common area with the sea lapping against the supports. The food is good and plentiful, and the price is really good value (50 ringgit per night, full board). Make sure you book in advance though, and tell them that you want to dive at Sipadan, as there are only limited spots on the trip each day and people had to wait a few days if they had just turned up.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19964 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17838 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17838 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17607
I'd recommend it for those on a budget as the snorkelling rivals any organised trip on the Great Barrier Reef and can be done to your own schedule.

Stay at the nearby campsite for a few days and you can venture out on to the reef as many times as you like and see reef sharks, turtles, trumpet fish, octopuses, you name it. It's also handy if you fancy doing a diving course without being out at sea for days, or if you want to take in a leisurely glass-bottom boat tour. It's best to visit outside of the school holidays.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17607 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16821 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16821 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16449
The beds are huge and comfy, cocktails are highly recommended (although beware - you can put all your food and drink costs on your room bill so be careful or it'll take you by surprise when you check out!) and you can dine on fresh coconut and starfruit for breakfast.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16449 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15892 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15892 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15891 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15891 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15199 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15199 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15195
Some info that i would have found useful/interesting before going: Its reputation is accurate - it is fun and fashionable, and the price of eating and drinking is more comparable to western European cities than other parts of Croatia/other towns on Hvar island.

Hvar town is beautiful but very busy in July and August (although if you want to party then this is great!).

If sandy beaches are your thing, then Hvar probably isn't. The beaches are either pebbles or large rocks (can be uncomfortable).

There are sea urchins! Buy some rubber shoes.
Snorkelling is great, definitely worth investing in a snorkel kit.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15195 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15193 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15193 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15192
We headed for a little sheltered cove off to the right of the beach which was meant to be for nudists. Not only does this have shade from the trees, but there were less people. The majority of people sunbathing there weren't nude, and as long as the odd naked couple doesn't disturb you, it's ideal! Great snorkelling here too, as on most beaches in Hvar.

Good restaurant on beach with BBQ fish and meat.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15192 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12267 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12267 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8559
A two hour trip takes you out to Cayo Blanco, a tiny island covered in scrub and coral which you will have more or less to yourself – though you will have to share it with the iguanas! The island is uninhabited, though there is an outdoor restaurant. You will get a slap-up lobster, chicken and salad buffet (all food and drink is included in cost of the trip) – generous tips are a must as they don’t get paid much by the government!

After letting your dinner go down with a 30 minute walk around the island, grab your snorkelling gear and swim out to the reef. With a shallow bottom, you can really appreciate the numerous tropical fish species, black coral, sponges, turtles and shellfish. I was followed around by a large barracuda, but managed to shake him off by swimming in close to the beach. There is also a wreck that attracts lots of fish. Noberto will point you in the direction of the best places to snorkel.

We loved this trip so much we booked it again the next day, and having made friends with the skippers, they let us helm the boat and showed us how to put up the sails. A fantastic end to our trip in Cuba – we didn’t want to go home!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8559 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8406
Be prepared for a mighty feast, some lethal Vietnamese wine, serious drinking games and a boat full of travellers.

Snorkeling and food/drink is included. It's one hell of an experience.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8406 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7104 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7104 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4263
You can do Key West and back in a day from Miami, but it's a long day.

If you've more time, make a day or two of it in Key West (see separate posting) and if you don't, you can get a flavour of what the laid-back Keys are all about (fishing, diving, snorkelling, seafood etc) by heading for Key Largo and/or Islamoroda towards the top of the island chain.

The John Pennekamp State Park on Key Largo has many facilities, including a glass-bottom boat tour if you don't fancy getting wet.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4263 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3547 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3547