I agree about the swim fins, and use a snorkel as well. Easy to get used to in a matter of minutes. If this appeals to you at all you wont just want to float by the boat, you'll want to casually paddle around and watch all the activity from the very shallow parts to the deeper parts-- again without having to dive at all. We go often and stay in the water until we are prunes.
More about the buoys, there are a limited number but we have never had any trouble getting one. My choice though is to go during the week when there is less traffic.
If you dont get that far down the Keys and would like to try this go to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Key Largo. There you have the choice of taking a glass bottom boat out to the reef, take a snorkeling tour with a group (they supply your equipment or you can use your own), or launch your own boat and go out to the reef. This area is much more spread out and generally deeper. Again, know the rules about anchoring and such. We prefer the more remote, shallower, and less traffic'ed Looe Key. Plus its a nice sail out to there. At Pennekamp you motor out through some distance of Mangrove channels before hitting the open water and the reef.
More about the buoys, there are a limited number but we have never had any trouble getting one. My choice though is to go during the week when there is less traffic.
If you dont get that far down the Keys and would like to try this go to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Key Largo. There you have the choice of taking a glass bottom boat out to the reef, take a snorkeling tour with a group (they supply your equipment or you can use your own), or launch your own boat and go out to the reef. This area is much more spread out and generally deeper. Again, know the rules about anchoring and such. We prefer the more remote, shallower, and less traffic'ed Looe Key. Plus its a nice sail out to there. At Pennekamp you motor out through some distance of Mangrove channels before hitting the open water and the reef.