At Mile Marker 102.5 in Key Largo, Florida, the northernmost island in the Florida Keys, families will find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. As the US’s first underwater park, it protects over 70 square nautical miles of ocean, coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove habitats throughout the Florida Keys. Visitors can join offshore guided boat tours, kayaking, swimming, fishing and more. Here are some of the top things to do at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
11 SPLASHY Things to Do at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Stop by the Visitor Center and Aquarium
Take a Mangrove Hike
Spot Wildlife
Snorkel and Dive
Kayak
Paddleboard
Canoe
Fish
Take a Glass-bottom Boat Tour
Picnic
Camp in the Park
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Brief History: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
In the 1950s, marine biologist Dr. Gilbert Voss documented damage to the reefs caused by souvenir hunters removing marine life. Dr. Voss and John D. Pennekamp, involved in the creation of Everglades National Park, campaigned for the protection of the coral reefs. In 1960, President Eisenhower proclaimed the Key Largo Coral Reef Preserve, and soon after it became John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Today, the park encompasses a large reef tract containing numerous patch reefs and a multitude of coral species. Visitors may encounter dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, lobsters, mollusks, manatees and more.
On our last trip, we watched nurse sharks vigorously feeding on the reef, digging into the coral as they searched for food. These predators glide effortlessly in and out of the coral and sea fans, seemingly oblivious to our presence as the smaller, colorful fish swim around us with curiosity.
I was about 12 years old when my dad took me to swim and experience the coral reefs for the first time. I’ve returned many times over the years, and now my dad and I take my children, continuing a tradition that began with just the two of us more than 30 years ago.
Conservation Tip: Make sure to apply reef-safe sunscreen to protect the reefs during your day-long adventure at Pennekamp.
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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Visitor Center and Aquarium
The Visitor Center features a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, several smaller aquariums, nature exhibits and a movie auditorium screening nature videos.
Visitors can also virtually explore shipwrecks near Key Largo at the Maritime Heritage Exhibit inside the Visitor Center and learn about artifacts and discoveries made by maritime archaeologists.
Throughout the day, park rangers set up learning stations where visitors can explore marine specimens, learn about different fish species, touch corals, and more. Rangers are available to answer questions about the park and marine life, and visitors can find resources regarding coral restoration projects throughout the Florida Keys.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Visitor Center and Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is located at 102601 Overseas Highway, near Cannon Beach.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Boat Tours
The heart of John Pennekamp State Park is beneath the water. The park offers several ways to experience its coral reefs, from glass-bottom boat tours to snorkeling and scuba diving excursions.
Pennekamp Diving Excursions
The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park diving excursions are four-hour, two-location, two-tank dives. Certification is required, and the price includes tanks and weights.
The dive shop offers an instructor-led introductory scuba experience for non-certified beginners, and full PADI Open Water certification programs.
Pennekamp Snorkel Excursions
Offshore snorkel boat tours are approximately two and a half hours with one hour at the reef site. All participants are required to swim. A safety vest is provided and must be worn in the water. The first reef boats leave at 9 a.m. Plan on arriving early, as reservations must be confirmed an hour prior to departure at the dive shop. The last boat tour departs at 3:00 p.m.
The boat remains on the reef while you snorkel. You are free to get on and off the boat during the reef portion.
Pennekamp Glass-Bottom Boat Excursions
Glass-bottom boat tours are approximately two and a half hours and typically travel to Molasses Reef but can travel to various other shallow reefs depending on weather and seasonal conditions. Approximately one and a half hours are spent at the reef.
Boat Excursions Information and Recommendations
Boat tours can be reserved online; I highly recommend reserving in advance of your visit.
Tours are available for purchase at the dive shop based on availability; on weekends and holidays, that can mean waiting several hours for a boat. Online reservations allow you to choose your preferred tour and plan your day of adventure at Pennekamp.
Once you arrive at the park, check-in at the dive shop for your scheduled boat tour. The dive shop offers snorkeling gear, waterproof bags, disposable underwater cameras, towels, reef-safe sunscreen and other essentials.
Boat operators will let you know which reef you are visiting and provide information about the site once on board. Boats have two attendants, typically very informative and helpful. They provide reef-safe sunscreen, fresh water and a bathroom on board.
On dive and snorkel excursions, small children who cannot swim stay on board the boat with an adult. I have seen families switch out halfway through the reef trip to care for younger children on board. Pennekamp does not have age requirements; however, swimming skills are required. All ages are welcome on the glass-bottom boat – no swimming required, as you stay onboard for the duration of the excursion.
All boat tour destinations are determined by weather and sea conditions. Schedule changes seasonally.
Rentals can be booked at the dive shop: Coral Reef Park Company, Inc. at John Pennekamp State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Swimming
Cannon Beach is accessible by walking from the main parking lot and offers swimming and snorkeling at no additional cost.
About 100 feet offshore, you can swim out to an underwater Spanish shipwreck replica from the 17th century. The beach is home to seagrass beds and mangroves where you can freely explore the fish, crabs and other marine life, as you wait for your boat tour.
Far Beach is a quieter place to swim and relax under the palm trees.
Swimming at both beaches is at your own risk. No Lifeguards. Snorkeling equipment, including masks, fins, snorkels and safety vests, are available to rent at the dive shop, or you can bring your own equipment.
More Ways to Explore at Pennekamp State Park
John Pennekamp State Park Hiking
The park offers three short nature trails, each showcasing a different habitat:
- The Wild Tamarind Trail is a .3-mile loop through tropical hardwood hammock.
- The Grove Trail is a .6-mile trail through the hammock that ends at a historic fruit grove.
- The Mangrove Trail is a .3-mile trail along the park’s unique coastal environment.
John Pennekamp State Park Fishing
Three designated areas along the park allow saltwater fishing from shore. Fishing from a boat or water vessel is permitted in park waters.
A Florida saltwater fishing license is generally required if over 18 years old. Bring your own fishing equipment; fishing gear rentals are not available. Park rangers are available to help answer questions regarding fishing regulations.
Ranger Programming at Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Learn more about what is beneath the water at a ranger program.
At the visitor center, Pennekamp offers Junior Ranger activities, along with ranger-led programs and nature walks.
The park rangers offer evening ranger programs at The Point during late-fall and winter seasons. Day-use visitors can attend evening programs with a special pass from the ranger station. Ask at the ranger station or visitor center when you arrive for specific programs.
Florida State Parks Junior Ranger Program
Children of all ages can pick-up the Florida State Parks Junior Ranger booklets at the Visitor Center and work toward the official Florida State Parks Junior Ranger patch. The program is free once you enter the park.
BARK at Pennekamp State Park
Yes, pets are permitted in designated areas. The state’s BARK guidelines are:
B–Bag waste and dispose of it in the trash
A–Always leash your dog for their safety and others
R–Respect wildlife
K–Know where you can go
Pets are not permitted on beaches, park buildings or boardwalks and leashes must be no longer than six feet.
For more information, visit the park’s page for visiting with pets John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park | Florida State Parks
Picnicking at John Pennekamp State Park
Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the park. Bring your cooler and picnic lunch to enjoy your day at the park.
The Blue Heron Cafe food truck is stationed between Cannon Beach and the dive shop. A large covered pavilion with picnic tables is located next to the food truck. The Blue Heron offers casual, freshly made food from their grill, beverages and ice cream.
The dive shop also sells snacks. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in public park areas.
Where to Eat in Key Largo
Right outside Pennekamp State Park are a variety of places to eat. You will find Publix supermarkets both north and south of the park to purchase all your picnic essentials.
My recommendations:
- John’s General Store
- An old-fashioned general store and souvenir stop for snacks and drinks, and known for the best fish dip in Key Largo.
- Located at 102700 Overseas Highway, across the street from Pennekamp.
- Key Largo Fisheries
The location includes a seafood market, marina and Backyard Cafe. This is our favorite stop to eat for fresh seafood, overlooking the marina.
Located at 1313 Ocean Bay Drive (mile marker 99
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- Tower of Pizza is a family-owned casual spot for pizza, pasta, and salads.
- Located at 100600 Overseas Highway.
Keys Chocolate and Ice Cream
A short walk and next door, you will find ice cream, homemade fudge, chocolates and a variety of key lime treats.
Located at 1004700 Overseas Highway.
Camping at John Pennekamp State Park
A full-facility, year-round campground with tent and RV sites is available inside the state park. Reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are welcome, based on availability.
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- The maximum number of people: eight
- Each site has electric, water/sewer hookups, dump station
- Table and grill
- The large campground bathhouse has bathrooms, showers and laundry machines.
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Family-friendly Lodging near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
These are my top two recommendations for families visiting the state park:
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- Next door to Pennekamp
- Free Breakfast
- A private beach and pool
- Bayfront setting
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Located at 102400 Overseas Hwy, Mile Marker 102.4, Key Largo.
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- Roughly one and a half miles from the state park
- Feature full kitchens
- Larger multi-bedroom accommodations
- Waterfront setting
- pool
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Located at 101910 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo.
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- Roughly three miles away
- Two outdoor pools
- Marina
- On-site restaurants
- Located at 99701 Overseas Highway, Key Largo.
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Exploring Key Largo
Key Largo is a laid-back seaside town with plenty to see and do: restaurants, parks, shopping, museums, and more.
Stop at the Florida Keys Visitor Center, 106000 Overseas Highway. The Key Largo Visitor Center is a great place to pick up maps, get recommendations and learn about the surrounding area.
My family enjoys making a stop at Shell World, 97600 Overseas Highway, open daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. We enjoy looking at all the shells, books and unique items. The store has been open for over 50 years and makes for a fun stop.
Visiting John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located at 102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, mile marker 102.5. The park is open from 8 a.m. till sunset, year-round. Admission is $8 per vehicle for two to eight occupants.
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