About John Pennekamp
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo was the first undersea park in the United States, established in 1963. The park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps. The underwater park protects a portion of the Florida Reef, the only living barrier coral reef in the continental United States.
Snorkeling and Diving
The park offers snorkeling and diving trips to the coral reef by boat. Popular reef sites include the Christ of the Abyss statue, a 9-foot bronze sculpture submerged in 25 feet of water, and the Molasses Reef area. Snorkeling trips depart at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM daily. Equipment rental is available at the park.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
For visitors who prefer to stay dry, glass-bottom boat tours provide views of the reef and marine life from above. The tours last approximately 2.5 hours and narrate the ecology of the reef system. This is a popular option for families with young children and seniors.
Day Trip from Central Florida
Key Largo is approximately 250 miles south of Orlando, a drive of about 4 to 4.5 hours via the Florida Turnpike and US-1. While it is a long day trip, BusBrother makes it comfortable by handling all the driving. Groups can depart early morning and return the same evening, or combine with an overnight stay in the Keys.
Official Resources & Links
Related Guides
Nearby Attractions
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