Dive, figuratively or literally, into America’s first underwater park, located amid colorful marine life in the blue waters surrounding Key Largo, Florida.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is unique for its location under the sea, the first subaquatic park in the United States. The park has ample space on land for beach activities. The real attraction is the massive 70 nautical square miles (240 square kilometers) area in the water. Explore the park in both your sneakers and your swimsuit.

Find the state park on Key Largo, northeast of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Start your visit on solid ground walking along the park’s several trails. Take a leisurely stroll under the shade of mangrove and tamarind trees while colorful birds chirp around you. Enjoy a picnic outdoors or go swimming at the sandy beach.

Stop at the Visitor Center and learn about the fascinating ecosystems of the Florida Keys. Watch a nature video in the theater or check out the marine life inside a large saltwater aquarium.

Take a glass-bottom boat tour to discover the world below the ocean surface. Spend a couple hours floating through the water while creatures including sea turtles, sharks and barracudas pass you by.

Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the water at your own pace. Paddle around surreal-looking mangrove trees and watch for dolphins playing in the water.

Explore new depths on a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion. Swim surrounded by nearly 600 varieties of fish and 40 species of coral. Check out the famous Christ of the Deep, a massive 8.5-foot (2.6-meter) bronze sculpture of Jesus that sits on the ocean floor about 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 7.5 meters) below the surface.

Set aside several hours if you take a scuba diving or snorkeling tour. Come prepared with your swimsuit tour packages include equipment rental and an instruction session. Note that there is a minimum age requirement for these activities.

Visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park daily until sunset. Reserve a campsite to stay overnight. The park entrance fee doesn’t cover special activities such as the glass-bottom boat, snorkeling or scuba tours. Because it is such a popular destination, book your tickets in advance to ensure availability.

Plan a trip to see John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

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Palazzo Lakeside Hotel

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Jan 29 - Feb 4

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Tokyo (TYO) to Orlando (MCO)

8/10 Very Good! (4,874 reviews)

Treatment from personal was awesome

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2024

Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive

Florida Center

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Jan 29 - Feb 4

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Tokyo (TYO) to Orlando (MCO)

8.4/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)

The staff was nice. This area didn’t really have walking distance restaurants like the other side of I-drive. This hotel also has an old feel to it. It definitely needs a face lift. Over all 6/10

Reviewed on Dec 3, 2024

SIRTAJ - Beverly Hills

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Tokyo (HND) to Los Angeles (LAX)

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Very nice and worked with us on our late check in

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2024

Reviews of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

4.4

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

320

4 - Good

189

3 - Okay

48

2 - Disappointing

11

1 - Terrible

7

5/5 - Excellent

KM

Go early or late, as parking is first come. Nice little beach. Would definitely do the glass bottom boat or snorkeling if we had planned ahead for it. Nice visitor center and it is currently being updated.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked the free aquarium. Beach was nice. Nice trail identify trails. Spent z few hours there. We got there around 9. By noon it eas crowded.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Costs $9 entry fee each time you come here and that does not include or discount any additional paid activities. Went on the glass bottom boat (amazing and well informed crew) and came back for snorkeling. Waves were pretty high but they took us out anyway. I would not recommend snorkeling in rough waters. I get that they need to make money but it wasn't too fun to keep drinking water. Crew was very helpful and nice to passengers. We had a great time on both visits.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Costs $9 entry fee each time you come here and that does not include or discount any additional paid activities. Went on the glass bottom boat (amazing and well informed crew) and came back for snorkeling. Waves were pretty high but they took us out anyway. I would not recommend snorkeling in rough waters. I get that they need to make money but it wasn't too fun to keep drinking water. Crew was very helpful and nice to passengers. We had a great time on both visits.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Costs $9 entry fee each time you come here and that does not include or discount any additional paid activities. Went on the glass bottom boat (amazing and well informed crew) and came back for snorkeling. Waves were pretty high but they took us out anyway. I would not recommend snorkeling in rough waters. I get that they need to make money but it wasn't too fun to keep drinking water. Crew was very helpful and nice to passengers. We had a great time on both visits.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Costs a $9 entry fee each time you come here, and that does not include or discount any additional paid activities. Went on the glass boat and snorkeling tours. Waves were high on snorkeling but they took us out anyway. Very hard to snorkel. Would not recommend with high waves. Crews in both cases were very nice and helpful. Glassboat crew is amazing and well informed.

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