Kennedy Space Centre, situated on Florida's Space Coast, is America's premier space exploration destination — a working NASA facility and visitor complex that celebrates decades of human spaceflight through world-class exhibits, real hardware and immersive, behind-the-scenes experiences.
USA: Florida, Florida Keys – John Pennekamp State Park
🌊America’s First Undersea Park
Established in 1963 on the shores of Key Largo in the Florida Keys, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park holds a singular distinction: it was the first undersea park in the United States. Named after John D. Pennekamp, a Miami newspaper editor whose passionate advocacy helped rescue the Florida Keys’ fragile reefs from commercial exploitation, the park covers roughly 70 nautical square miles of Atlantic Ocean waters, extending three miles offshore and stretching approximately 25 miles in length. Together with the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, it safeguards around 178 nautical square miles of living coral reef — the only formation of its kind in the continental United States. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, Pennekamp is not merely a park but a landmark in American conservation history. Its creation came after decades of concern over the destruction caused by souvenir hunters who were dynamiting and chiselling coral from the reefs, stripping what took thousands of years to form. Today, that legacy of protection endures, drawing more than a million visitors annually and consistently ranking as one of Florida’s most popular state parks.
🐠Marine Wonders Above and Below the Surface
The heart of Pennekamp is its spectacular underwater world, teeming with over 600 species of fish and 70 species of coral. Visitors can explore the reefs in a variety of ways, from leisurely glass-bottom boat tours that glide over Molasses Reef — located some six and a half miles offshore — to guided snorkelling excursions that hover above shallow inner reefs at depths of five to fifteen feet. Certified divers can descend to deeper formations through the park’s PADI Five-Star Gold Palm dive shop, which offers courses ranging from open-water certification through to instructor level. One of the most iconic underwater sights is the Christ of the Abyss, an eight-and-a-half-foot bronze statue of Jesus standing in nearly 25 feet of water near North Dry Rocks — a breathtaking encounter for snorkellers and divers alike. The Visitor Centre adds a land-based dimension to the marine experience, featuring a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, regular fish feedings, natural history exhibits and a maritime heritage display. For those more comfortable staying dry, the glass-bottom catamaran accommodates up to 130 passengers and offers an unobstructed view of the reef below.
Trails, Beaches and Life Above the Waterline
Beyond its celebrated reefs, John Pennekamp offers a rich landscape of terrestrial and coastal habitats that reward exploration at a gentler pace. The park maintains three well-marked nature trails through two distinct environments: the Mangrove Trail, a boardwalk loop offering views over estuaries and an elevated observation tower; the Wild Tamarind Trail, which winds through lush tropical hardwood hammock; and the Grove Trail, which terminates at a cultural grove replanted with the tropical fruit trees favoured by early Key Largo pioneers. For paddlers, 50 miles of marked mangrove wilderness trails can be explored by canoe or kayak, with rentals available on site. Two man-made beaches cater to swimmers — Cannon Beach, the primary snorkelling beach with the remnants of a Spanish shipwreck just offshore, and the palm-fringed Far Beach, a more relaxed spot for sunbathing. We stayed in the campground during our visit and can heartily recommend it: the pitches sit just feet from the ocean’s edge, making for a wonderfully atmospheric base. Wildlife around the campsite is very much part of the experience — large iguanas were regular visitors, and far from being a concern, they proved rather useful in keeping other insects and small creatures at bay. The one thing worth preparing for is the no-see-ums — tiny biting midges, sometimes called biting gnats or sand flies — which can be persistent. Happily, they are manageable in much the same way as mosquitoes, and dealing with the odd buzzing companion is, after all, all part of being in Florida
Arriving at the campsite mid-afternoon, we found that most of the organised activities had wound down for the day — so we decided to make the most of the remaining daylight in the simplest way possible. Grabbing our snorkels, we made our way down to the beach for a late-afternoon dip. The beach area at John Pennekamp is beautifully sheltered, making it an ideal spot for families with younger swimmers, and ending the day with a leisurely swim in the warm Atlantic waters was a treat in itself. That said, if snorkelling is the draw, it is worth knowing that the shoreline itself offers relatively little in the way of marine spectacle — the real magic lies out at the reefs, a short distance offshore. For the full underwater experience that Pennekamp is renowned for, booking one of the guided snorkelling or diving boat tours is very much the way to go. The beach, by contrast, is perfect for a relaxed swim and a gentle introduction to the park’s waters — a lovely way, as it turned out, to ease into what promised to be a memorable stay.
On the second day of our stay, we were keen to make the most of everything the park had to offer, so we set our sights on two of its headline experiences — kayaking through the mangrove inlets and a snorkelling trip out to the reef. As it turned out, fitting both into a single day is entirely achievable, and we would highly recommend doing exactly that.
We started with the kayaks, paddling out into the network of narrow channels that wind through the mangroves. It is a wonderfully peaceful way to experience this remarkable ecosystem — the channels are tight and atmospheric, with the dense mangrove canopy pressing in on either side. Whilst the area is not known to be inhabited by alligators or crocodiles, the mangroves are very much wild Florida, and we were quite happy to stay in our boats rather than test the waters — the possibility of snakes in the undergrowth was enough of a reminder that nature here operates very much on its own terms. After an hour or so of paddling, we had well and truly earned a rest, and headed back to the campsite to recharge ahead of the afternoon’s snorkelling excursion out to the reef.
That afternoon, the conditions out at sea could not have been more favourable — with barely 30 centimetres of swell on the water, we headed out on a guided snorkelling tour to explore the reef. The main reef formations lie a few kilometres offshore, but the water above them is surprisingly shallow, rarely exceeding two to two-and-a-half metres even at low tide, which makes for ideal snorkelling conditions. The boat dropped us around 12 metres from the reef, and from there we slipped into the clearest of waters and made our way across.
What greeted us beneath the surface was simply stunning. Large schools of brilliantly coloured fish moved in fluid formation through and around the coral polyps, and the sheer variety of both fish and coral on display was remarkable. Laura, who was relatively new to snorkelling, gave it a tremendous go and was rewarded with some wonderful close-up views of the fish life around her. The standout moments, however, belonged to the encounters with larger marine creatures. We were fortunate enough to spot several barracuda and sharks — and Karen and Jack found themselves within a couple of metres of a nearly two-metre bull shark, a species that commands considerable respect. Happily, the size of our group appeared to be deterrent enough, and it moved on without incident. For my part, a close encounter with a graceful stingray was a highlight I won’t forget in a hurry.
One thing to be mindful of in these waters is jellyfish. The large moon jellyfish — plate-sized and rather striking — are less of a concern, but the Portuguese Man-of-War, though smaller, carries a very unpleasant sting and should be given a wide berth. Karen and Emily spotted one during the tour and wisely kept their distance. All in all, this was an extraordinary experience — and one that is genuinely rare on the continental United States. If you find yourself in the Florida Keys or anywhere in South Florida, a visit to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for a reef snorkelling tour is very much worth the effort.
Planning your visit to John Pennekamp State Park
🌊 Overview
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located in Key Largo at the northern gateway to the Florida Keys, holds the distinction of being the first undersea park in the United States. Established in 1963 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles of protected ocean, extending three miles into the Atlantic and stretching roughly 25 miles in length. Together with the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the protected area covers around 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps.
The park is named after John D. Pennekamp, a Miami newspaper editor whose tireless conservation journalism was instrumental in safeguarding the reef and helping to establish Everglades National Park. Today, the park protects the only living coral reef in the continental United States and draws visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its extraordinary underwater landscapes.
📍 Location
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is situated on the ocean side of the Overseas Highway (US 1) at Mile Marker 102.5 in Key Largo, Florida.
Address: 102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5), Key Largo, FL 33037
Getting there from Miami: Take Florida’s Turnpike south to its end, where it becomes US Highway 1. Continue on US 1 into the Florida Keys. The park entrance will be on your left at Mile Marker 102.5.
🌐 Website
The official park concessionaire website is pennekamppark.com, which provides information on tours, rentals, camping, and reservations. The Florida State Parks page can be found at floridastateparks.org.
📞 Contact
General enquiries (front gate): (305) 451-1202 Tours & concessions: (305) 451-6300 Dive shop – scuba tours: (305) 451-6322 Campsite reservations: (800) 326-3521 Group tour reservations (25+ people): (305) 451-6316 Boat slips & mooring rates: (305) 451-6325
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🕗 Opening Times
The park is open every day of the year, including public holidays, from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. The Visitor Centre and Concession Building are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
💵 Entry Fees
All visitors are required to pay an entrance fee. The following charges apply (fees include a Monroe County surcharge of $0.50 per person):
By vehicle:
- Multi-occupant vehicle (2–8 people): $8.00 plus $0.50 per person
- Additional occupants over eight: $2.50 per person
- Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle: $4.50
On foot or by bicycle:
- Pedestrians and cyclists: $2.50 per person
By boat (day use only):
- $10.00 per vessel
Overnight stays:
- Camping, cabin, bungalow, boat, or yurt units: $36.00 per night plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7.00 nightly utility fee (covering water, electricity, and sewer). The utility fee does not apply to tent camping.
Discounts: Florida residents aged 65 and over, or those holding a Social Security disability award certificate or a 100% federal disability award certificate, are entitled to a 50% discount on base campsite fees.
If the park reaches its parking capacity, admission may not be guaranteed, so early arrival is advisable during busy periods.
🐠 What to See and Do
The coral reefs are undoubtedly the park’s star attraction. Visitors can explore them via guided snorkelling tours, scuba diving excursions, or glass-bottom boat trips. The Spirit of Pennekamp, a 65-foot high-speed catamaran capable of carrying up to 130 passengers, offers a comfortable and dry way to view the reefs from above the water. Three daily glass-bottom boat trips run to Molasses Reef, located approximately 6.5 miles offshore at a depth of 10 to 30 feet.
One of the most iconic sights beneath the waves is the Christ of the Abyss statue, a bronze sculpture submerged at Key Largo Dry Rocks Reef. The reefs themselves lie between three and eight miles offshore, with snorkelling sites typically at shallow inner reefs averaging just 5 to 15 feet in depth.
On land and in the park’s calmer waters, canoeing and kayaking are popular pursuits, with the park offering around 50 miles of natural mangrove wilderness to explore. Fishing is permitted in designated areas, and three small sandy beaches provide spots for swimming and picnicking. Several short walking trails wind through tropical hammock forest, including the Grove Trail, which passes through one of Key Largo’s historic Key lime groves.
🏛️ Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre is well worth a visit in its own right. Its centrepiece is a spectacular 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, supplemented by six additional tanks showcasing a variety of the park’s marine inhabitants. Staff conduct a daily fish-feeding at 11:00 a.m. Nature videos are shown in the centre’s theatre, and a Maritime Heritage Exhibit takes visitors back to the age of exploration and seafaring in the New World. A gift shop, café (the Blue Heron Café), and snorkelling equipment hire are also available on site.
⛺ Camping
Full-facility campsites and youth/group campsites are available within the park. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during holidays and peak seasons, and must be made online in advance. Overnight docking is also available for visiting boats, with electric and water hook-ups at the marina.
♿ Accessibility
The park makes every effort to accommodate visitors with disabilities. At least one vessel on each tour is equipped for wheelchair boarding, and beach wheelchairs are available free of charge. Visitors with special requirements are encouraged to contact the park in advance of their visit so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Guide dogs are welcome in all areas of the park.
🐾 Pets
Pets are welcome in parts of the park but must be kept on a hand-held lead of no more than six feet at all times. They are not permitted on beaches, aboard tour or rental boats, or inside any buildings. Pet owners are required to clean up after their animals, and Florida law mandates up-to-date rabies vaccination.
Best time to visit Southern Florida
🌺 Spring (March – May)
Spring is one of the most popular and pleasant times to visit Southern Florida. Temperatures are warm but not yet overwhelming, typically ranging from 22°C to 29°C (72°F–84°F), and humidity is still manageable. Rainfall is relatively low, and the sea temperature is comfortable for swimming. Spring break in March brings crowds — particularly to Miami Beach and the Keys — so book accommodation well in advance if travelling during this period. By April and May, the crowds thin out and prices ease, making it an excellent window for those seeking good weather without peak-season pressure. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in this season: manatees are still visible, nesting sea turtles begin appearing on Atlantic beaches, and the Everglades teem with birdlife before summer rains raise water levels.
What to pack: Lightweight cotton or linen clothing, a light cardigan for air-conditioned interiors, swimwear, sunscreen (SPF 50+), a sun hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking sandals, insect repellent for Everglades visits, and a small day bag for beach excursions.
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Summer in Southern Florida is hot, humid, and punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures regularly climb above 32°C (90°F), and the heat index can make it feel considerably warmer. This is technically the wet season, with heavy downpours — usually short-lived — arriving most afternoons. Despite the weather, summer has its appeal: hotel rates drop significantly, theme parks and attractions are less congested mid-week, and the Everglades are lush and spectacular after rains. The Florida Keys and the Gulf Coast beaches of Naples and Marco Island remain beautiful, and afternoon storms often clear to reveal vivid sunsets. Travellers who don’t mind the heat and can plan outdoor activities for the morning hours will find summer surprisingly rewarding — and considerably cheaper.
What to pack: Breathable, moisture-wicking clothing, a light waterproof rain jacket or compact umbrella, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, quick-dry footwear, a wide-brim hat, and a small dry bag to protect electronics from rain showers.
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is something of a transitional season for Southern Florida. September and October remain hot and humid, carrying the tail-end of hurricane season (which officially runs from June to November, with peak activity in September). Travel insurance is strongly advisable during this period. That said, the risk of a hurricane directly affecting a specific destination remains statistically low. By November, the weather transforms dramatically: humidity drops, temperatures settle into an idyllic 22°C–27°C (72°F–80°F) range, and Southern Florida begins to feel like paradise again. November is arguably one of the most underrated months to visit — the summer crowds have gone, winter visitors have not yet arrived, and the light is golden and clear. Prices also remain moderate before the peak-season surge in December.
What to pack: Light summer clothing for September and October, a light jacket or layer for November evenings, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof layer for early-autumn showers, and travel insurance documents.
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Winter is Southern Florida’s high season, and with good reason. While much of the Northern Hemisphere shivers, Southern Florida enjoys warm, dry, and brilliantly sunny days. Temperatures hover between 18°C and 26°C (64°F–78°F), with occasional cool spells — particularly in January — bringing overnight temperatures down to around 12°C (54°F) in Miami, and lower in inland areas. This is the best time to explore the Everglades on foot or by kayak, as water levels recede and wildlife congregates around remaining waterholes. Miami’s Art Basel (December) and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival (February) draw sophisticated crowds. Expect premium hotel rates and fully booked restaurants; reservations are essential. The Florida Keys are especially magical in winter, with calm seas ideal for snorkelling and diving.
What to pack: A mix of light summer clothes and a few warmer layers for cooler evenings, a light jacket or smart blazer for evenings out, swimwear (the sea remains swimmable), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and formal or smart-casual attire if attending cultural or culinary events.
🏆 The Overall Best Time to Visit
For most visitors, November through to April represents the sweet spot for a trip to Southern Florida — a six-month window of reliably warm, dry, and comfortable weather. Within that window, November and early December stand out as perhaps the finest time of all: the weather is outstanding, prices have not yet climbed to their winter peak, and the crowds remain manageable. Those who can be flexible and want the best balance of good conditions, fair cost, and breathing room should aim for this shoulder period. Winter proper — January and February — delivers the most polished, vibrant version of Southern Florida but at a premium in both price and busyness. Spring is a close rival, particularly April, offering warmth, lower costs, and a relaxed atmosphere. Summer rewards the budget-conscious traveller who can embrace the heat and storms with equanimity. Whatever the season, Southern Florida’s unique combination of tropical beauty, cultural energy, and extraordinary wildlife ensures that no visit is wasted — it simply requires knowing what you are arriving for.
Where to stay near John Pennekamp State Park
1. CAMPING
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park sits at Mile Marker 102.5 on Key Largo, about an hour south of Miami, and its campground is one of the better-placed ones in the Florida Keys. There are 47 pitches for tents and RVs, most with full hook-ups (30, 50, and 110 amp), and sites can handle rigs up to 45 feet. Each pitch has a picnic table and grill, and the central amenities block provides hot showers, flush toilets, coin-operated laundry, and a dump station — solid rather than exceptional. Sites are fairly close together, so privacy is limited. The main draw, of course, is the park itself: it was the first undersea park in the United States, covering some 70 nautical square miles, and snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, and glass-bottomed boat tours are all available on site. Booking well in advance — up to 11 months ahead in winter — is essentially non-negotiable. Nightly rates start at around $36 plus fees.
2. Island Bay Resort
3. Coconut Palm Inn
The Coconut Palm Inn is a small, adults-only boutique hotel nestled on the bay side of Key Largo, offering a quieter alternative to the busier oceanfront resorts. Set on a private stretch of waterfront, the property has 20 rooms and cottages spread across a tropical garden, with direct access to the water and a laid-back atmosphere that suits those looking to unwind rather than party. Rooms are simply but comfortably furnished, and the outdoor spaces — hammocks, a fire pit, and a dock — are where guests tend to spend most of their time. It is well positioned for snorkelling, diving, and kayaking, with several operators nearby. Breakfast is included, which is a practical bonus. The inn does not have a restaurant or pool, so it works best for travellers who are self-sufficient and happy to explore the local area for food and activities.
More to Explore
