The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers the best snorkeling and diving in Key Largo. The first undersea park in the U.S., the park encompasses 70 nautical square miles featuring mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks, offering travelers a truly unique experience.
There are many ways to enjoy John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, including a glass-bottom boat tour or for guests wanting to get up close and personal, the park also offers scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking. Additionally, the park also features short trails, picnicking, and a beach for swimming, as well as a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium at the visitor’s center.
FAQ's
What are the park hours?
The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. All park buildings including the Concession Building and Visitor Center are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How deep are the reefs? How far offshore are they?
The reefs are located between 3 and 8 miles offshore off the coast of the Florida Keys. Snorkeling tours will typically go to one of the inner reefs. These areas are protected and are shallow; average depth ranges from 5 to 15 feet. The glass bottom boat tour takes you to Molasses Reef which is further offshore, about 6.5 miles; average depth is about 10 to 30 feet. Scuba Tour Depths range from 30 to 45 feet.
Is there an age limit for snorkeling?
Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We do require that everyone, regardless of age, be able to swim if they are going snorkeling on our tours.
Will we see the statue?
The "Christ of the Deep" statue is located at Key Largo Dry Rocks reef. Weather permitting, our snorkeling tours will take you there. No glass bottom boat tours go to see the statue; the area is too shallow.