We met the captain while doing our second great loop boat trip, he was also the first person to buy our book on the great loop, when. John pennekamp coral reef state park key largo 2020. Heres about snorkeling tours, snorkeling from the beach, and snorkeling gear rentals at the park. Best camping in and near john pennekamp coral reef state park. It includes approximately 70 nautical square miles 240 km.
John pennekamp coral reef state park and lower sound point reflect the areas natural beauty and area attractions include dolphins plus bayside and marinelab undersea laboratory. Do not stand up on reefs or touch anything while snorkeling or scuba diving it is our policy to prohibit the use of. John pennekamp coral reef state park is a florida state park located on key largo in. He also supported the establishment of the everglades national park. There are 11 ways to get from south beach to john pennekamp coral reef state park by plane, shuttle, train, bus or car.
John pennekamp coral reef state park key largo 2020 all. Gilbert voss, professor of marine biology, u of m actively pursued the saving of the reef. The combined boundaries of the florida keys national marine sanctuary and adjacent john pennekamp coral reef state park. Safety updates the safety and welfare of our employees and the public we serve are of top priority to the florida department of environmental protection dep. Key largos translucent waters make for ideal diving territory, complete with an underwater sculpture park thats home to a 2.
John pennekamp snorkeling is one of the main activities at the park. So, the snorkeling john pennekamp boat trips go to the same reefs outside park boundaries that the companies in key largo take you to. The dagny johnson key largo hammock botanical state park is a florida state park, located in the center of key largo in the florida keys, on county road 905, onequarter mile north of its intersection with the overseas highway. The first undersea park in the united states, john pennekamp coral reef state park, and the adjacent florida keys national marine sanctuary, cover approximately 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. The coral reef has had plenty of time under the protection of the state to grow into a bubbling habitat of underwater wildlife. One of the highlights of promotion was when dennis the menace went to pennekamp park i comic book. John pennekamp coral reef state park coral reef state park is located in monroe county on key largo see vicinity map about 20 miles south of homestead. John pennekamp remembered ernest coes persistence that the coral reef be included in the everglades national park, but coe had to compromise to proceed without it. There are 3 ways to get from miami to john pennekamp coral reef state park by bus or car. The end result was a 75 mile offshore sea park created to protect all marine life within its boundaries.
The 10 best hotels near john pennekamp coral reef state park. Then on december 10, 1960, governor collins changed the preserves name to john pennekamp coral reef state park. Come experience the best snorkeling tour in key largo and see the magnificent beauty of the underwater world on the reefs of john pennekamp state park learn about the natural environment and history of the florida keys on a mangrove eco tour. The bibb shipwreck was built in 1937 wpg 31 as a 327. Established in 1963, john pennekamp coral reef state park was the first undersea park in the united states. John pennekamp has the singular distinction of being the first underwater park in the usa.
Reserve a campsite online or learn more about lodging and activities at john pennekamp coral reef state park. John pennekamp coral reef state park stateprovincial park. John pennekamp coral reef state park, florida camping. Mangrove trail is a wheelchairaccessible boardwalk that gets you right into the heart of a mangrove forest. Far beach, with its palm trees, is a relaxing place to swim or just sit and enjoy the sun. John pennekamp coral reef state park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. Jul 16, 2010 a couple of shots of cannon beach and the aquarium displays. Campground details john pennekamp coral reef state park, fl.
The park is approximately 25 miles in length and extends 3 miles into the atlantic ocean. The site youll be taken to is dependent on the weather and ocean for the day, so you never know what you might get to see. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, and i highly recommend that you book your site the first day they become available. Our 2 and a halfhour round trip snorkeling tours are strictly nonscuba for the comfort of our passengers. Map will show users the protected zones, channel markers and mooring buoys. Jan 28, 2015 just an idea of what the mangrove swamps look like at john pennekamp coral reef state park. In 1960, pennekamp was instrumental in getting the florida board of parks and historic memorial to create a 75mile offshore sea park on key largo that was named the john d.
The park was added to the national register of historic. This florida keys park was created to protect and preserve a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental united states. Reef information pennekamp coral reef state park john. Theres 170 acres of dry parkland here and over 48,000 acres 75 sq miles of wet. Florida reef tract marine habitat and ecosystems map. Things to do near john pennekamp coral reef state park on tripadvisor. South beach to john pennekamp coral reef state park 11 ways. This coral state park was founded with the purpose to protect and preserve the only living coral reef in the continental united states. This web map application is for displaying navigation features at john pennekamp coral reef state park. There are no tents allowed on sites 38, 39, and 40. Camping and campgrounds in john pennekamp coral reef state park, florida. The snorkeling from shore though, is not overwhelming as the brilliant reefs are 3 to 8 miles offshore, but if you look closely, theres still much to observe among the seagrass.
Well, for starters, the florida keys reef tract is the only living coral barrier reef in north america, and is the 3rd largest coral barrier reef in the world after the great barrier reef in australia and the mesoamerican reef in belieze. There was an array of various plantsvegetation and several things to do going to the beach, boating, walking, biking, etc. Though, you dont need to travel quite that far to experience corals of equal beauty. Book your dive and snorkel trips in advance on the pennekamp website. Hotels near john pennekamp coral reef state park, usa.
The visitor center contains a huge aquarium, exhibitions, and theatre. Experience the ultimate personalized service by chartering the whole boat for. John pennekamp coral reef state park was founded in 1963 as the first undersea park in the united states. Aug 14, 2015 snorkeling john pennekamp coral reef state park, florida 852015. Photo by unknown one of the most famous sights to see at john pennekamp coral reef state park is the christ of the abyss, an 8. Let us share our snorkeling john pennekamp experience with you to give you some ideas what to do and where to snorkel in key largo. Christ of the abyss john pennekamp coral reef state park. John pennekamp coral reef state park at key largo is the first undersea park in the u. John pennekamp state park, mainly famous for the coral reefs and underwater wonders lining the eastern boundaries of the park, has in fact much to offer to. John pennekamp state park florida keys history museum.
The best diving and snorkeling is found three to six miles offshore. View from a dive boat on molasses reef, john pennekamp coral reef state park. While many visitors view the park s colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life on a glassbottom boat tour, one can get an even closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. John pennekamp coral reef state park, key largo, florida. Mail is not received at john pennekamp coral reef state park. Book waterfront retreat on john pennekamp state park 3. Most people come to see the coral reefs and for diving to visit, take a snorkeling or diving tour, or ride the glassbottomed boat. John pennekamp coral reef state park is renowned as the countrys first undersea park, encompassing 70 nautical square miles of coral reef, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps managed by deps florida park service. Post office in care of general delivery 100100 overseas hwy key largo, fl 33037 you may contact the key largo post office by calling 30545155. John pennekamp coral reef state park great florida vacations.
John pennekamp coral reef state park key largo all you. John pennekamp coral reef state park 102601 overseas highway mm 102. Campground details john pennekamp coral reef state park. Discover a selection of 1,000 vacation rentals in john pennekamp coral reef state park that are perfect for your trip. What makes the coral reefs of the florida keys so special. The coral reef at john pennekamp coral reef state park are among the most beautiful and diverse of all living communities. It was the first underwater park in the united states. Book a campsite at john pennekamp coral reef state park, fl. Select an option below to see stepbystep directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in rome2rios travel planner. In 1957, the condition of the outer reefs was reaching crisis level and dr. Park staff have reevaluated the gps boundaries set. Before you get out in that water, be sure to take in some pleasant.
Dagny johnson key largo hammock botanical state park is situated 5 miles northeast of john pennekamp coral reef state. One of my favorites was the aquarium, where there was a room to watch. Whenever we are in key largo, we have to look up our friend captain sterling, everglades ecotours. The living, shallowwater coral reefs of the florida keys national marine sanctuary are vibrant with color and activity.
John pennekamp coral reef state park was beautiful. Rv camping at john pennekamp state park key largo, florida considered americas first undersea park, john pennekamp coral reef state park in key largo is a popular destination for visitors who enjoy life on the water and below. Here location is marked by 2 mooring balls, one placed at the bowmidship area and the other at the stern. John pennekamp coral reef state park usa attractions. John pennekamp coral reef state park book boat slips on. Hotel guests at key largo bay marriott beach resort can enjoy thrilling snorkeling and diving at floridas john pennekamp coral reef state park. John pennekamp coral reef state park key largo, fl.
The original plans for the park called for the park boundaries to extend east across and. Whether youre traveling with friends, family, or even pets, vrbo vacation homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including swimming pools and kitchens. Instead of roller coasters, it has a glassbottom boat tour. John pennekamp coral reef state park is a truly unique florida park, and you could almost call it an attraction. For everyones enjoyment, including pets, please observe the following pet camping rules. From the visitors center, you can board a catamaran to be taken out to one of the various snorkeling sites in the park. John pennekamp coral reef state park among conservationists he insisted that he was not a conservationist, but a newspaperman.
Key largos john pennekamp coral reef state park is one of a kind, offering an amazing glimpse into the underwater world. John pennekamp coral reef state park map florida mapcarta. John pennekamp coral reef state park florida state parks. John pennekamp coral reef state park is located on key largo, which is an island surrounded by thick mangroves. John pennekamp coral reef state park is the first undersea park in the united states, and encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. Map was created in the bureau of natural and cultural resources in the division of recreation and parks. Its molasses reef, the most accessible living coral reef in the united states, a slice of the caribbean in the florida keys. Camping near john pennekamp coral reef state park is easy with hipcamp, where private landowners offer oneofakind camping experiences. John pennekamp coral reef state park vacation rentals. The dive and snorkel tours were not running today because of the weather. John pennekamp coral reef state park scenes youtube.
Top things to do near john pennekamp coral reef state park. Located in key largo, this vacation home is next to a golf course. You dont come across those every day founded in 1963, john pennekamp coral reef state park was the first underwater state park in existence. One of floridas most wellknown state parks, john pennekamp coral reef state park is famed for its coral reefs, but not so well known for its trails. John pennekamp coral reef state park has two manmade beaches, each with its own distinct personality. Eisenhower proclaimed the area as key largo coral reef preserve. Several nature trails showcase the landside habitats of the park. You can also book a private snorkeling charter in key largo which we recommend. Americas first undersea park, john pennecamp coral reef state park offers visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the diverse underwater world of the coral reef.
While many visitors view the parks colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life on a glassbottom boat tour, one can get an even closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. John pennekamp coral reef state park florida hikes. John pennekamp coral reef state park, a florida state park. Snorkeling john pennekamp key largo snorkel around the world. May 14, 20 one of the best snorkeling locations on the east coast is john pennekamp coral reef state park. Take an opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement. The park rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, which all provide a unique method of exploring the surrounding mangrove habitat. Miami to john pennekamp coral reef state park 3 ways to. Among his greatest achievements was his leadership in saving the everglades from over development and establishing the everglades national park in 1947. John pennekamp coral reef state park, and the adjacent florida keys national marine sanctuary, cover approximately 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. Named after john pennekamp an early proponent to protect the reef. There are also many operators outside the park that provide snorkeling tours to the reefs, here are some pros and cons to both options.
Key largo snorkeling the best spots and how to get to them. John pennekamp coral reef state park is a florida state park located on key largo in florida. When people think of coral reefs, most first imagine the great barrier reef. John pennekamp coral reef state park key largo, florida. Pennekamp had been born in ohio in 1897 and had devoted much of his life to one of his greatest passions, conservation.
There are three tiny sandy beaches at john pennekamp great for sunning and swimming, having a picnic and trying out your snorkel. When everglades national park was created in 1947, the boundaries did not include key largo or any of the reefs. The volunteers answer all your questions about the park and the reefs. Renowned for being the countrys first undersea park, john pennekamp coral reef state park encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles. John pennekamp state park key largo snorkeling best time. Dolphins plus and key largo baptist church are also worth visiting. Key largo is the most northeasterly key in the chain of islands known as the florida keys. John pennekamp coral reef state park on key largo offers diving, snorkeling, glassbottom boat tours, a campground, kayak trails and beaches with wonderland of colorful coral. The park, located in key largo, was established to protect and preserve a portion of floridas coral reef, the only living.
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