We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 82 Key Largo Attractions »

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 102.5, Key Largo, FL 33037
305-451-6300
As featured in Day trips from Miami and 1 other guide
Ranked #6 of 26 attractions in Key Largo
4.0 of 5 stars 462 Reviews
Type: State Parks, National Parks, Beaches, Reefs, Parks, Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Activities: Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Sunbathing, Hiking
Fee: Yes
Traveler Description: Key Largo is a beautiful town known for its diving and snorkeling industry.  It's the top most of the Florida Keys and home to some of the world's... more »
Useful Information: Activities for older children
Update attraction details
Write a Review

462 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    232
    139
    60
    23
    8
Date Rating
Seattle
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

Went to Grecian reef. weather was bad. reasonably good fish. boat somewhat full, and 3 boats at this small reef made it crowded. The staff with the state park were all lovely. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Lynchburg, Virginia
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

This review is about the snorkel trip but I will give you a little feedback on the park as well. The snorkel trip is $35.00 a person and it covers the trip plus equipment. Overall the trip is geared towards beginners. So if you are a novice to expert this trip may not be for you. The crew is nice... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Montreal
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

First of all, it was our FIRST experience with snorkeling. We were a bit anxious about this but the captain and first mate were so nice and patient that they made us confident. Their instructions and answers were always nice and fully detailed. I'd recommend this tour to anyone who has never snorkeled. PROS : 1) Beautiful coral reefs. We... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
New York City, New York
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW
2
people found this review helpful

This is a review for the snorkel trip from the state park. It is expensive (I think around $35/person + gear rental, so finally around $45-$50). You get in a speed boat (everything OK here, nice boats and very nice crew) and they take you out to the reef. Once there, depending on how far your boat anchors, there's quite... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Daryl Obenour, Manager at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, responded to this review
May 22, 2012

Good Morning, My name is Capt. Daryl D. Obenour, Vice President, Coral Reef Park Company, Inc. and we appreciate your review. Our Snorkel Boat Tour rates are the following: Adult rates are $29.95 Children under 18 are $24.95 Equipment Rental rates are the following: Mask $2.00 (rental) Fins $2.00 (rental) Snorkel (basic) $5.00 (you keep) Plus Tax The Snorkel Boat... More

Surfside Beach, South Carolina
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This almost 3 hour tour is better than Gilligan and the Skipper provided!! Our glass bottom boat went out through mangrove forests to the barrier coral reefs. The guides were very knowledgeable and the view through the windows below was spectacular. The rest of the park is pretty good too. Just know that you have to pay a park entrance... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
San Francisco, California
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012

We mostly snorkeled around here. Saw really interesting things. We even enjoyed the fake cannons rolling around just off-shore. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Loveland, Colorado
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012

We loved everything about John Pennekamp except for the customer service, for some reason most employees were less than friendly. Other than that we had an amazing snorkeling experience, there are great beaches for the kids and you can rent kayaks and canoes to paddle around in the mangroves. I would love to go back and camp! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Rye, New York
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2012

Scuba diving shop was exceptionally good. Everybody was helpful to make this a really pleasurable experience. A special thanks to Betsy who really took care of us. AWESOME dive master!!!!!! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Deep River, Connecticut
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

What a credit to the parks department. It is well maintained and the glass bottom boat tour was reasonable and informative. Plan on spending a day at this lovely site. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Farmington, NH
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2012

Went snorkeling right off the main beach along the right hand side rocks and saw lots of colorful fish. More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travelers who viewed John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park also viewed

Dolphins Plus - Key Largo
4.5 of 5 stars 166 Reviews
Key Largo, Florida Keys
Keys Diver Snorkel & Scuba
4.5 of 5 stars 115 Reviews
Key Largo, Florida Keys
 
Spiegel Grove
5 of 5 stars 35 Reviews
Key Largo, Florida Keys
Dolphin Cove
4.5 of 5 stars 64 Reviews
Key Largo, Florida Keys
 

Been to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »