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    John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

    6,055 Reviews
    #12 of 37 things to do in Key Largo
    Features Animals
    Nature & Parks, State Parks
    Open Now: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
    102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037
    Open today: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
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    4.56,055 reviews
    • Excellent59%
    • Very good27%
    • Average10%
    • Poor3%
    • Terrible1%
    Travelers talk about
    “glass bottom boat”(587 reviews)
    “coral reef”(394 reviews)
    “fish”(1,071 reviews)
    About
    A beautiful state park that features land and undersea adventures.
    Open Now
    Hours Today: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
    See all hours
    Suggested duration: More than 3 hours
    As featured in 3 Days in Key Largo
    Contact
    102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037
    Website
    +1 305-451-6300
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    Reviews (6,055)
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    Show reviews that mention
    All reviews glass bottom boat coral reef fish small aquarium cannon beach john pennekamp snorkeling trip water shoes rent kayaks walking trails small beach beach area boat ride visitor center grecian rocks dry rocks great snorkeling
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    1 - 10 of 5,434 reviews
    Reviewed today via mobile
    Fun place for the kids

    The kids really enjoyed the aquariums, although they are a bit dated. There’s a little park, and a lot of activities available. Nice beach. Definitely a fun place to check out with the kids.

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank Katlyns95
    Reviewed 3 days ago
    Mixed feeling, very buggy

    Hubby and I drove to this park for just a day, hubby was hoping to snorkel from the beach. After checking the beach and water out, he decided it was not worth the time. Maybe it is best to go out on the boat to...More

    Date of experience: January 2019
    1  Thank Eileen W
    Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile
    Great Variety

    Something for everyone. Beach. Kayaking thru mangroves. Glass bottom boat tour.plus snorkeling. Clean . Not too crowded in January. Reasonably priced .

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank Molly D
    Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile
    Great Kayaking Through the Mangroves

    Eight years ago we visited the park and it has only improved. Great visitor Center and informative tours. We rented kayaks for the day and skipped the snorkeling tour. Unfortunately the glass bottom boats were not running due to mechanical issues. Had a lovely paddle...More

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank GuiWong
    Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile
    Kayaking

    We visited the park to do the kayaking trip. State park fee and kayaking fee was reasonable. We did the 2 hour tour which was plenty of time on the water. They provide life jackets and a laminated map. The map was very hard to...More

    Date of experience: December 2018
    Thank EmilyTash
    Reviewed 4 days ago
    Super relaxing and refreshing

    Mid of January,nice sunny day. We visit as family. Relaxing walk inside the park. I saw BBQ spots, small beach with sunbathing people, arrangement for upcoming marriage ceremony (that was very cool at the beach). We visit small aquarium (free)and gift shop. They're selling inside...More

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank 262Blondy
    Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile
    The right place

    John pennecamp is the right place to visit for fishing scuba and glass bottom boat!!!!! We had an amaaaaaazung time and best scuba tour ever!!! Glass bottom boat was also great we got to see turtles and fish! Really the best tours I’ve taken !!!

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank Craig W
    Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
    Glass Bottom Boat and More!

    When in Key Largo area the John Pennekamp State Park is great spot especially with children. The guides on the Glass Bottom Boat were excellent as was the Captain. The reefs are a great site but of course what you see one time you may...More

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank Frosty64
    Reviewed 6 days ago
    Nice beach, and even better reef to see

    I grew up in Miami with family in the keys, and we always loved this park. The reef there is one of the most beautiful in the world, and you should know that it's the home of the famous sculpture, "Christ of the Deep," a...More

    Date of experience: December 2018
    Thank Ray A
    Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
    Great spot! Lots to do!

    Really cool place, we went there 2 days while at the keys, once for the beach and once for the glass bottom boat tour. The beach is nice for hanging out and exploring the trails but it’s not really a swimming beach and definitely not...More

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank Lama830
    View more reviews
    123456…544
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    Questions & Answers
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    Judelephant
    January 6, 2019|
    Answer
    Response from Getaway196661 | Reviewed this property |
    As far as surf and big waves it depends on the wind. Most places won’t take you out if there is big waves. I am not fit and I am able to get on and off the boat easily. Make sure the boat has ladder. You will love... More
    1
    Vote
    rios896
    January 4, 2019|
    AnswerShow all 2 answers
    Response from Lila H | Reviewed this property |
    Usually the 4.5 hour snorkeling tour is the trip out to the reefs, snorkeling, and back. It is a nice sightseeing tour of mangroves and wildlife on the drive out and back. It is a nice pace, but no actual sightseeing beyond... More
    0
    Votes
    GwynCheshire
    July 17, 2018|
    AnswerShow all 4 answers
    Response from 840naths | Reviewed this property |
    Yes. We went on the morning trip, and the boat docked near the statue along with many many other boats. The statue was visible crystal clear. Smaller than my expectation (but in my expectation, I was comparing it with... More
    0
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    123456…27
    Travel Forum Posts
    WIJean
    La Crosse, WI
    Is this a realistic 4-day itinerary in Keys and area? (11 Replies)
    I will be in Miami for a wedding Sat. Oct. 17, then will spend Sun-Wed., seeing the area and Key West. I would appreciate any evaluations of my plan. Feel free to suggest alternate sights, etc. Sun- Everglades , maybe one of the boat tours. (What are highlights in Everglades and how many hours should I allot) After Everglades, drive to maybe Key Largo and stay the night. Mon-See John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. (again, how many hours to allot?) After the park, begin drive to Key...More
    September 22, 2015|
    Response fromOrion_240|
    I'd suggest a few changes. If you're young, and I'm assuming you are, since you're going to a wedding (!), I'd encourage you to see the Everglades on Sunday morning, then drive down to Key West. It's a bit of driving that day, but you'll see why I'm suggesting this. You could arrive in Key West late afternoon, and maybe have a chance to catch the Mallory Square sunset thing that night. Spend Sun, Mon and Tuesday nights in KW. Then on Wednesday you can drive up the Keys, stopping at...More
    iselynjenniep
    Saluda, North Carolina
    Keys trip itinerary - advice needed (4 Replies)
    My sister and I are taking a trip to the Keys this June. Here's my itinerary, let me know if anything needs to be changed/added. I have a lot of sightseeing possibilities on our list but I'm not sure which ones are the best since we have limited time. Is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park the best place for snorkeling? We would also like to do a kayaking tour or some easy kayaking somewhere. Also, any budget accommodation recommendations in Key West are welcome! Thursday, June 4: Arrive...More
    January 11, 2015|
    Response frombluewater|
    Snorkeling the reef is great all through the Keys, no need to focus on Pennekamp. Not saying NOT to go there but if the opportunity arrises elsewhere - go for it. Consider Aquarium Encounters too. However it looks like your dance card is pretty full already. :) It's a good idea to have reservations for Turtle Hospital. When at Crane Point, make sure to follow the trails back to the bay. It's beautiful and you can feed the Mangrove Snappers. Also, be sure to check out the small trail that...More
    tgap13
    Streamwood, Illinois
    Snorkel trip at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (14 Replies)
    I am considering a snorkeling trip at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at noon on a Thursday in late April. Does anyone have an opinion on these trips? It says that they need a certain amount of people for a trip. Has anyone experienced problems with that? Any help would be appreciated.
    March 10, 2008|
    Response fromsfaber9999|
    We have not gone with Pennekamp, but always see their boat going out, and I can't imagine you would have a problem with their not having enough people, unless the weather was bad. I would think Pennekamp would be a good outfit to go with. But keep in mind, all the boats go to about the same area.