Down in Key Largo you'll find the first underwater park in the United States. Founded in 1963, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. the park extends three miles into the Atlantic Ocean and is approximately 25 miles in length. these areas were established to protect and preserve the reef and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April14, 1972.
While the park's mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the park's upland areas offers a wide variety of unique experiences, it is the coral reefs and their associasted marine life that draw the most visitors to park every year. The park offers many different ways to enjoy the beauty of the coral reef including glass bottom boat tours but visitors can get an even closer look by joining one the snorkeling or scuba diving tours.
Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters and walking teh many trails on the grounds are some of the more popular activities outside the in-water tours. Fishing is also permitted in designated areas. The visitor center at the park has a massive 30,000 gallon saltwater aquarium along with a theater that shows various nature videos.
For more information about tour rates and anything else regarding the park, visit the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park website.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located at:
102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5)
Key Largo, FL 33037
P.O. Box 1560
(305) 451-6300
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