Coral Reef with Fish and other underwater sea creatures

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Explore gorgeous coral reefs, teeming sea life and mangrove swamps

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective Dec. 29, 2023: The beaches, visitor center and other park amenities are available at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. One of the two boat ramps is closed for repairs; however, one is available for use. The playground is temporarily closed for replacement. The Mangrove Nature Trail is closed while repairs are being made to the boardwalk, but you can enjoy a view on the new bridge.

Hours

8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year

Fees

$8 per vehicle, plus 50 cents per person

See all fees

Location

Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway
Key Largo FL 33037

Get directions

Contact Info

305-676-3777

Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of a kind, offering an amazing glimpse into the underwater world.

Renowned for being the country’s first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles. While many visitors view the park’s colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, one can get an even closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling.


Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas.

Visitors can also enjoy walking on short trails through tropical hammocks, picnicking or swimming at the beach. The visitor center features several large saltwater aquariums filled with sea creatures, and nature videos are shown in its theater. Full-facility and youth/group campsites are available.

Dive in to explore Florida’s Coral Reef at the park.

 

Plan Your Visit

bearded man in Florida Park Service uniform, with background of beach sand, water, green mangroves, and partly cloudy blue skies
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Manager's Message

Visiting the park is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy Florida's outdoors, exploring the nature trails and kayak trails or having up-close encounters underwater.
Coral Reef Park Company
Service

Food Service, Gift Shop & Tours

Since 1963, Coral Reef Park Company has been the visitor services provider at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. We are proud to be a part of this lovely Florida State Park.
Snorkeling
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Snorkeling at Pennekamp

Snorkeling give you an up-close view of the expansive underwater habitats at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Unleash your sense of adventure and dive into this wonderland that lies just below the surface.
Visitors watch the coral cam from the exhibit inside the visitor center.
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Coral Cam

Take a peek beneath the waves where the sunlight shimmers on swaying sea fans and rigid stony corals. The park’s new Coral Cam provides a window to one of Key Largo’s serene yet delicate coral reefs.
Park visitors enjoy the new exhibit.
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Maritime Heritage Exhibit

Our visitor center has a new Maritime Heritage Exhibit. Dive back in time centuries ago when the New World was a bounty of opportunity and riches for those brave enough to endure the hardships of traveling by sea.
The Blue Heron Cafe is found at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Service

Blue Heron Cafe

Feeling hungry after enjoying the water all day or maybe just want to cool off with some ice cream after a peaceful kayak paddle? The Blue Heron Cafe offers a wide selection of delicious foods and drinks right inside the park. 

Experiences

Boat Tours
Boat Tours
Boating
Boating
Camping
Camping
Camping Boat
Camping Boat
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Swimming
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Beach
Beach
Boat Ramp
Boat Ramp
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Laundry
Laundry
Parking
Parking
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Water Fountain
Water Fountain

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Photo Gallery

Underwater Statue
Boat off shore
Visitors on SUP
Cannon on the beach
Snorkelers
Nature Walk
A view of the purple flora under the water.
A view of the fish and flora in the coral reef.
A family swimming in the water.
An underwater view of the sergeant major.
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Sergeant Majors at John Pennekamp

Sergeant majors are one of the many fish you can find at John Pennekamp's reefs - and one of the most feisty. Their name comes from their coloration rather than their attitude: They have prominent, vertical black bars on their sides, reminiscent of the insignia of a military sergeant major.
A view of the flowing well.
Learn

Artesian Well at Pennekamp

An uncommon sight in Florida, John Pennekamp is home to an extremely deep well that serves as an integral part of the park's ecosystem. The well has created a pond that drains into a small creek, which in turn flows into the marina. The brackish-water creek is perfect habitat for the mangroves growing there.

People Make the Parks

Brian Fugate presents the award to Paul Rice.

Staff Spotlight

Paul Rice is the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Service Award.
Volunteer Banner

Volunteer Spotlight,

Val and Vickie are the recipients of the 2023 Volunteer Award for a Team of Two in Maintenance.
group logo with coral reef background: sea fans, fish, hard corals against the underwater background

Friends of John Pennekamp and Dagny Johnson State Parks

The friends group helps preserve park resources and enhance services to the public.

This Park is Recognized by:

Clean Marina
Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail
National Register of Historic Places

Park Map

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