Located just north of Key Largo in the Florida Keys, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first underwater park in the United States. Established in 1960, the park was named for a past assistant editor of the Miami Herald who had already played a major role in the establishment of expansive Florida Everglades National Park. Pennekamp, along with Dr. Gilbert Voss of the Marine Institute of Miami, was instrumental in convincing the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials to designate a 75 nautical-square-mile section of offshore Florida as a permanent preserve, fearing the demise of the state's coral structures, which were being greatly affected by tourism.
Today, the park attracts thousands of visitors each year, many of whom stop at the state park on their way from Miami to Key West, located at the end of the archipelago. Most come to snorkel or scuba dive in the warm waters off Key Largo. The water is suitable for both all year round, averaging 70 to 75 degrees even during the colder seasons of the year. Divers are encouraged to take boat trips out to the park's reef in order to experience the best diving available in the area. Divers who need to practice their skills before heading out to sea can take advantage of a training area at Cannon Beach. Snorkelers can join in organized snorkeling tours conducted by park staff or may explore particular areas of the park on their own, where they'll find natural ledges and even some artifacts from a sunken Spanish shipwreck, located just 100 feet offshore.
Swimming is available at Cannon Beach and Far Beach in a tropical lagoon that is suitable for children and fishing can be enjoyed in several designated areas within Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. A saltwater fishing license is required.
For a look at some fascinating fish without getting wet, the park's Visitors Center boasts a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. Guests can view daily fish feedings at this tank and also explore six smaller tanks that highlight the park's marine residents. Several interpretive exhibits are also located at the Visitors Center as is a small theater that shows nature videos.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers four different kinds of boat tours. Glass-bottom boat tours head out to the coral reef and provide close-up views of a variety of fish to those who do not wish to dive. Sailing or snorkeling tours depart once daily and last for four hours. These occur aboard a 38-foot catamaran and snorkeling equipment is available for rent. Diving tours take participants to two different dive sites. A PADI dive shop is located on site for those who need diving equipment.
For those who prefer to stay on the ground, there are a number of options for recreational opportunities. Two nature trails wind throughout the park's 75 acres. The Wild Tamarind Trail takes walkers/hikers through tropical hardwood hammocks while the Mangrove Trail explores native mangrove estuaries. Guests may explore on their own or group hikes with park rangers may be organized for those who prefer a narrated tour.
Picnicking is permitted in designated areas of the park, with pavilions available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A full-service camping facility accommodates both tents and RV campers and includes restrooms with hot showers and laundry facilities. The campground fills up quickly year round so advanced reservations are strongly suggested.
