Manager's Message
Special Notices:
- Our campground will be open for the rest of the 2009-2010 winter season. The campground will be closed August 2 through November 29, 2010, for a construction project to improve our camping facilities.
- Part of the Mangrove Trail is temporarily closed for repair.
- The 30,000-gallon aquarium in our Visitor Center is temporarily closed due to repairs. The smaller aquariums and other exhibits are still available.
Please excuse us while we work to improve our park facilities for your enjoyment.
Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. September and October are our quietest months of the year, but the water is still warm enough for residents, making it a great time to enjoy the park before the winter crowds get here. In November, we start gearing up for our busy winter season. As it gets colder up north, our visitors begin to return. The birds will be passing through on their way to warmer climates. The cooler water will mandate that some folks wear a wetsuit, but the water temperature will still be in the high 70s and low 80s. The balmy weather is perfect for those who prefer no extremes.
Enjoy our beautiful coral reefs on a scuba or snorkel trip. If you prefer to stay dry, the ‘Spirit of Pennekamp’ glass-bottom boat is a comfortable, climate-controlled trip with an awesome view of the reef. If your time with us is limited, be sure to make reservations for the boat trips. If you must stay on the land, our Visitor Center boasts several small saltwater aquariums with many live examples of reef creatures. In addition, we have nature trails, canoe and kayak trails, beaches on Largo Sound, a playground, and a campground.
Make your plans now to visit one of Florida’s greatest treasures. Especially in today’s economy, it is an affordable way to keep the whole family entertained for the day. We look forward to seeing you.
- Pat Wells, Park Manager
Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
The first underwater park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. While the mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the park’s upland areas offer visitors a unique experience, it is the coral reefs and their associated marine life that bring most visitors to the park. Many enjoy the view of the reef from a glass-bottom boat tour, but visitors can get a 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 enjoy walking on short trails, picnicking, or swimming at the beach. The Visitor Center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos are shown in its theater. Full-facility and Youth/Group campsites are available. Beach wheelchairs are available without cost.
Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the park directly.
For boat tour information and reservations, please call (305) 451-6300.
Located at Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway in Key Largo.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, please call 305-451-1202.
Get more information on making a reservation.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located on U.S. Highway 1 at Mile Marker 102.5, north of Key Largo in the Florida Keys.
Park Fees
Admission Fee:
$8.00* per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$2.00* Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
$4.00* Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle.
*Plus $.50 per person Monroe County Surcharge.
Boat Ramp Fee
$10.00 per vessel, day use only.
Campsite Fees:
$36.00 8 people maximum per site; includes water & electric
Pavilion Fees:
$53.75 (includes taxes) – Large (maximum capacity 60 people).
$32.25 (includes taxes) – Small (capacity 12-15 people).
Pavilion fees do not include the required entrance fees. Admission is not guaranteed if the parking capacity is full.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
P.O. Box 487
Key Largo, Florida 33037
Phone: 305-451-1202
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Visitor Service Provider
Daryl Obenour, General Manager
Coral Reef Park Company, Inc.
P.O. Box 1560
Key Largo, FL 33036
(305) 451-6300
Fax # (305) 451-1427
Coral Reef Park Company
