Coral Reef with Fish and other underwater sea creatures

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Explore gorgeous coral reefs, teeming sealife and mangrove swamps

Mangrove Nature Trail Closure

The Mangrove Trail is closed due to safety concerns while repairs are being made to the boardwalk. We thank you for your patience while work is being done to improve your park experience.

Hours

8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year

Fees

$8 per vehicle, plus $.50 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 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 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.

Plan Your Visit

Paul Rice, Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

With the milder Key Largo climate, winter is a great time of year to visit the park and enjoy the many activities it provides.
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
Learn

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.

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

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.
Learn

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 which serves as an integral part of the park's ecosystem. The well has created a pond, which drains into a small creek, which in turn flows into the marina. The brackish-water creek is perfect habitat for the mangroves growing there.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

City Nature Challenge

Fri, Apr 26 - 29, 2019 8:00 am - 8:00 pm EDT

Photograph plants and animals in the park and upload photos to the iNaturalist app to help south Florida compete in the City Nature Challenge!
Pennekamp

People Make the Parks

Matthew Shepard, wearing sunglasses and smiling at the camera.

Staff Spotlight

After retiring from the Air Force, Mathew Shepard has found a rewarding role as a park ranger at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Gary Lowe smiling at the camera.

Volunteer Spotlight

Gary Lowe is a dedicated volunteer at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. With over 1,800 hours of volunteer work completed, he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon!
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

This Park is Recognized by:

Clean Marina
Designated Greenway
Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail
Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

Park Map

More Places You Might Like

See all parks
Curry Hammock Arial View

Curry Hammock State Park

Halfway between Key Largo and Key West, sits 1,000 acre Curry Hammock State Park. Striking in its seclusion along a stretch of the Keys known for development, even those with the most feverish wanderlust will stop to appreciate this untarnished sanctuary.

56200 Overseas Hwy.
Marathon FL 33050

Sunrise along day use area coming through lattice

Long Key State Park

Roughly an hour after leaving mainland Florida, Long Key State Park introduces you to the breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife that calls the Florida Keys home.

67400 Overseas Hwy.
Long Key FL 33001

Image of a baby sea turtle crawling through the sand

Little Talbot Island State Park

Boasting more than five miles of pristine beaches and three miles of bike trails, Little Talbot’s untouched natural beauty and diverse ecosystems beg to be explored. Enjoy a morning beachcombing, an afternoon fishing and an evening camping along the eastern salt marshes. There is something for everyone on Little Talbot Island.

12157 Heckscher Dr.
Jacksonville FL 32226