John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Florida
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the u.S. and encompasses approx. 70 nautical square miles. The map you see on the right side is only for the section accessible by car and has visitor amenities and docks. There are several much larger areas in the north mainly ocean and shorelines that are part of the park as well.
Most visitors are drawn to the park to experience the coral reefs and their associated marine life. Many enjoy the view from a glass bottom boat tour, but visitors can get a closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. Nature walks are available along the Mangrove, Wild Tamarind and Grove trails. Seventeen miles of paddling trails wind through the mangrove swamp. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks rentals are also available.
The park’s official website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park
Our visit
Date: March 5th, 2024
We came to be the park half an hour before the entrance closes at 6PM on our way back to Miami from Key West. As it was very close to the turn onto Route 1, there was a lot of traffic so plan ahead. we only got enough time make a quick stop at Far Beach and then Cannon Beach before it got dark. Don’t underestimate the mosquitos here as my face and neck, the only body park without shield, were full with mosquito bites that didn’t heal until two-three weeks later. I did get a few great photos though because of the light and beautiful plantation in the park. If we could come back again in the future, I think the must-dos include paddling trails and snorkel.
