Welcome To John Pennekamp Park!Whether Key Largo is your final destination, or you’re just passing through John Pennekamp Park is a must see. The Park was the first undersea park created in the United States of America. It stretches across to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to protect 178 square nautical miles of mangrove swamps and coral reefs. In fact, the coral reef at the park is the only living coral reef left around the coast of mainland USA. There are a wide range of activities including snorkeling tours, scuba tours, glass bottom tours, boat rentals and much more. SNORKELING The living, coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are vibrant with color and activity. The 2 ½ hour snorkeling tours are strictly non-scuba for the comfort of passengers. The trips involve approximately 1 ½ hours of water time depending on the location. Adults rates are $29.95, children under 18 are $24.95. Masks and fins can be rented for $2 each, and the $5 snorkel is yours to keep. The tours depart at 9am, 12pm, and 3pm. Minimum passenger requirements apply on all tours. Call 305-451-6300 for more information. SCUBA TOURS Divers from around the world visit John Pennekamp State Park to explore the spectacular living reefs of the Florida Keys, and experience diving amidst the areas extraordinary wildlife. The PADI 5-Star Gold Palm facility offers two-location, two-tank dives twice daily, at 9:30am and 1:30pm. Dive tours are $60.00 per person. Equipment rental is available. Contact the dive shop about reservations and special rates for groups and pre-paid tours – (305) 451-6322. Minimum passenger requirements apply on all tours. GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOURS Welcome aboard the flagship glass bottom boat, Spirit of Pennekamp! Enjoy a unique glimpse into the serene undersea world in style and comfort. At 65 feet in length, this high-speed catamaran is capable of transporting up to 130 passengers to the various nautical destinations of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The itinerary includes a number of shallow reefs teeming with wildlife. The Spirit of Pennekamp departs three times daily, at 9:15am, 12:15pm, and 3:00pm, with the tours lasting about 2 ½ hours long. Tickets are $24 for adults and $17 for children under 12. Minimum passenger requirements apply on all tours. Call 305-451-6300 for more information. BOAT RENTALS From 8:00 am until 3:45 pm, the park offers canoe, sit-on-top paddle boats, and sea kayak rentals for exploring the wild, winding mangrove creeks of the park. Paddling through the calm channels of the mangroves is great for observing the natural habitats of varieties of birds and fish, and is rewarding for the whole family. Prices for canoes are $12 per hour. Our sit-on-top style sea kayaks are $12 per hour for singles, and $17 per hour for doubles. Paddle boat prices are $17 per hour. Call 305-451-6300 for more information. OTHER ACTIVITIES Camping: 47 full-facility sites for both tent and RV campers are available. Restrooms and hot showers are easily accessible. Call 1-800-326-3521. Fishing: Fishing is allowed only in designated areas in accordance with Florida law. Saltwater fishing licenses are required. Spear fishing and collecting of tropical fish is prohibited inside the park. Swimming: Three areas are designated for swimming, including Canon Beach, which features remnants of an early Spanish shipwreck 100 feet offshore. Picnicking: Designated areas are located throughout the park. Barbeque grills are provided. No ground fires are permitted. To rent a pavilion, call 1-305-451-1202. John Pennekamp Park is truly a sight to see and experience!
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