John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

from Better Off Wet Water Lifestyle Magazine October 2022

by Better Off Wet - Water Lifestyle Magazine

Catch The Drift: Fishing on the Flamingo Drift Boat

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

26 BETTER OFF WET | OCTOBER 2022

Explore gorgeous Coral reefs, teaming sea life, and Mangrove Swamps

Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of a kind, offering an amazing glimpse into the underwater world. 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 an even 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.

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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Established in 1963, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first undersea park in the United States. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, covers approximately 178 nautical square miles of Coral reefs, Sea grass beds and Mangrove swamps. The park extends 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean and is approximately 25 miles in length. These areas were established to protect and preserve a portion of the only living Coral reef in the continental United States. The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 14, 1972. The park named for the late John D. Pennekamp, a Miami newspaper editor, whose efforts contributed to the establishments of Everglades National Park and the preservation of what would become John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The park contains a wide variety of tropical vegetation, shore birds and marine life. While the Mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks offer visitors a unique and interesting experience, it is the Coral formations and associated marine life that most park visitors come to enjoy. The Coral reef at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is among the most beautiful and diverse of all living communities.

28 BETTER OFF WET | OCTOBER 2022

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Experiences: Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Boating, Boating, Camping, Camping, Camping Boat, Camping Boat, Camping - Primitive Group, Fishing, Hiking, Paddling, Picnicking, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming, and Wildlife Viewing. Amenities: Amphitheater, Amphitheater, Beach, Boat Ramp, Campfire Circles, Campgrounds, Canoe Kayak Launch, Concession and Restaurant, Laundry, Parking, Picnic Pavilion, Playground, Restroom Facilities, RV, and Shower Station. The above text and photo of the Christ statue from: https://www.pennekamppark.com/ and https://www.floridastateparks.org/ John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park 102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5) Key Largo, FL 33037 P.O. Box 1560 (305) 451-6300