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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 102.5, Key Largo, FL 33037
305-451-6300
Website
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As featured in Daytrips from Miami and 1 other guide
Ranked #7 of 21 attractions in Key Largo
Type: State Parks, National Parks, Beaches, Reefs, Parks, Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Activities: Snorkelling, Scuba diving, Sunbathing, Hiking
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Traveller Description: Key Largo is a beautiful town known for its diving and snorkeling industry.  It's the top most of the Florida Keys and home to some of the world's... more »
Useful Information: Activities for older children
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1,002 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    36
    14
Date Rating
duluth,mn
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

Took our grandchildren (7 and 12) to Pennenkamp and it turned into a most eventful day when a Manatee showed up in the swimming area and spent an hour hanging out. The kids got within t10 feet of the peaceful animal for much of that time. It took an average experience and made it very special. Without that, a nicely... More

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Fort Myers, Florida
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

The scuba community really owes a lot of thanks to the folks who created, and have maintained and enforced the preservation of Pennekamp as a park and protected area. Today I am just back from diving in Jamaica - where the reefs are a sad expanse of dead coral, algae, and devoid of fish. Without the park and various protection... More

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See 11 more reviews by Ed B for Key Largo
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW via mobile

-The small aquarium leaves something to be desired but it IS a small one that has minimal funding. -There is a small cove with a rocky "beach" with a roped-in area where you can enjoy the water with your small children. -There is an old ship wreck within the ropes so you can see that if you choose. -LOTS of... More

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Cleveland, Ohio
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

We loved the park and the snorkeling adventure by boat! It was everything that we thought it would be and more. My grandchildren snorkeled for the very first time and the staff was great and the cost very reasonable.

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NorCal
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

I went to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park primarily for the snorkeling. Please be warned that there are no real 'beaches' in Key Largo and the Coral Reef park is EXACTLY that : the 'land' part itself is extremely small : a small sad looking aquarium, a small area where the swamp meets the land, a ticket station,... More

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Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

Great place to snorkel, it hass a water museum in there that is very interesting and the water areas are great. nice place for a picnic!

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See 4 more reviews by barbara p for Key Largo
Sarasota, Florida
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

The operation here is smooth - you rent if you need to, you can get a brief refresher in snorkeling if you want. Not too much science, but clear on what to do, what not to do. Concern for coral is evident. A pleasant outing even on a day with some wind and waves.

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See 3 more reviews by crowdedfalafel for Key Largo
Atlanta, Georgia
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

Loved the kayaking through the mangroves!! Absolutely beautiful and a great way to get some exercise. Everyone was so helpful and friendly here. And snorkeling off their little beach... we encountered their adolescent manatee that like to come near shore and visit the people. I personally got to swim with her and it was just pure magic. A trip I'll... More

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See 3 more reviews by StephanieSplash for Key Largo
Vista, California
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

This is a great park for exploring. Pay upon car entrance - I think it was about $9 for the two of us. The welcome center is staffed and has info about the park and a cute aquarium with about 10 tanks to look at. Outside, lots of birds and other wildlife. There are a couple of swimming areas that... More

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Lady Lake, Florida
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

Fantastic Staff, Captain, Dan Betterman, Dive Master Hillary, and Andrew. Thank you, you made our first off-shore dive a great experience.

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