John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Florida is the first underwater state park in the United States. The park includes approximately 70 sq miles of water and some awesome coral reefs.  Daily Key Largo Snorkeling Trips give visitors from around the world a chance to see the third largest living barrier reef. Scuba divers can also join one of our Key Largo Dive Trips and see the famous protected waters.

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This history of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park goes back to the early to mid 1900’s. Discussions began around 1930 to protect the coral reefs and the surrounding water. Initially this plan was a failure. Property owners, town officials, and people that used the area were against the protection order. Towards the end of the 1950 locals started to get very concerned about the degrading condition of the area. The area had become a salvage yard for opportunists. People were removing pieces of the reef to sell as souvenirs. These removal efforts were completed by any means necessary. Even explosives were used.

At the time John D. Pennekamp was an editor for the Miami Herald. Mr Pennekamp had an impressive resume when it came to advocating for the protection of South Florida’s natural wonders. He assisted in establishing Everglades National Park, was the first chairman of the Florida Board of Parks, and was an adviser for the US Fish & Wildlife Service. This influence resulted in some of the Key Largo coral reefs being named a protected preserve.

In 1960 President Eisenhower officially protected the area and named it the Key Largo Coral Reef Preserve. In an effort to show John Pennekamp the gratitude he deserved for fighting for the protection of the reefs land was purchased and donated at the current site. A formal park was constructed and Florida Governor Leroy Collins changed the name to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The park officially opened in 1963.

Today the park encompasses about 70 sq. miles. Beginning at the Ocean Reef Club in Northern Key Largo and travels south approximately 25 miles and ends at Rodriguez Key (mile marker 96). The park extends about 3.5 miles off the Key Largo shoreline into the Atlantic Ocean. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is surrounded by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Things To Do At Pennekamp State Coral Reef State Park

Key Largo Snorkeling Trip

Christ of the Abyss

Christ of the Abyss Snorkeling Tours run at least 3 times daily year round. Gear included $70

Try Scuba Diving

Discover Scuba Diving in Key Largo, Florida Keys

Morning pool session, followed by 2 real dives on the reef in the afternoon with an instructor. All gear included. $225

Scuba Certification

Earn your Scuba Certification in 2 days on the Key Largo Dive Sites.

Open Water Scuba Diving Certification consists of 4-8 hours of e-learning from home, then pool training and reef dives in Key Largo.

Sunset Cruises & Night Dives

The Reef Never Sleeps. Neither do the boats.

See Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at night and discover nightlife on the reef. Snorkeling and Scuba diving sunset and night trips.