John Pennekamp State Park

Key Largo

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Overseas Highway Mile Marker 102.5
Key Largo, FL 33037
305-451-6300

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John Pennekamp State Park Description

The nation's first underwater park remains a spectacular place to see the 600 species of brightly colored tropical fish and 50 coral varieties. Because the reefs are several miles offshore, you can take a boat ride followed by an hour-and-a-half of snorkeling, or a two-and-a-half-hour glass-bottom boat tour. To really make it a day, rent a canoe or kayak to explore the mangrove wilderness, and swim or snorkel off the man-made beaches. (At Cannon Beach strong swimmers can head out to the shipwrecked Spanish cannons 100 feet from shore.) Even landlubbers should pop in to see the tropical fish in the visitor center's 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.

Kid Tips

Babies: Although they're too young to snorkel, the wind and spray of a boat might relax them. They'll love swimming in the tame "Far Beach" on the mainland.

Toddlers & Pre-K: If they're not strong swimmers, take a glass-bottom boat tour rather than snorkeling. They'll also love swimming in "Far Beach."

School-Age Kids: They'll flip for the kaleidoscope of fish during snorkeling; the boat trip to the reef (and back) won't seem so long if you bring snacks along.

Pre-Teens & Teens: Snorkeling (or scuba diving if they're certified) offers the perfect opportunity to hunt for the occasional shark. (Don't worry; they rarely bother people.)

Planning Notes

Make boat reservations at least a day in advance. Snorkeling trips and glass- bottom tours depart several times daily, with the last one leaving about 3 p.m.

Be sure your kids can swim well. Although there's no age limit for snorkeling, swimming solo is a must.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it. The park charges extra to rent them.

Wear water shoes. Keys beaches are notoriously rocky.

Get prepared. Bring snacks for the boat and a picnic lunch to eat at one of the many tables with breathtaking water views. You can buy basic hot lunches at the concession. Bring bathing suits, towels, sunscreen and a dry change of clothes (there are changing rooms). Wear shoes that can get wet on the boat.

Scavenger hunt. Tell your kids in advance about the "Christ of the Deep" 9-foot statue -- purposely placed there in 1965 to commemorate the love of the sea -- so when they're snorkeling they can try to find it.

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