Your Guide To
John Pennekamp State Park
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Fully known as the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, it's the only underwater state park in America. Complete with its own statue of Christ the Redeemer resting beneath the waves!
As with most state parks, you can visit on a day pass to enjoy the sights and recreation available here, including boating and snorkeling. Don't expect too much of the two small beaches, but a day of paddling and looking for manatees or snorkeling the seas will make up for your lost sunbathing time.
Planning your trip
Key Largo is one of the easiest destination among the Florida Keys to access before or after your cruise from PortMiami or even Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale if you can plan it well.
Rent a kayak or join the snorkeling tour of the day. Just be mindful that the captain will choose the location based not only on guest requests, but the water and weather conditions of the day. There is a sunken statue of Christ the Redeemer which proves popular among visitors, to ensure you see it you may have to organize a private snorkeling trip for your group.
When you should go
The state park is open year-round but sees the most visitors between mid-December and March, with another influx during the summer months as local Floridians flock to the Keys for their own summer escapes. September is the low season.
Definitely a hot and humid summer spot, with cooler but still comfortably warm daytime temps during the winter months. Late spring and summer can see additional showers.
What else you might need
You'll need a day pass to visit, unless you're a guest of the park. Pedestrian, cyclist, and whole vehicle rates are available. General admission for the day ranges from $1-$10, depending on your group size and method of transportation. Snorkeling comes with its own fees and timetables, expect around $30-$45 per adult and depending on how much equipment you need to rent to enjoy your outing.
Things to do nearby
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Content is intended for information and planning purposes only. While we try our best to deliver accurate and current information, some items may not be as described. Please contact your Odyssean Travel advisor for further details. Recommendations are made by independent travelers and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Odyssean Travel and we shall not be liable for any content and its subsequent accuracy or validity.