The shallow coral reefs around the John Pennekamp Coral State Park offer easy snorkeling for everyone. These reefs are situated just about 3-5 miles from the shore and available with a short boat ride so even those who use to suffer from sea sickness can safely participate in them.
Can you snorkel from shore at John Pennekamp?
There are no coral reefs inside the park or in the bay, but still, lots of neat fish to see. Another popular attraction inside the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the Spanish shipwreck that you can snorkel from the beach.
What are the fees for Pennekamp?
- Hours. 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
- Fees. $8 per vehicle, plus 50 cents per person. See all fees.
- Location. Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway. Key Largo FL 33037.
- Contact Info. 305-676-3777.
Are there showers at John Pennekamp?
Located adjacent to the dock is a complete bath house facility with restroom, changing area, and outdoor showers. Other showers are located on the dock and next to the dive shop.
What is the best time of year to snorkel in Key Largo?
The best months for snorkelling are April until August. To avoid the crowds; April and May are great. It is still not too hot, the water is clearer, and accommodations are not as expensive as in the summertime. During winter a wetsuit is needed for snorkelling sea temps ranging from 24-20°C/75-67°F.
Is Key Largo or Islamorada better for snorkeling?
While Key Largo and Key West are the most popular spots, by far the best snorkeling is to be found between these two keys. There are a bunch of lesser known snorkel locations that are wonderful. They are located in the waters off Islamorada (Matecumbe Key), Marathon (Vaca Key), and Big Pine Key.
What time of year is best for snorkeling in Florida?
The best time for snorkelling in Florida is between April and August. The water is slightly colder in April and May, but the crowds are much smaller than in summer. To snorkel, you need a snorkel, a mask and fins.
Where can I snorkel in Key Largo for free?
One of the most popular spots for snorkeling in the Florida Keys, John Pennekamp Coral State Park offers access to beautiful and vibrant marine life. This park also offers access to the only shore snorkeling spot from a public beach in all of Key Largo.
Which of the Florida Keys has the best snorkeling?
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys are just a few of the best places to experience the thrill of snorkeling in the Florida Keys.
How deep is the Jesus statue in John Pennekamp?
Want to Visit? On August 25, 1965, a nine-foot-tall bronze statue of Christ was lowered into 25 feet of water off the coast of Key Largo, Florida. Known as the Christ of the Abyss, this submerged statue in John Pennekamp State Park was actually the third of its kind cast from the original Italian mold.
How deep is the statue at John Pennekamp State Park?
“Christ of the Abyss” or “Christ of the Deep” is a 9-foot bronze statue of Jesus Christ anchored to a platform in about 25 feet of water at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Are the beaches free in the Florida Keys?
Smathers Beach The beach, the longest in Key West, is free. It’s lined with palm trees and has restrooms, volleyball courts and picnic areas. It’s a shallow beach and the water is sometimes lacking in clarity.
Are there sharks at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park?
There are sharks in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The most common shark seen is the docile nurse shark, which poses no threat to humans.
Are dogs allowed at John Pennekamp?
Dogs are allowed at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside your vehicle. There are no pet fees or weight limitations. For more information on pet restrictions, please call (305) 451-1202.
Is Key Largo the biggest key?
Key Largo is the first and longest Key, 33 miles long, in the island chain of the Florida Keys.
Which Florida key has the prettiest water?
Siesta Key Beach, Siesta Key Regarded as one of the best places to visit in Florida, Siesta Key is a paradisiac island in the Gulf of Mexico. The island’s main beach is a coveted destination thanks to its dreamy white sand and shallow, crystal-clear water that is ideal for a refreshing swim.
Where is the prettiest water in Key Largo?
Cannon Beach It’s one of the most popular beaches in Key Largo, and for a good reason. The beach is beautiful with its white sand and turquoise waters. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
What is the most beautiful place Key Largo?
Here are just a few reasons why we believe John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the most beautiful place in Key Largo: Stunning Coral Reefs: The park is home to some of the most impressive coral reefs in the world, boasting over 600 different species of fish, sharks, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Is it safe to snorkel in Islamorada?
The snorkeling conditions are generally considered safe at the reefs near Islamorada as the reefs are not too deep and the water is usually calm.
What is hurricane season in Key Largo?
The Atlantic hurricane season formally begins June 1 and ends November 30. Historically, the chances of hurricane activity are greater between August 15 and October 15. Can I travel to the Florida Keys during hurricane season? Absolutely.
Is it better to snorkel in the morning or afternoon?
In most locations, snorkeling in the morning is best because the waters are calmer and the winds are fairly smooth and calm. Many experts believe that the ideal snorkeling conditions exist when you have a gentle westerly wind, warm water, and a low tide.
Can you see sea turtles in Key Largo?
Florida is known for a variety of species of turtles, and Key Largo is proud to host many of these beautiful creatures! Of the 7 species worldwide, the Keys is home to 5 of them.
Should I snorkel in Key West or Key Largo?
In Key Largo, further up the Keys, snorkeling is even better. Key Largo snorkeling is some of the best in the area and has something for all skill levels.
Can you swim in Ocean in Key Largo?
The warm waters make Cannon Beach great for swimming no matter what time of year you’re visiting. With pure white sand and all necessary amenities close by, it’s easy to see why Cannon Beach is one of the top-rated Key Largo attractions. One of the top nearby activities is visiting John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Which Florida Keys has the clearest water?
Dry Tortugas National Park is located approximately 67 miles west of Key West. The remote islands are a bit difficult to reach, and the trip is expensive unless you visit by private boat. But, the Dry Tortugas have the clearest water in Florida, by far.
What is the clearest beach in the Florida Keys?
For The Clearest Beaches Visit Fort Zachary Taylor Beach For you beach purists out there, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is one of the only natural beaches in the Keys.
What is the best time of day to snorkel in the Florida Keys?
The best time to snorkel is when the sun is the highest in the sky and right over head. The sun is at it strongest and will penetrate the water and provide you with the beautiful turquoise color at the reef especially during the summer months.
Where is the underwater Jesus in Key Largo?
The Christ Statue is positioned on the seaward side of the Key Largo Dry Rocks. The reef is shaped like a hand with sand channels between the fingers. The statue is marked by a pencil buoy and sits in one the fingers. The center of the reef is open and has a good variety of soft corals.
