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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Review

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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Address: 102601 U.S. 1, (MM 102.5 OS), Key Largo, FL, 33037 | Map It
Phone: 305/451-1202
www.floridastateparks.org/pennekamp

Category: Parks
Location: Key Largo

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Fodor's Review:

This state park is on everyone's list of faves for the best diving and snorkeling sites in the Sunshine State. The underwater treasure encompasses 78 square mi of coral reefs, sea-grass beds, and mangrove swamps. Its reefs contain 40 of the 52 species of coral in the Atlantic Reef System and nearly 600 varieties of fish, from the colorful stoplight parrot fish to the demure cocoa damselfish. The park's visitor center has a large floor-to-ceiling fish tank surrounded by smaller ones, so you can get a closer look at many of the underwater creatures. When you want to head out to sea, a concessionaire rents canoes and powerboats, as well as snorkeling and diving equipment. You can also sign up for snorkeling and diving trips ($29 and $60, respectively) and glass-bottom-boat rides to the reef ($24). One of the most popular excursions is the snorkeling trip to see Christ of the Deep, the 2-ton underwater statue of Jesus at Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. The park also has short nature trails, two artificial beaches, picnic shelters, a snack bar, and a campground.

Cost: $3.50 for 1 person, $6 for 2 people, 50¢ each additional person
Open: Daily 8-sunset

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