I would like to hear from people who have snorkeled at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, Florida. How is the snorkeling at Cannon Beach there? We'll be going in late June '05

Thank you.

From everything I've read and heard, the snorkeling at John Pennekamp is very good.

aj:

Went on glass bottom boat at Pennekamp in May 2001 and viewed Molasses Key, the marine life is outstanding there so IMO it will be wonderful at whatever location you decide to go. The Park and Key are known for their wonderful snorkeling. There are snorkeling charter boats going out to reefs several times a day (3 or 4) and you can get these charters at the building right near the Ranger Station.

We have been snorkeling there,however we did not go directly off the beach, but took a boat out to the coral reef. The snorkeling was fantastic-tons of colorful fish.

We stopped by on our way to Key West once and snorkeled just off shore. We didn't see too much but it was interesting and gave my son, who was just starting to snorkel, a chance to try his gear. Then in Key West we went on to bigger and better things. I suggest that before taking the boats to the bigger reef, your daughter should have time to snorkel along shore and try out her gear. But definitely go to the better reef. It's easy, not to worry. As long as you know how to swim, and how to breathe (haha), you can snorkel.

Spent some time on Key Largo last June. I suggest you vist Pennckamp Park but we did not see much snorkeling off the small beaches there. It is a good idea to take a trip to the reef. Also we did have lots of fun snorkeling in the bay just off our motel (Bay Breeze in Tavernier) beach. Shallow but the largest ray we have ever encountered took off as we entered its territory at a nearby dock. Do both the reef and the bay if you can.

At night you can see large tarpon (and even nurse shark) just peering into the water from most of the bayside waterfront restaurants. They are attracted to the lights from the restaurants and often folks toss them bread (not sure how good an idea this is, but it is done).

So you can even snorkel, sort of, with out getting wet.

Happy Trails,
Meme

The reef in the Florida Keys is several miles off shore. For the best snorkelling you must take a boat. The Pennekamp boats are very large and stable - a great way to snorkel. Cannon Beach is a small beach with a few cannons sunk under the water. There are a few fish but it is nothing like the reef. This is not to say that there is nothing interesting there - - as the other poster said, you can see fish and rays and other critters close to shore. But it is not the same as the reef. You should stop in and see the aquarium at Pennekamp before your trip to the reef. It will give you an idea of what to expect.
Some tips for the boat if you are new to snorkelling or have younger children. You don't have to swim long distances to see things. The boat will be anchored over interesting things. Newer snorkellers will feel more comfortable close to the boat. There will be a rope with a bouy off the back of the boat. Many first time snorkelers will find it comforting to hold onto the rope and float. You don't really need a snorkel to snorkel and kids especially may not like to use it. Just put your face in the water, look and then lift your head to breathe. You'll have a snorkel vest on so you won't need to worry about keeping afloat. (However, if you can't swim, you don't belong on a snorkel boat.) Take along some drinks. Orange wedges or fresh pineapple are a nice idea because it gets the taste of salt out of your mouth. June should be a freat month, the sea is usually pretty calm. If you are concerned about seasickness, take a pill. The worst it will do is make you sleepy later in the day. That's much better than feeling seasick! The reef is the best part of the Keys. Don't miss it.

we went out to the reef with capt amy salte at the amoray dive resort in ley largo, this past November Had a WONDERFUL time.. can't recommend it enough.. we've been snorkeling form the beach in the caribbean before but never off a boat.. they were very accommodating to us relative novices.. and the fish.. oh my... barracuda.. nurse sharks.. a 200# plus grouper.. vast schools of smaller fish.. and crystal clear water.. definitely take a boat trip out to the reef.. can't wait to go back

make that amy SLATE