John Pennekamp State Park
Established in 1963, John Pennekamp State Park became the nation's first underwater park. The Park is named after
the late John D.Pennekamp, a long-time Miami Herald columnist and editor, whose tireless environmentalism played a key role in
the Park's establishment. The Park is a narrow strip, about 25 miles long and extending three miles out to sea, offering
world-class snorkeling and SCUBA diving opportunities.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Pennekamp normally offers camping. But the last word I heard was that the camping facilities are being
renovated, and won't be open again until around April of 2011. When I hear that camping is opened up, I'll add information
you'll need to camp in the park. In the meantime, there's still plenty to do and see in the Park.
To find the Park's land entrance, just follow the Overseas Highway--US 1--to Mile Marker 102.5 oceanside.
US 1 Entrance to John Pennekamp Park
Pennekamp offers a variety of activities. You can, for example, enjoy swimming at the beach.
John Pennekamp Park Beach
Or maybe you'd like to go for a snorkel in the park without getting on a boat. You can do so right by the Park's beach.
Snorkeling in John Pennekamp Park
Wanna get on a boat? Try a snorkeling or SCUBA tour on one of the Park's boats.
John Pennekamp Park SCUBA boat
Or rent your own boat to go out to the reefs for some sightseeing, snorkeling, or SCUBA.
John Pennekamp Boat Rentals
How about a relaxing lunch by the water?
John Pennekamp Park Picnic Site
Or a leisurely walk down a cool, shady nature trail?
John Pennekamp State Park Nature Trail
You can take a break from the bright sub-tropical sun to check out the indoor aquarium displays.
John Pennekamp State Park Indoor Aquarium Displays
Rent a kayak and check out the mangroves trails.
John Pennekamp Park Kayak Run
For more information, contact John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, as follows:
| General Park Information |
305-451-1202 |
| Glass Bottom Boat and Snorkeling Tours |
305-451-6300 |
| SCUBA Tours and Instruction |
305-451-6322 |
Boat Rentals, Boat Slips, and Moorings |
305-451-6325 |
| Camping Reservations |
800-326-3521 |
| GPS Coordinate of the US 1 Entrance |
25 deg, 07 min, 41 sec North; 080 deg, 24 min, 37 sec W |
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