John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is an underwater protected area in the Atlantic Ocean off Key Largo in the Florida Keys, stretching across several square miles. The grounds include coral reefs, mangrove forests and tropical vegetation on land, along with wide marine zones featuring seagrass meadows.

The area was established in 1963 as the first underwater state park in the United States to protect the coral reefs from further destruction. In 1972, the site received National Register of Historic Places status for its role in marine conservation.

The name honors John Pennekamp, a Miami journalist who championed protection of the coral reefs off the Keys. Visitors can observe the underwater world through glass-bottom boats, while divers and snorkelers move directly among the reefs themselves.

Anyone wanting to snorkel or dive should arrive early in the morning, when the water is clearest and boats are not yet crowded. The trails through the mangroves suit beginners in kayaks as well, since the water usually stays calm.

Below the surface stands a bronze statue of Christ, roughly 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) tall, resting at a depth of around 25 feet (7.6 meters). Snorkelers and divers often swim around the figure, which appears to float among the coral formations.

Location: Monroe County

Inception: 1963

Address: Overseas Hwy

Website: https://floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park

GPS coordinates: 25.12068,-80.40450

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26