John Pennecamp State Park in Florida

Trip Overview

This park boasts one the best snorkeling and diving reefs in the U.S. coast. The park offers several miles of mangrove-lined trails that are closed to powerboats. The trail is sandy bottom and crystal clear, depending on the time of year. You'll find yourself enjoying this quiet clear water and see plenty of marine life including parrot fish and stingrays. Feel free and jump in! The trails are clearly marked at junctions.

If you are daring enough, explore through the narrow and winding openings that criss-cross the main canoe trail. You have to look hard for these and they require good maneuvering once inside but they are well worth it. Ask for a map at the canoe rental shop.

A word of advice: Stay away from the main channel where powerboats abound. Only use this area when needed to cross to other trails on the opposite side. Some of these boat captains do not believe in the posted 'Minimum wake' signs. You wont have a problem if you stay in the trail. This is a trip we do at least four times a year and is my one of my favorites.

Accommodations:

Camping sites available. Gift shop, Kayak and canoe rentals.

Clean showers and bathroom facilities.

Fees:

Entrance fee is $4.50.

Directions:

Take US 1 South. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located at Mile Marker 102.5, north of Key Largo in the Florida Keys