John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a Florida State Park located on Key Largo in the Florida Keys and was designated in 1963 as the first undersea park in the United States. It protects offshore coral reefs and adjacent coastal habitats that are part of the Florida Reef Tract.

Established by the state in 1963 to protect remaining nearshore coral reef habitat and to provide managed public access, the park has since been a focal point for reef education and recreation in the Keys. Management has balanced recreational use with conservation of coral and mangrove communities.

The park is located on Key Largo in Monroe County, in the upper Florida Keys, within the broader Florida Reef ecosystem and reachable by road from the mainland via the Overseas Highway.

• Founding and purpose: Designated in 1963 as the first undersea park in the United States, it protects nearshore coral reef ecosystems and provides public access for snorkeling and diving.
• Activities and facilities: Glass-bottom boat tours and snorkel trips operate from the park marina, and the onshore visitor center maintains aquaria and exhibits about reef ecology.

What to See #

• Shoreline and Visitor Center: Shallow shoreline areas, mangrove edges and a land-based nature trail system that showcase local coastal habitats and an on-site visitor center aquarium with interpretive displays.
• Offshore reef areas: Offshore coral reef zones that form part of the Florida Reef Tract and begin a short distance from shore; these are reached by park boat launches for snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours.