Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter Great experience all the way through! The park has a boat ramp (see amenities). With a total of 351 designated parking spots, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park usually has enough room for you to spend time enjoying the parks features. (I have been on a few guided boat rides where it is difficult to understand what is being said.) John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has two human-made beaches, each with its own distinct personality. The Grove Trail is six-tenths of a mile and starts neara mangrove swamp. Box 1560 By creating an account, you agree to the Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. Pay the $10 launch feealong with your entrance fee, good only for the day,at the ranger station when entering the park. I started to feel a little hot, and I wasnt sure if I was just making it up in my mind that I was feeling a little sick. Our narrator was very knowledgeable and made it fun!! We were up and down on those 4-5 foot swells. There was plenty of space on the boat for everyone to get a good view once we reached the reef, and there was so much to see! - See 5,946 traveler reviews, 2,721 candid photos, and great deals for Key Largo, FL, at Tripadvisor. My stars, that was a lot of fish! Our 1 hour stop at the island is intended for our guests to relax and enjoy the beautiful river scenery, plus have time to enjoy the climb to the top of the lighthouse. SNORKELING SHIRTS A great day on the water! Fun and informative. - Review of John Key Largo Princess and enjoy the exotic underwater world of Molasses reef, without getting wet. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It let me book the boat ride for 1000 islands within 24 hour period and When i reached there driving 3.5 hours, they said its already been overbooked and the website shouldnt have let me book it. Outdoor showers are available at the day-use restrooms, the dive shopand the boat embarkation area. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. We took our 5 year old grandson for his first view of the keys to see the reef! The parks waters are home to over 600 species of fish, 70 species of coral, and a variety of marine invertebratesand other saltwater species. Thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours. At 65 feet in length, this high-speed catamaran is capable of transporting up to 130 passengers to the various nautical destinations of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. I was very happy once the boat started moving again! Dive back in time centuries ago when the New World was a bounty of opportunity and riches for those brave enough to endure the hardships of traveling by sea. Well, at least you know youll be taken care of if you do get seasick. It should also say that it was really easy to book this trip, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Glass Bottom Boating in the Florida Keys | VISIT FLORIDA If you dont mind getting in the water, I do recommend the John Pennekamp snorkeling tour. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Soanyone who is thinking of snorkeling type reefs - here is the only heads up you'll get - it's not. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The hours of the center are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Renowned for being the country's first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles. We had planned on taking the 12:15pm boat ride and then stay to swim and snorkel. The visitor center features several large saltwater aquariums filled with sea creatures, and nature videos are shown in its theater. The Blue Heron Caf has a grill with a variety of freshly made food, beveragesand ice cream. Key Largo Princess | Glass Bottom Boat - Cruises and Charters Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Jurassic Park Movies Ranked By Tomatometer, The Most Anticipated TV & Streaming Shows of March 2023, Pokmon Detective Pikachu Sequel Finds Its Writer and Director, and More Movie News. For overnight stays on a personally owned boat, there are dock slips in the marina and mooring buoys in Largo Sound. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Explore gorgeous coral reefs, teeming sea life and mangrove swamps. PEARL HARBOR HI So that is when everyone goes indoors and you are looking down through the glass to see if you can find something interesting. What an excellent adventure! We are happy to hear you enjoyed your tour to Rock Island Lighthouse. Well worth the price of admission and highly recommend! Reservations are recommended for all tours and must be confirmed in person no later that one hour prior to tour time. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. Making waves on the John Pennekamp boat ride out to the reef! Received a call at 9 it was cancelled. The lighthouse experience was awesome. This will reduce the amount of single-use plastics in landfills and reduce the litter sometimes found along trails, at campsites, on beaches and in Floridas waterways. The glass-bottom trips depart from the park's docks three timesper day, 365 days a year, weather permitting. HALEAKALA HI John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, FL - A Visitor's Guide . Accessible only by boat, a quick ride allows you to enjoy pristine beaches, lush mangroves and an offshore reef. No reason given. Glass Bottom Boat Tour To John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park ~ Key It is a three-tenths mile loop through the swamp and along the parks paddling trail. Most sites can accommodate an RV length of 40 feet; a few sites can accommodate a few feet longer. Book Now Learn More From $240 Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Key Largos John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of a kind, offering an amazing glimpse into the underwater world. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. Accessible picnic pavilions, tablesand benches. Relax in the comfortable air-conditioned cabin as you peer into the depths of the Molasses reef or enjoy a panoramic view of the many colors of the sea from our spacious sun deck. Thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours. The tours last 2.5 hours and allow for approximately 1.5 hours of reef time to view the park's living coral and its associated marine life up-close and personal. PICTURED ROCKS MI We are proud to be a part of this lovely Florida State Park. The Key Largo Princess is a 75-foot luxury, coast guard certified, glass bottom boat, which can hold up to 140 passengers. Key Largo, FL 33037 / P.O. Best Way to See the Christ of Abyss - MyWaterEarth&Sky 1 - Weather Conditions, including severe storms or high winds. Great trip. | Contact Us. Power boat rentals are available from the dockmaster at the dive shop. Getting on the John Pennekamp glass bottom boat, seasick tablets were being handed out. The parks new Coral Cam provides a window to one of Key Largos serene yet delicate coral reefs. My family of five have been on cruises, catamarans, boat tours in Amelia Island and the Virgin Islands. You may be able to see marine creatures among the seagrasses, andreef fish will occasionally swim by. Ways to Experience John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. I guess I was thinking back to times that I've snorkeled at reefs. Welcome aboard the flagship glassbottom boat, Spirit of Pennekamp. And again, what was our choice? BADLANDS SD The park has a playground over the bridge. I have done this tour three times and enjoyed every time I went. Welcome aboard our flagship glassbottom boat, Spirit of Pennekamp. From $50 Daily 2 hours 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. Glass-Bottom Boat Key Largo Hop aboard the M. V. Key Largo Princess for our daily tour to view the exciting and beautiful underwater world of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. Xpress Boats. I felt sick on the glass bottom boat at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State There is an auditorium where nature videos are playedand where special programs or presentations are given. So on the John Pennekamp glass bottom boat, once you get to the coral reef, the boat stops. There is a campfire circle located at the Point, across from the campground entrance. Captain Jack and Morgan were very personable and informative during the course of our tour. Why is the Ocean Different Colors WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Florida Keys snorkeling tour to North America's only living coral reef, The perfect type of shirt for swimming in the Florida Keys. There are no lifeguards on duty. Glassbottom Boat Tours Welcome aboard our flagship glassbottom boat, Spirit of Pennekamp. Since 1963, Coral Reef Park Company has been the visitor services provider at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It seems rolling waves are normal in this part of the Florida Keys. Each site also has water and sewer hookup, a picnic table and a grill. Some bird species can be found in the trees of the hardwood forest. GRAND CANYON AZ The lighthouse itself was great. Contact the Statewide Information Line: Per-load prices are comparable to local businesses. My only regret is not knowing that I would need to carry out my yucky ice cream paper as they do not have garbage disposals on the island. Fresh air and looking out towards the ocean is said to help with seasickness. One is the John Pennekamp snorkeling tour. Change is available at the dive shop. Hop aboard the M. V. Key Largo Princess 2 for our daily two-hour tours as we cruise through the waters of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to view the exciting, beautiful, underwater world of the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. It will never get old! Assisted listening devices in the visitor center and aquarium auditorium. WIND CAVE SD Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Why not share such an amazing experience this summer with your kids, and treat them with window into one of the worlds most fascinating, complex and resplendent of ecosystems? The living, shallow-water coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are vibrant with color and activity. Visiting the park is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy Florida's outdoors, exploring the nature trails and kayak trails or having up-close encounters underwater. While many visitors view the park's colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, one can get an even closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. You can also get a vomit bag if you want one just in case. The guides there were top notch. The glass-bottom trips depart from the park's docks three times per day, 365 days a year, weather permitting. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. So the most meaningful thing you can do in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is to go to the coral reef! John Pennekamp Glass Boat Tours Even if you're not the adventurous type there is plenty to do in Key Largo if just to see one of the most beautiful sites in the world The Christ of Abyss is worth the trip and the adventure. We didn't feel rushed. The day-use area has restrooms and outdoor showers at Far Beach and a larger bathhouse across from the boat embarkation area and near Cannon Beach. I really didnt think I was one to get seasick. (It doesnt always for various reasons.). We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of the surrounding water ways, homes, and lighthouses. 102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5) His response, "No. The Glass Bottom Boat - Rotten Tomatoes (I did not consume the tablets since I didnt think I needed it!). We thought it was impressive how the captain maneuvered through "the cut", the deepest part between two islands! Please enjoy the beaches, nature walksand other park amenities while the work is under way. The Encounter, a wheelchair-friendly snorkeling vessel, features wheelchair tie-downsas well as an over-sized marine restroom for guests. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Pennycamp glass bottom boat - See 7,005 traveler reviews, 2,679 candid photos, and great deals for Key Largo, FL, at Tripadvisor. Back to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The park has a PADI Five-Star Gold Palm dive shop, offering a full range of scuba courses from open water through instructor. Making waves on the John Pennekamp boat ride out to the reef! and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has four different types of boat tours to ensure that all park visitors have the best opportunity possible to experience the park's coral reef system. AMobi-Mat installed across the sandy beach provides wheelchair accessibility. This is a open ocean reef with absolutely no protection from weather. Thank you. County Road 905, Mile Marker 106 If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. Truly enjoyed every second. I enjoyed our trip to Rock Island. GRAND TETON WY We are happy to hear you enjoyed exploring the beautiful St. Lawrence River with us. Ah, but then we are told - you can't snorkel this reef! The parks citizen support organization, Friends of Pennekamp, is currently raising funds for a future playground with marine-themed equipment and educational kiosks. They were professional and personable. The Mangrove Trail is a boardwalk through the mangroves at the south end of the Far Beach parking lot. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING Paul Rice is the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Service Award. If you enjoy the video support me by liking, sharing, and Subscribing to my channel PayYourSelfBack.PARK ADMISSION FEES ARE PER PERSON:1) $4.50 3)$9.50 5)$10.50 7)$11.502) $9.00 4) $10.00 6)$11.00 8)$12.00Glass Bottom Boat Tour Prices:Adult $24Age 4-11 $17Age 3 and under FREEPark Opens from: 8am-5pmJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park https://pennekamppark.com/glassbottom-boat/102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5)Key Largo, FL 33037P.O. The glass bottom boat part is indoors with no air flow and you are constantly looking down. The Wild Tamarind Trail, at the east end of the park, is a three-tenths of a mile loop through the tropical hardwood hammock and many of the trees are marked for identification. Beach wheelchair available upon request at visitor center and aquarium building. You'll find the park in Key Largo off of the Overseas Highway. A friend and I took the glass bottom boat ride to the coral reef on January 21 at 9:15. The Amazing Glass-Bottomed Boat Tour In New York That Will Bring Out At one point I asked him if this was normal. Additionally, pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please click the link below to receive your verification email. Great place, quiet with very good services and amicable people.Kayaking was great. Climb aboard the M.V. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park 7,005 Reviews #11 of 38 things to do in Key Largo Nature & Parks, State Parks 102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Open today: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM Save Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure 394 Book in advance from $45.00 per adult Check availability View full product details dlamb003 1 1 It was the first time we saw a coral reef, and we were utterly fascinated by the millions of fish we saw swimming among the bright, branching corals. Spend an hour or so on Rock Island, among the river's Thousand Islands, before cruising back to Clayton. Enjoy a unique glimpse into the serene undersea world in style and comfort. Once the Spirit of Pennekamp reaches the reef, you will get a window into this fascinating underwater world. The Amazing Glass-Bottomed Boat Tour In Florida Will Bring Out The So stating that there were 100 people on the boat would accurate. Swimming is popular off the shores of Cannon Beach and Far Beach. See the amphitheater listing above for more information. The first undersea park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. Campfires are not allowed elsewhere in the park. We took a group of 12 teenagers on the morning glass-bottom boat tour and it was really wonderful! It was a beautiful weather day to be on the water and to be with friends. Knowledgeable tour guide. MAMMOTH CAVE KY Fishing from a boat is allowed in park waters, but there may be designated protected areas, including those within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. All rights reserved. Cinemark The playground is temporarily closed for repairs. We live in Florida and are on boats fairly often but we don't drive boats. Take US 1 to Key Largo. Key Largo, FL 33037 / P.O. Well, it was odd but my family had never been sea sick so we're good. Glass Bottom Boat - Review of John Pennekamp Coral Reef - Tripadvisor Save your money and go to dinner on the water. Experiences & Amenities | Florida State Parks At Cannon Beach, artifacts from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck have been placed underwater for viewing. Thought we would see more. A boardwalk takes visitors across mangrove forests and hammocks of live oaks, cabbage palms, paradise trees and wild limes to a neatly preserved Atlantic beach. The Visitor Center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos are shown in its theater. Thank you for taking the time to write us a review! I thought that a little odd - as the boat ride started right then. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability, Picnic Lunches are available for all tours - $12.00 Adult/$8.00 Children - Please call ahead to pre-order, Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience.