An uncommon sight in Florida, John Pennekamp is home to an extremely deep well that serves as an integral part of the park's ecosystem. There are no lifeguards on duty. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park 6,993 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 368 Book in advance from $45.00 per adult Check availability View full product details Jodi307 Free 24 hour WI-FI at Concession Building and Dive Shop Building. Please reference Error Code 2121 when contacting customer service. The playground is temporarily closed for repairs. Once slated to become a condominium development, this park contains one of the largest tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States. Boats leave the dock promptly at published time. The well has created a pond that drains into a small creek, which in turn flows into the marina. I was inside the glass bottom boat part for around 10 minutes and I was not very impressed. When her coworker, Bruce Templeton (Rod Taylor), accidentally hooks her costume while fishing, he is smitten. Truly enjoyed every second. We've already snorkeled before. and the 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 2 main tours at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park that will take you out to the coral reef. For overnight stays on a personally owned boat, there are dock slips in the marina and mooring buoys in Largo Sound. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your email. A wheelchair-friendly dock for rental kayaks and canoes. . Cheapo waterproof phone case for snorkeling, 30-90 second Florida outdoor travel videos, most meaningful thing you can do in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkeling tour from Bahia Honda State Park, official website of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park tours, Best snorkeling in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Our narrator was very knowledgeable and made it fun!! *Side note - we didn't see any animals. Thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours. - See 5,943 traveler reviews, 2,721 candid photos, and great deals for Key Largo, FL, at Tripadvisor. Glass Bottom Boat Ride at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Key Largo, Florida 9,165 views May 25, 2019 59 Dislike Share Elementary Explorers 4.4K subscribers Our first stop in the. Schedules subject to seasonal change. Our trips involve approximately 1 hours of water time depending on the location. The campground has one large bathhouse with laundry machines and a smaller bathhouse near the group camp, both with hot water. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES 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. By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and But again, I dont know what else was seen the rest of the time. The trail winds through the tropical hardwood hammock and ends in an historic fruit grove. Cinemark Even if you can't or don't want to get in the water, it's still possible to explore this magical world with a glass-bottom boat tour. I love the history shared. Accessible picnic pavilions, tablesand benches. Thank you for the fantastic review! Great trip, knowledgeable guides, and the lighthouse was a very cool stop! Port Salerno FL 34997, 7525 W. County Highway 30A After being at the reef for fifteen minutes, there were 38 people upstairs on the deck vomiting. Learned alot about history of the river. Like most people, we were in Key Largo on vacation. The gentlemen were very knowledgeable and interesting facts were given. Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes. The tour guides are knowledgeable and the trip was fun. Jennifer Nelson (Doris Day) works at an aerospace lab, but moonlights as a mermaid to boost sales for her father's glass-bottom boat company. Captain Jack and Morgan were very personable and informative during the course of our tour. Tickets for showers for bathing may be purchased at the ranger station for those who are not camping. Well, it was odd but my family had never been sea sick so we're good. Assisted listening devices in the visitor center and aquarium auditorium. Our trip was cancelled We were already halfway there when we got the call! Great experience! My only recommendation would be to bring a cushion or towel to sit on if your hips/back bother you. Key Largo FL 33037. Just below that it reads "Ticket Confirmation#:" followed by a 10-digit number. Our 2 and a half-hour (round trip) snorkeling tours are strictly non-scuba for the comfort of our passengers. 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. The boat ramp will be open; however, occasional closures may occur. 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 Ugggg. PICTURED ROCKS MI MAMMOTH CAVE KY 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. Visitors can enjoy walking on short trails, picnicking, or swimming at the beach. 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. We are proud to be a part of this lovely Florida State Park. We were disappointed in the glass bottom part. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Concession: Overall good experience. Contact the Statewide Information Line: Located near Key Largo, it . 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. If this happens, the park will close temporarilybut reopenas soon as spaces become available. Explore the park's 50 miles of natural mangrove wilderness trails in Pennekamp waters. (I have been on a few guided boat rides where it is difficult to understand what is being said.) Regal Feeling hungry after enjoying the water all day or maybe just want to cool off with some ice cream after a peaceful kayak paddle? Coral Reef Park Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Personally owned boats visit the parks approximately 72 square nautical miles of ocean. Power boat rentals are available from the dockmaster at the dive shop. 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. We are happy to hear you enjoyed exploring the beautiful St. Lawrence River with us. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. At one point I asked him if this was normal. There is no charge for parking, as it is covered with the park entrance fee. Mobile Web Design by Wodu. BADLANDS SD more, Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure. Pay the $10 launch feealong with your entrance fee, good only for the day,at the ranger station when entering the park. John Pennekamp's Glass Bottom Boat Tours Key Largo, FL Enjoy a unique and memorable glass bottom boat adventure in Key Largo Florida at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Foraging for firewood is not allowed; purchase is available at local stores. My stars, that was a lot of fish! BRYCE CANYON UT The crew member can also go and get ice for you as sucking on ice is another thing thats said to help seasickness. We are sorry you were disappointed that your tour was cancelled. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD Thank you for taking the time to review us Camille! For more exciting getaways that you won't want to miss out on, take a look at these 10 Unforgettable Tours In The Empire State That . , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. They didn't get us a chance to get a refund and they didn't tell us HOW bad it would be. Climb aboard the M.V. There is a lot to do in Clayton. It seems rolling waves are normal in this part of the Florida Keys. The visitor center features several large saltwater aquariums filled with sea creatures, and nature videos are shown in its theater. (The kind they give you on a plane.). VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Please take all trash with you, as litter is harmful to wildlife. Most sites can accommodate an RV length of 40feet; a few sites can accommodate a few feet longer. Coming Soon. Xpress Boats. MICHIGAN What a life the Lighthouse Tenders have. Cinemark For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks. You may wind up with a marine biologist in the family. The Blue Heron Cafe offers a wide selection of delicious foods and drinks right inside the park. I guess I was thinking back to times that I've snorkeled at reefs. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: Well, at least you know youll be taken care of if you do get seasick. Dive in to explore Floridas Coral Reef at the park. From Miami, take Florida's Turnpike south to US 1. Left at 7 to make our 10 voyage. Just leave us a message here and we will work on getting you verified. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING The brackish-water creek is perfect habitat for the mangroves growing there. These are the 2 most popular ways to experience the coral reef of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Snorkeling Glass bottom boat In both cases, you will take a boat ride out to the reef. Boat tours are an excellent way to view these marine creatures. Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". One is the John Pennekamp snorkeling tour. When my sister and I were very young, my parents took us out on a glass-bottom boat tour of John Pennekamp Park, in the Florida Keys. Glassbottom Boat Tours Welcome aboard our flagship glassbottom boat, Spirit of Pennekamp. Visit the. Per-load prices are comparable to local businesses. We saw sea turtles, rays, barracuda, tons of brightly coloured fish and many different types of coral. Effective March 14, 2023: The camper dock and overnight boat camping facility behind the Dive Shop at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park will be closed for repairs. TheMangrove Nature Trailis closed while repairs are being made to the boardwalk, but you can enjoy a view on the new bridge. Stopping at the Rock Island Lighthouse was wonderful. We do however, have trash cans on board our boats. Thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours to explore the St. Lawrence River. Enjoy a unique glimpse into the serene undersea world in style and comfort. They even handed out little motion sickness tablets as you got on the boat, free for the taking if you wanted one. It was bumpy. Box 1560 Please enjoy the beaches, nature walksand other park amenities while the work is under way. The pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but can also be rented in advance. It has a large grill, a campfire circle and picnic table, as well as a water faucet. A friend and I took the glass bottom boat ride to the coral reef on January 21 at 9:15. Soanyone who is thinking of snorkeling type reefs - here is the only heads up you'll get - it's not. Most sites can accommodate an RV length of 40 feet; a few sites can accommodate a few feet longer. Sundry items, water sports equipment, clothingand souvenirs are soldat the gift shop and dive shop. We thank you for your patience while we workto improve your park experience. You'll find the park in Key Largo off of the Overseas Highway. You're almost there! Fresh air and looking out towards the ocean is said to help with seasickness. Take a peek beneath the waves where the sunlight shimmers on swaying sea fans and rigid stony corals. The boat is spacious, the staff were friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable and what we saw on the reef was spectacular! This was a wonderful day trip with knowledgeable guides/hosts, both during the cruise and on Rock Island. Here.here is where it all came together. My son & I have been on this boat a few times and is something we do every time we visit. The boat tour was awesome!! Change is available at the dive shop. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your tour to Rock Island Lighthouse. This review is for viator site and not the location. Located at the end of the campground drive is a primitive group camp. Shame on them. If you dont mind getting in the water, I do recommend the John Pennekamp snorkeling tour. We took a group of 12 teenagers on the morning glass-bottom boat tour and it was really wonderful! There are three areas where saltwater fishing is allowed from the shore. If you haven't already figured it out, it was so rough that it was sickening. The tour guides where very knowledgeable captain Brian gave us a smooth ride the views where awesome II would most definitely recommend this tour a must see, We loved seeing all the islands and hearing the stories. Most Popular Glass Bottom Boat Cruises In The Florida Keys Best Seller! We are happy to hear you enjoyed exploring Rock Island Lighthouse with us. Some blah fish and one green turtle on the side of the boat. All prices and schedules are subject to change without notice. Box 1560(305) 451-6300Video Equipment used:* Canon M50 https://amzn.to/35BAXva* Sony FDR-X3000 https://amzn.to/3iyduz9* Rode VideoMicro https://amzn.to/3oyTa4TMusic by:Epidemic Sound No reason given. The Princess is a 70-foot luxury, coast guard certified, glass bottom boat, which can hold up to 129 passengers. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I have done this tour three times and enjoyed every time I went. 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. Being the original all-welded aluminum boat, Xpress Jon Boats' roots run deep and strong. The tours leave three times a day, and last about two and a half hours. In season, ranger programs are offered. A 2-hour 45-minute guided tour on a glass-bottomed boat and a visit to the Rock Island Lighthouse. We are happy to hear you enjoyed our staff as well as your tour. Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway At Cannon Beach, artifacts from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck have been placed underwater for viewing. 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. Cannon Beachis the park's primary snorkeling beach, where visitors will find the artifacts from an early Spanish shipwreck100 feet offshore. Thank you for submitting your reservation for John Pennekamp State Park. 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! The reef is among the largest in the world and full of wonders and fish. So I dont want to necessarily say you shouldnt do the glass bottom boat tour since I didnt get the full experience. Thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours. NATIONAL LAKESHORES My family of five have been on cruises, catamarans, boat tours in Amelia Island and the Virgin Islands. The boat ride to the lighthouse was a lot of fun. I foolishly assumed that the reef had calmer waters. 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. SNORKELING SHIRTS This is a open ocean reef with absolutely no protection from weather. We needed a quick getaway and wanted to spend time relaxing on the water. We were already strong swimmers, and the second the boat headed back toward Key Largo we started lobbying our parents to take us out there snorkeling, which they did. (It doesnt always for various reasons.). That never had rough waters. LANAI HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS The campground has 42 reservable campsites, each with 30-amp, 50-amp and 110 electrical outlets. Divers from around the world visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to explore the spectacular living reefs of the Florida Keys and experience diving amidst the area's extraordinary wildlife. Named for its tall dunes rising above the emerald waters of the gulf like a ship's sail, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers 3 miles of pristine white quartz beaches just minutes from Destin. Terrible website! The park has picnic tables and grills throughout the park. Spend an hour or so on Rock Island, among the rivers Thousand Islands, before cruising back to Clayton. Only issue was that we were not able to go in the lighthouse, because the time ran out. And again, what was our choice? 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. All in all a good experience. While the mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the park's upland areas offer visitors a unique experience, it is the coral reefs and their associated marine life that bring most visitors to the park. Drama. The Grove Trail is six-tenths of a mile and starts neara mangrove swamp. 102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5) GRAND TETON WY We are happy to hear you enjoyed our Rock Island Lighthouse Tour on our Glass-bottom Boat. Please call for special group rates and payment information for 25 or more passengers. And the price was very reasonable. See the amphitheater listing above for more information. The four-hour scuba diving tours offer divers two-location, two-tank dives. The parks waters are home to over 600 species of fish, 70 species of coral, and a variety of marine invertebratesand other saltwater species. There is an auditorium where nature videos are playedand where special programs or presentations are given. This 10-digit number is your confirmation number. 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? WYOMING We are happy to hear you enjoyed your time onboard. Just confirm how you got your ticket. The snorkel boat trips depart four timesper day. Otherwise, try Looe Key for a snorkeling tour!). (Ive lived on a ship for a year that was sailing around South Florida, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas! More 3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation From $65.00 Sunset Cruise on the Florida Bay 167 Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. You'll journey to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to explore reefs that are part of the third largest living reef system in the world and the only living coral reef in the United States. More information is available at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions. Scuba tours, equipment rentals, boat rentalsand overnight boat camping are also available at the dive shop. Getting on the John Pennekamp glass bottom boat, seasick tablets were being handed out. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has four different types ofboat toursto ensure that all park visitors have the best opportunity possible to experience the park's coral reef system. The ride out was quite a ride. 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. 1 - Weather Conditions, including severe storms or high winds. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. 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. From Clayton, N.Y. to Alexandria Bay, see all the sights, including the historic mansions and famous Rock Island Lighthouse. The group campsite is limited to organized groups of 24 people maximum and a minimum of six people. Ways to Experience John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Because I didnt stay inside the glass bottom boat part for very long, I cant say whether youll see good things. The Visitor Center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos are shown in its theater. 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. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Kayak and paddleboard rentals for exploring over 50 miles of mangrove trails. Ask the Community Ask a question Q: What is the price for the glass boat ride? Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. Why is the Ocean Different Colors Enjoyed the scenery and history of the islands and homes. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your account. You can sit inside on the John Pennekamp boat ride out to the reef. Welcome aboard the flagship glassbottom boat, Spirit of Pennekamp. Ask for program schedule at the ranger station or visitor center and aquarium. We check in for the boat ride and are told that the swells are 4-5 feet. As you mentioned, Rock Island is a trash-free island and does not allow visitors to dispose of any garbage. Swimming is at your own risk. Full-facility and Youth/Group campsites are available.