John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park near Fort Lauderdale FL

Perched on Key Largo in the Florida Keys, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a stunning natural gem that is a must-see for nature and marine lovers.

Known best for its diving and snorkeling opportunities, the park is the first underwater State Park in the United States. Its mesmerizing coral reefs, diverse marine life, and unrivaled tropical beauty make it a unique vacation destination.

Established in 1963 and spanning approximately 70 nautical square miles, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was named in honor of John D. Pennekamp, a Miami newspaper editor whose tireless efforts contributed to the establishment of the Everglades National Park. The park's vast aquatic portion is adjacent to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which together play a key role in protecting the only living coral reef in the continental United States.

One of the biggest highlights of the park is the Christ of the Abyss statue. Submerged in approximately 25 feet of water, this 8.5-foot-tall bronze statue of Jesus Christ with arms raised toward the sky is a fan favorite among divers and snorkelers. On land, the park's mangrove fringed islands and tropical hammocks offer a labyrinth of nature trails teeming with wildlife. Visitors have an opportunity to explore by canoe or kayak, with rentals available at the park. The park's visitor center also includes a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature exhibits that offer detailed insight into the park's unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park also offers glass-bottom boat tours, an exceptional way to feast your eyes on the spectacular views of the coral reefs without getting wet. For scuba divers, a noteworthy site is the Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot retired Navy ship that was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. This ghostly shipwreck is now home to countless species of fish and corals.

A visit to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is truly an immersion into a fascinating undersea world, a different universe that silently exists beneath the water's surface. Whether you are interested in low-key bird watching, meandering through exotic nature trails, or diving into the awe-inspiring underwater world, there is something for everyone in this one-of-a-kind park. As the gateway to the Florida Keys, it serves as an enduring reminder of nature's vitality and the importance of preservation, ensuring future generations can experience its spectacular beauty.