The first undersea park in the United States, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, cover approximately 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. The park extends three miles into the Atlantic Ocean  and is approximately 25 miles in length. These areas were established to protect and preserve a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States.

The park contains a wide variety of tropical vegetation, shore birds and marine life. While the mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks offer visitors a unique and interesting experience, it is the coral formations and associated marine life that most park visitors come to enjoy. The coral reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park are among the most beautiful and diverse of all living communities.

The living, shallow-water coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are vibrant with color and activity. Our 2 and a half-hour snorkeling tours are strictly non-scuba for the comfort of our passengers. Our trips involve approximately 1½ hours of water time depending on the location. In addition, the park offers visitors a wide range of natural and cultural history programs, guided nature walks, camping, glass bottom boat tours, fishing, picnicking, swimming and more.