We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a nice day cruising on the St. Lawerence and learning more about US history. Being afforded the opportunity to view both topside and underwater shipwrecks provided an even deeper glimpse into history! There was someone from the boat crew who is on the open deck for those who get sick. Far Beachis a relaxing place to swim or just sit under the palm trees and enjoy the sun. The Grove Trail is six-tenths of a mile and starts neara mangrove swamp. We saw sea turtles, rays, barracuda, tons of brightly coloured fish and many different types of coral. The four-hour scuba diving tours offer divers two-location, two-tank dives. It was bumpy. 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. Soanyone who is thinking of snorkeling type reefs - here is the only heads up you'll get - it's not. 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. When the boat arrives at the coral reef and stops is when the glass bottom part of the tour really begins. Why is the Ocean Different Colors Their name comes from their coloration rather than their attitude: They have prominent, vertical black bars on their sides, reminiscent of the insignia of a military sergeant major. As you mentioned, Rock Island is a trash-free island and does not allow visitors to dispose of any garbage. It was also still a very nice boat ride since youll be able to see the amazing water color with a boat ride in the Florida Keys out to the reef! 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. for the money. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the Rock Island Lighthouse and we thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours on your getaway. I've only ever been on one other Glass Bottom Boat experience, but the one here at Pennekamp trumps the first one by far. More 3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation From $65.00 Sunset Cruise on the Florida Bay 167 We are happy to hear you enjoyed your tour to Rock Island Lighthouse. Lovely cruise.Too long of a stop at the lighthouse.Have recommended it to friends.Saw one freighter. Okaywe go. 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. If this happens, the park will close temporarilybut reopenas soon as spaces become available. 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. Just bring a refillable water bottle to replenish your drinking water at the park. Programs are free with paid entrance fee or campsite fees. Additional fees apply for snorkeling and scuba tours, glass-bottom boat excursions and kayak and paddleboard rentals. There is a lot to do in Clayton. This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. You can also get a vomit bag if you want one just in case. A wheelchair-friendly glass bottom boat, the Spirit of Pennekamp. 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. I counted.as I sat there with my children, who were horribly ill. Beach wheelchair available upon request at visitor center and aquarium building. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES 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. PEARL HARBOR HI John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of the best places in Florida to see our living reef and all kinds of marine life. The first undersea park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. I was offered a small peppermint candy as I guess that helps seasickness. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your time onboard. The scenery is breathtaking, with nothing but blue as far as the eye can see. A friend and I took the glass bottom boat ride to the coral reef on January 21 at 9:15. His response, "No. Please click the link below to receive your verification email. Assisted listening devices in the visitor center and aquarium auditorium. Stopping at the Rock Island Lighthouse was wonderful. See the amphitheater listing above for more information. Glass-bottom boats are available several times a day and the tour is 2.5 hours. The Blue Heron Caf has a grill with a variety of freshly made food, beveragesand ice cream. There is also a campfire circle available when renting the group camp. Some blah fish and one green turtle on the side of the boat. A small aquarium, very nice. 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. ROAD TRIP AMERICA Limited wheelchair accessibility is also available on the glassbottom boat Spirit of Pennekamp. The icing on the cake was that it was an absolutely beautiful day to be out on the river. Whether it's for pleasure or commercial use, a flat bottom, tunnel or "Mod V" bottom hull, rigged with accessories or simply two bench seats in a basic hull, we have what you need. By Terry Gibson. Well, at least you know youll be taken care of if you do get seasick. Cinemark Rentals and paddling trail maps are available at the parks concession. Pavilions are not rented on holiday weekendsbut are still available on a first-come, first-served basis. We appreciate the wonderful review! TheMangrove Nature Trailis closed while repairs are being made to the boardwalk, but you can enjoy a view on the new bridge. Welcome aboard our flagship glassbottom boat, Spirit of Pennekamp. Swimming is at your own risk. 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. If youll be heading that far south in the Florida Keys (Bahia Honda State Park is about an hour from Key West), then check to see if the Bahia Honda State Park snorkeling tour is going out! Loved going up inside the lighthouse & listening to the history of Rock Island and the lighthouse. Ways to Experience John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Manatees, Sting Rays and all sorts of animals will swim right up. 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. The campground has 42 reservable campsites, each with 30-amp, 50-amp and 110 electrical outlets. Cost is $32 for adults. It will never get old! Privacy Policy Staying hydrated on your outdoor adventures is important. But a word of advise; if you have a weak stomach then you may want to take a Dramamine tablet or two which is a over-the-counter drug used to treat motion sickness and nausea. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. The Blue Heron Cafe offers a wide selection of delicious foods and drinks right inside the park. The Princess is a 70-foot luxury, coast guard certified, glass bottom boat, which can hold up to 129 passengers. 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. Most Popular Glass Bottom Boat Cruises In The Florida Keys Best Seller! (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: But again, I dont know what else was seen the rest of the time. 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. The ramp can handle most boats up to 36 feet in length. Thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours to explore the St. Lawrence River. We took our 5 year old grandson for his first view of the keys to see the reef! The Visitor Center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos are shown in its theater. Here.here is where it all came together. This review is for viator site and not the location. The glass-bottomed boat experience was a first impression that led me on a lifelong diving and fishing adventure. Rental equipment is available. The park has 13 small and one large picnic pavilions. Call (305) 451-6300 for more information. The Resort Course introduces the fledgling diver to diving and the coral reef in one day. Large-print formats for Florida Park Service publications and some other literature available upon request. From Miami, take Florida's Turnpike south to US 1. Minimum passenger requirements on all tours. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. 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 Mobile Web Design by Wodu. BRYCE CANYON UT Why would we take Dramamine for the reef and not the ride? The campground has one large bathhouse with laundry machines and a smaller bathhouse near the group camp, both with hot water. WIND CAVE SD Do you need water shoes for the Florida Keys? One is the John Pennekamp snorkeling tour. The trail winds through the tropical hardwood hammock and ends in an historic fruit grove. So happy to hear you enjoyed exploring the St. Lawrence river with us. At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, youll find a refillable water bottle station at the Visitor Center. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Fresh air and looking out towards the ocean is said to help with seasickness. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Concession: A great day on the water! A wheelchair-friendly dock for rental kayaks and canoes. Each site also has water and sewer hookup, a picnic table and a grill. Sundry items, water sports equipment, clothingand souvenirs are soldat the gift shop and dive shop. Explore the park's 50 miles of natural mangrove wilderness trails in Pennekamp waters. When her coworker, Bruce Templeton (Rod Taylor), accidentally hooks her costume while fishing, he is smitten. What a life the Lighthouse Tenders have. We live in Florida and are on boats fairly often but we don't drive boats. You have a nice friendly crew and great viewing. Sunny and quite warm. Thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours. 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 had a lovely tour. Renowned for being the country's first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles. Thank you for the fantastic review! We are happy to hear you enjoyed our Rock Island Lighthouse Tour on our Glass-bottom Boat. Our trip was cancelled when we were already on the way. At Cannon Beach, artifacts from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck have been placed underwater for viewing. The park's accessibility features include the wheelchair-friendly glass bottom boat and snorkeling vessel, wheelchair-accessible picnic pavilions, campsites, playground area, and a dock for kayak and canoe rentals. The Encounter, a wheelchair-friendly snorkeling vessel, features wheelchair tie-downsas well as an over-sized marine restroom for guests. Enjoyed a beautiful boat ride on the St. Lawrence ! The park has a very good deep-water boat ramplocated at the marina. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. All reservations must include total passengers. This was a great location to our hotel! (I have been on a few guided boat rides where it is difficult to understand what is being said.) SOUTH DAKOTA Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance by calling the park at 305-676-3777. and the The captain was very pleasant and good at his job. The pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but can also be rented in advance. | Contact Us. Snorkel boat trips depart four timesper day. The boat ride is non-refundable. Junior Ranger activities are offered here, as well as volunteer and ranger-led programs and walks. SNORKELING SHIRTS Dine outside by the boat embarkation area. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI Located at the end of the campground drive is a primitive group camp. 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. Thank you for taking the time to review us Camille! The glass-bottom trips depart from the park's docks three timesper day, 365 days a year, weather permitting. We offer sit-on-top kayaks and canoe rentals. We are proud to be a part of this lovely Florida State Park. Ugggg. I also did the snorkeling tour from Bahia Honda State Park which goes to Looe Key, and I liked that one even better. The first undersea park in the United States, Thank you Tami for sharing your experience with us. WYOMING Youth campers must be accompanied by adults over 18; minimum of one adult to every 10 youth. If its canceled because the minimum isnt met, youll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Occasionally, manatees or crocodiles may be in the marina or Largo Sound. A 2-hour 45-minute guided tour on a glass-bottomed boat and a visit to the Rock Island Lighthouse. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. It may have been because the boat wasn't overcrowded. They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. 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. Those amenities include: The Point, an area across from the campground entrancewith an outdoor screen, benchesand a fire circle,provides an area for evening ranger programs in the late fall and winter season. The gentlemen were very knowledgeable and interesting facts were given. NEW YORK Visitors can enjoy walking on short trails, picnicking, or swimming at the beach. Full-facility and youth/group campsites are available. Thought we would see more. They didn't get us a chance to get a refund and they didn't tell us HOW bad it would be. To me, if it's safe to go, it's safe to go. Power boat rentals are available from the dockmaster at the dive shop. Visit the. 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. The image is an example of a ticket confirmation email that AMC sent you when you purchased your ticket. There is an auditorium where nature videos are playedand where special programs or presentations are given. The captain, Patrick, spent the entire time handing out puke bags, mints, and paper towels. We thank you for your patience while we workto improve your park experience. Among the tropical fruit trees, one can often enjoy watching a myriad of butterfly species before returning on the trail back to the Visitor Center/Cannon Beach parking lot. All in all a good experience. So the most meaningful thing you can do in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is to go to the coral reef! GRAND TETON WY Well worth the price of admission and highly recommend! By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Great trip. Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". When her coworker, Bruce Templeton (Rod Taylor . FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Explore gorgeous coral reefs, teeming sea life and mangrove swamps. These covered pavilions have a grill and several picnic tables. The visitor center features several large saltwater aquariums filled with sea creatures, and nature videos are shown in its theater. IDAHO Please put your trash in the dumpsters located near the entrance to the campgrounds. Key Largo, FL 33037 / P.O. Date night with spouse Had a great day! 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. Snorkeling and SCUBA tours, scuba diving instruction leading to certification. EVERGLADES FL GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC Thank you for the fantastic review! We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your email. GRAND CANYON AZ There are 70 adult life jackets on board. 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. All rights reserved. Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING Beautiful experience and our tour guide was excellent. it gives an idea of what the keys are and how they were formed and shows wildlife in and out of the sea. Boat tours are an excellent way to view these marine creatures. It is temporarily closed for repairs. Take US 1 to Key Largo. Electricity is not available at the site, but the Pond restroom is adjacent. Loved the lighthouse and views. Rental equipment and air fills are available. The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth: Season 8, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 1, Link to Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Link to The Most Anticipated TV & Streaming Shows of March 2023. Unleash your sense of adventure and dive into this wonderland that lies just below the surface. Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway An hr is not enough time, probablyneed an extra 15 min. The parks citizen support organization, Friends of Pennekamp, is currently raising funds for a future playground with marine-themed equipment and educational kiosks. The ride out was quite a ride. No reason given. The tour guides are knowledgeable and the trip was fun. Enjoy a unique glimpse into the serene undersea world in style and comfort. It was a beautiful weather day to be on the water and to be with friends. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. My family of five have been on cruises, catamarans, boat tours in Amelia Island and the Virgin Islands. It's about 45 minutes to the reef." Visitors can also enjoy walking on short trails through tropical hammocks, picnickingor swimming at the beach. Beach wheelchairs are available without cost. The lighthouse itself was great. Making waves on the John Pennekamp boat ride out to the reef! 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. The Key Largo Princess is a 75-foot luxury, coast guard certified, glass bottom boat, which can hold up to 140 passengers. Ask for program schedule at the ranger station or visitor center and aquarium. Like most people, we were in Key Largo on vacation. Just confirm how you got your ticket. Snorkelers head out to the reef at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Tickets for showers for bathing may be purchased at the ranger station for those who are not camping. NATIONAL LAKESHORES 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. There are many smaller aquariums with fish, invertebratesand other marine creatures, including live coral. the Terms and Policies, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of the surrounding water ways, homes, and lighthouses. All of tour boats have at least one vessel equipped to accommodate the boarding of wheelchairs for our guests with special needs. A: 2 years ago 1 person found this helpful Thank you for taking the time to review us! Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter There are two reasons we occasionally have to cancel a tour. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys. Most sites can accommodate an RV length of 40feet; a few sites can accommodate a few feet longer. Well, it was odd but my family had never been sea sick so we're good. Captain Joe was friendly. MAMMOTH CAVE KY All fishing within park boundaries must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. Making waves on the John Pennekamp boat ride out to the reef! Our 2 and a half-hour (round trip) snorkeling tours are strictly non-scuba for the comfort of our passengers. 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. Check out and board the historic boat: Spirit of Pennekamp and tour the water in style with this 65 foot vessel. If you haven't already figured it out, it was so rough that it was sickening. We didn't feel rushed. Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459, Contact the Statewide Information Line: Sergeant majors are one of the many fish you can find at John Pennekamp's reefs - and one of the most feisty. MICHIGAN The park has a playground over the bridge. 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. Thank you for submitting your reservation for John Pennekamp State Park. Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Day-use guests may attend with a special pass obtained at the ranger station, as well as registered campers. Well I really didnt want to throw up (I didnt) so I did not wait out this feeling of possible nausea for very long before I decided that I was going to get outside on the open deck. The glass bottom boat part is indoors with no air flow and you are constantly looking down. Ah, but then we are told - you can't snorkel this reef! The friends group helps preserve park resources and enhance services to the public. . The park has picnic tables and grills throughout the park. Xpress Boats. 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. She sails out 3 times a day rain or shine for up to 2 hours. 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. I was very happy once the boat started moving again! So happy to hear you enjoyed our Rock Island Lighthouse Tour. Cruise the St Lawrence River, gazing through the glass floor of the boat and getting a look at the underwater life. What we did see was difficult to identify. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Well, it was during this time that the boat is bobbing up and down above the coral reef that I started to get nauseous and I left the glass bottom part of the boat to go outside to the open deck. THE GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR| JOHN PENNEKAMP STATE PARK, KEY LARGO FLORIDA PayYourSelfBack 15.7K subscribers Subscribe 6.3K views 1 year ago Welcome aboard the flagship glassbottom boat,. The tours leave three times a day, and last about two and a half hours. Knowledgeable tour guide. 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. 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.