It was bumpy. Call (305) 451-6300 for more information. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI The gentlemen were very knowledgeable and interesting facts were given. Loved going up inside the lighthouse & listening to the history of Rock Island and the lighthouse. Receive boarding pass from our blue ticket booth, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers. Here.here is where it all came together. 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 391 Book in advance from $45.00 per adult Check availability View full product details smketch11 That never had rough waters. I really didnt think I was one to get seasick. Ask for program schedule at the ranger station or visitor center and aquarium. The parks new Coral Cam provides a window to one of Key Largos serene yet delicate coral reefs. The parks waters are home to over 600 species of fish, 70 species of coral, and a variety of marine invertebratesand other saltwater species. Boat trailer parking is limited to 40 and could be filled before noon on weekends andholidays. Drama. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. Captain Gary was very skilled showing us the Rivers secrets. Snorkel boat trips depart four timesper day. 1 - Weather Conditions, including severe storms or high winds. For the most up-to-date info call (305) 451-6300. We were already strong swimmers, and the . We offer sit-on-top kayaks and canoe rentals. Visitors can also enjoy walking on short trails through tropical hammocks, picnickingor swimming at the beach. A: 2 years ago 1 person found this helpful 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. By creating an account, you agree to the BIG ISLAND Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. However, There was room on the 1. 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. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! The tours leave three times a day, and last about two and a half hours. We also got a view of coral formations, shipwrecks, and all kinds of marine life. It is a three-tenths mile loop through the swamp and along the parks paddling trail. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys. Only issue was that we were not able to go in the lighthouse, because the time ran out. | Contact Us. Beach wheelchair available upon request at visitor center and aquarium building. I counted.as I sat there with my children, who were horribly ill. If you wish to reserve a pavilion, this can be done for a fee in advance by calling the ranger station at 305-676-3777. Well, it was odd but my family had never been sea sick so we're good. Book Now Learn More From $240 Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The boat ride is non-refundable. Received a call at 9 it was cancelled. Thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours. Foraging for firewood is not allowed; purchase is available at local stores. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/AWindowToTheWorld?sub_confirmation=1#glassbottomboat #coralreef #boattour #johnpennekamp #keylargo #florida #floridakeys. Occasionally, manatees or crocodiles may be in the marina or Largo Sound. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has two human-made beaches, each with its own distinct personality. One can also see some species in the swimming areas at the land base of the park. 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. Renowned for being the country's first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles. 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. Please call for special group rates and payment information for 25 or more passengers. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. The park has a boat ramp (see amenities). Making waves on the John Pennekamp boat ride out to the reef! 102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5) Outdoor showers are available at the day-use restrooms, the dive shopand the boat embarkation area. Our visitor center has a new Maritime Heritage Exhibit. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING You can also get a vomit bag if you want one just in case. Just bring a refillable water bottle to replenish your drinking water at the park. NATIONAL LAKESHORES Why would we take Dramamine for the reef and not the ride? The park has several miles of paddling trails through the mangroves and in Largo Sound. Coming Soon, Regal Coming Soon. Just confirm how you got your ticket. Limited wheelchair accessibility is also available on the glassbottom boat Spirit of Pennekamp. Like most people, we were in Key Largo on vacation. WYOMING Snorkeling and SCUBA tours, scuba diving instruction leading to certification. SNORKELING SHIRTS Thank you Tami for sharing your experience with us. Thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours. The playground is temporarily closed for repairs. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your email. Enjoy a unique glimpse into the serene undersea world in style and comfort. Coral Reef Park Company runs several boat tours multiple times per day, as well as paddleboard, kayak, and snorkeling equipment rentals. The Resort Course introduces the fledgling diver to diving and the coral reef in one day. 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. There is a drop-off driveway, and vehicles may be parked for the day in the lot across the road. You're almost there! If you dont mind getting in the water, I do recommend the John Pennekamp snorkeling tour. Well another reason I convinced myself to leave might have been because I didnt really have motivation to stay because it didnt seem like there was much to see. At Cannon Beach, artifacts from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck have been placed underwater for viewing. 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. If its canceled because the minimum isnt met, youll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Great trip, knowledgeable guides, and the lighthouse was a very cool stop! Key Largo FL 33037. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Concession: Nice boat ride, r Pugh seas - See 5,946 traveler reviews, 2,726 candid photos, and great deals for Key Largo, FL, at Tripadvisor. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, except for campers who may do so within their campsites. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance by calling the park at 305-676-3777. From Miami, take Florida's Turnpike south to US 1. (It doesnt always for various reasons.). The current rental prices from John Pennekamp are as follows: Canoes - $20 per hour Single kayaks - $12 per hour Double kayaks - $17 per hour Paddleboards - $25 per hour Camping Good news for outdoor enthusiasts: there are 47 camping sites on John Pennekamp State Park's property. 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. Cinemark 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! Went for the beach but the trails are good to walk. We didn't feel rushed. Take a peek beneath the waves where the sunlight shimmers on swaying sea fans and rigid stony corals. It may have been because the boat wasn't overcrowded. A wonderful two and a half hour tour. No trip!! A 2-hour 45-minute guided tour on a glass-bottomed boat and a visit to the Rock Island Lighthouse, Cruise the St Lawrence River, gazing through the glass floor of the boat and getting a look at the underwater life, Learn about the natural and cultural history of the area from your expert local guide, Explore Rock Island and its historic lighthouse, Visit the former light keepers home, now a museum, and other historic buildings on the island, Picnic Lunch - $12.00 Adult/$8.00 Children - Please call ahead to pre-order, Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 hours of travel. Additionally, pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Renowned for being the countrys first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: Both the dive shop and the visitor center and aquarium building have restrooms. 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. Once the Spirit of Pennekamp reaches the reef, you will get a window into this fascinating underwater world. 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. They even handed out little motion sickness tablets as you got on the boat, free for the taking if you wanted one. There is no charge for parking, as it is covered with the park entrance fee. If you are camping at the park, two washing machines and two dryers are available in the campground. Next time! Knowledgeable tour guide. . All reservations must include total passengers. 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. Captain Joe was friendly. Change is available at the dive shop. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter NEW YORK 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 So that is when everyone goes indoors and you are looking down through the glass to see if you can find something interesting. Being afforded the opportunity to view both topside and underwater shipwrecks provided an even deeper glimpse into history! We needed a quick getaway and wanted to spend time relaxing on the water. Great experience! EVERGLADES FL Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Half-Day Florida Keys Catamaran Snorkel Key Largo Snorkeling Trips & Islamorada A Unique Private Snorkel Tour of Key Largo, Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, Looe Key (Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary). Well, I cant say I had the most enjoyable time on the glass bottom boat tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. We are happy to hear you enjoyed exploring the beautiful St. Lawrence River with us. Programs are free with paid entrance fee or campsite fees. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Concession: Overall good experience. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The visitor center features several large saltwater aquariums filled with sea creatures, and nature videos are shown in its theater. The ride to and from were not a problem. - See 5,943 traveler reviews, 2,721 candid photos, and great deals for Key Largo, FL, at Tripadvisor. Great trip, we took the one hour snorkel with Captain Deen and Zack on January 7th, they were safe, pleasant, funny and helpfully. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC Feeling hungry after enjoying the water all day or maybe just want to cool off with some ice cream after a peaceful kayak paddle? They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. It was a beautiful weather day to be on the water and to be with friends. 2 Hour Tours As you mentioned, Rock Island is a trash-free island and does not allow visitors to dispose of any garbage. . In my head, to see the reef with either shallower waters or somehow protected. Snorkelers head out to the reef at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. We thought it was impressive how the captain maneuvered through "the cut", the deepest part between two islands! The brackish-water creek is perfect habitat for the mangroves growing there. The Princess is a 70-foot luxury, coast guard certified, glass bottom boat, which can hold up to 129 passengers. These covered pavilions have a grill and several picnic tables. Please put your trash in the dumpsters located near the entrance to the campgrounds. Located near Key Largo, it . Welcome aboard our flagship glassbottom boat, Spirit of Pennekamp. I was very happy once the boat started moving again! The glass-bottom trips depart from the park's docks three times per day, 365 days a year, weather permitting. We are happy to hear you enjoyed the 1pm tour as well as the town of Clayton! Trust the origin, trust the quality, trust the name. OMG. By Terry Gibson. You can go outside on the open deck on the John Pennekamp boat ride out to the reef! FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Thank you. The Encounter, a wheelchair-friendly snorkeling vessel, features wheelchair tie-downsas well as an over-sized marine restroom for guests. Some blah fish and one green turtle on the side of the boat. From Clayton, N.Y. to Alexandria Bay, see all the sights, including the historic mansions and famous Rock Island Lighthouse. The best way to see the 1000 Islands is definitely by boat. Look for the State Park entrance on your left at Mile Marker 102.5. They didn't get us a chance to get a refund and they didn't tell us HOW bad it would be. (305) 451-6300. 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. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of the surrounding water ways, homes, and lighthouses. 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. The reef is among the largest in the world and full of wonders and fish. Unleash your sense of adventure and dive into this wonderland that lies just below the surface. 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. We had a lovely tour. Boat tours are an excellent way to view these marine creatures. The Resort Course introduces the fledgling diver to diving and the coral reef in one day. Key Largo, FL 33037 / P.O. Visitors can enjoy walking on short trails, picnicking, or swimming at the beach. The launch is located over the bridge next to the education classroom. 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. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. I thought that a little odd - as the boat ride started right then. Before you get too old I have one suggestion. Some bird species can be found in the trees of the hardwood forest. The dive shop also has some RV and camping items. The Grove Trail is six-tenths of a mile and starts neara mangrove swamp. The four-hour scuba diving tours offer divers two-location, two-tank dives. Contact the Statewide Information Line: The park has a PADI Five-Star Gold Palm dive shop, offering a full range of scuba courses from open water through instructor. Free 24 hour WI-FI at Concession Building and Dive Shop Building. Glass-bottom boats are available several times a day and the tour is 2.5 hours. From Watertown take Route 12 exit (Bradley Street) to Clayton, turn right at the Light, 39621 Chateau Lane is less than a mile on your left! Large-print formats for Florida Park Service publications and some other literature available upon request. 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. The snorkel boat trips depart four times per day. Contact the dockmaster at the dive shop. Getting on the John Pennekamp glass bottom boat, seasick tablets were being handed out. Lovely cruise.Too long of a stop at the lighthouse.Have recommended it to friends.Saw one freighter. The park has picnic tables and grills throughout the park. All fishing within park boundaries must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. Swimming is at your own risk. Spend an hour or so on Rock Island, among the river's Thousand Islands, before cruising back to Clayton. Ugggg. This is a open ocean reef with absolutely no protection from weather. Please enjoy the beaches, nature walksand other park amenities while the work is under way. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: The group campsite is limited to organized groups of 24 people maximum and a minimum of six people. Sergeant majors are one of the many fish you can find at John Pennekamp's reefs - and one of the most feisty. 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.