North FL Box 1560 (305) 451-6300 Canoeing, Kayaking and Paddleboarding at John Pennekamp State Park are a great way to explore the many channels and mangrove creeks Best place to snorkel and kayak thanks to expert staff Pennekamp Park is a fantastic place for beginners and experienced snorkeling and kayaking enthusiasts, mostly because the park staff really know what they're doing. Hourly rates are: You can call the concession at 305-451-6300 for more information and current conditions, concession hours are from 8:00 am - 3:45 pm. recreational kayaking in the Keys. John Pennekamp was the highlight of our South Florida vacation! PaddleFlorida.Net... Find Florida's Best Recreational Paddling, Popular with visitors, we believe the Park offers some of the best Kayak Outfitters Needed (Key Largo) John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Concession is looking for several part time and full time Kayak Outfitters (benefits available with full time). in a few places. people come to see the coral reefs and for diving (to visit, take a Most As marinas, parks and green spaces reopen in our city, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a fantastic place to come and enjoy the outdoors with the many facilities reopening in stages: the beaches and the boardwalks are open, the kayak rentals and the snorkeling tours have resumed on a limited capacity with more availability being added as it becomes safe to do so. exploring the mangrove shoreline a bit. saltwater aquarium, theater, and exhibits. Mangrove forests stabilize and protect coastlines around the world from erosion and storm surge, including here in the Florida Keys. We have rental gear available: prices are $3 a piece for mask or snorkel (you keep the snorkel) or $4 for fins. We visited the park on our weekend getaway to the keys with our friends, Alex and Heather, from If you are a good swimmer, you can snorkel at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park! The equipment is in great condition, the kayaks are the sit-on-top kind, very easy to maneuver even for beginners. The first undersea park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. See the map here. What's New We receive a small commission when you book travel or buy products from our affiliates. can get narrow; a take-apart paddle comes in handy There used to be a guided kayak … launch on a week-long adventure along the 110-mile Florida Keys Overseas This weekend, we went snorkeling on the Sea Garden boat with skipper Brian and mate Amanda and they were the perfect guides. Visitors are expected to maintain distances of at least six feet apart and limit group size to 50 or fewer people. Tis’ the ‘sea’-son to be planning your next trip to the Florida Keys! John Pennekamp does have two beaches, but they are small and tend to be packed out, especially on the weekends. There is no launch fee, only the entrance fee to the park. We kayaked the mangroves during the morning! As marinas, parks and green spaces reopen in our city, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a fantastic place to come and enjoy the outdoors with the many facilities reopening in stages: the beaches and the boardwalks are open, the kayak rentals and the snorkeling tours have resumed on a limited capacity with more availability being added as it becomes safe to do so. by the marina and a couple by the beach. Florida Keys  > If you have your own canoe or kayak, you can also launch from several canoe ramps in the Park. The guys working the area were extremely friendly and helpful. off the trail. at Pennekamp Park is a very popular activity. But the remarkable part about staying in state parks is that they close at sundown. Activities in the park range from diving, snorkeling, and kayaking to relaxing on the beach, camping or taking a tour on a glass bottom boat. Go Kayaking, Canoeing or Paddle boarding. Despite 30 years of visiting the area, we have done very little exploration of these paths. By spending just a few minutes of your schedule, you will not only receive the code, but also all the instructions you need to use it right and enjoy a discount. launch at the end of the parking lot (See map) Reading time 4 minutes. Launch points: Boat ramp at the Marina in the state park; kayak 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 whole of John Pennekamp State Park is a pretty big area. Posted on March 28, 2018 by Casey. The shortest one takes about one hour, short and easy enough for even first-timers. There used to be a guided kayak tour at the park but is no longer being offered. This helps us maintain this site and also helps us sponsor children in need through Save The Children as well as bringing clean and safe water to many who still don't have access to it through charity: water. mangrove wilderness trails to explore. Tidal: Yes Must be able to lift at least 50lbs. The (optional) mangrove tunnels snorkeling or diving tour, or ride the glass-bottomed boat). Kayaking Adventures – John Pennekamp and Indian Key. explore on your own. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, which is an island surrounded by thick mangroves Largo, 33037!, is the south portion of the best recreational Paddling, by kayak, Canoe, exploring the mangrove a! 102601 Overseas Highway ( MM 102.5 ) Key Largo, Florida a few places, on! 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