John Pennekamp Coral Reef

John Pennekamp Coral Reef SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Pennekamp https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Pennekamp_Coral_Reef_State_Park The first undersea park in the United States, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. 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. Many enjoy the view of the reef from a glass-bottom boat tour, but visitors can get a closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas. Visitors can enjoy walking on short trails, picnicking, or swimming at the beach. The Visitor Center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos are shown in its theater.

JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK HISTORY & NATURE The park was created to protect and preserve a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The park extends three miles into the Atlantic Ocean, is approximately 21 miles in length and is adjacent to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. John D. Pennekamp was one of the early proponents for the preservation of the park’s reef and the park was named in his honor. Pennekamp was a Miami newspaper editor who also helped establish Everglades National Park. The coral reefs are among the most beautiful and diverse of all living communities. Coral reefs are made of tiny animals called polyps. Stony corals, such as star coral and brain coral, secrete a limestone skeleton around their bodies. These skeletons remain after death and provide the foundation for new polyp growth. Octocorals, such as sea fans and sea plumes, are flexible and sway gracefully in the ocean current as they feed on plankton. Sponges, shrimps, crabs, turtles, lobsters and hundreds of species of fish live among the corals. These reefs occur only in shallow oceans having clear, warm waters. It took approximately 5,000 years for this coral reef to form. At the reef, snorkelers may delight in seeing many colorful tropical fish and corals, and anglers can fish for a wide variety of species in diverse habitats. Touching or standing on corals may kill them and is therefore prohibited. Anglers will need a saltwater fishing license and spearfishing is prohibited. Collection of tropical fish is not allowed and no lobster may be harvested from or within any coral formation. U.S. 1 Mile Marker 102.5/P.O. Box 370487 Key Largo, Florida 33037 305-676-3777 PARK GUIDELINES Please remember these tips and guidelines and enjoy your visit: • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • The collection, destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or park property is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and well behaved at all times. • Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless exempt by law. Snorkelers and scuba divers should always use Diver-Down flags when in the water. • Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station. • For camping information, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or 866-I CAMP FL or TDD 888-433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com. • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact staff at any ranger station or call 850-245-3076 (Voice) or 711 (Florida Relay Service). Visit us online at FloridaStateParks.org Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK Explore Gorgeous Coral Reefs and Lush Sub-Tropical Ecosystems Photo by Matt Hetman EXPERIENCES & AMENITIES John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the United States and encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. Located in the fabulous Florida Keys, the park’s upland areas offer visitors a unique experience in the mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks. Most visitors are drawn to the park to experience the coral reefs and their associated marine life. Many enjoy the view from a glassbottom boat tour, but visitors can get a closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the park. Pavilions are available on a first-come basis, but may be reserved by paying a fee at least 24 hours in advance. Contact the ranger station at 305-676-3777. Refreshments, gifts and snorkeling equipment may be obtained at the concession. Reservations are strongly recommended for RV and tent campers who wish to stay in the campground. Contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or visit ReserveAmerica.com. A group campsite may also be reserved by contacting the ranger station. Located on U.S. 1 at MM 102.5 oceanside in Key Largo. Park Entrance & Ranger Station Cannon Beach Largo Sound Mooring Buoys Main Concession Wild Tamarind Trail Glass-bottom Boat Snorkel Tours Paddling Rental Marina Dive Shop 23 Host Boat Rentals Scuba Tours Dockmaster Dock Rental Dinghy Dock PADI Facility 22 Mangrove Trail ay eW On 40 1 41 Far Beach Way Underwater at Cannon Beach, artifacts from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck, featuring an anchor and cannons, can be viewed. Marine life, including crabs and fish, may be seen in the seagrass beds. Directions Grove Trail One The Visitor Center features a 30,000 gallon saltwater aquarium, nature exhibits and a theater showcasing nature videos. Nature walks are available along the Mangrove, Wild Tamarind and Grove trails. Seventeen miles of paddling trails wind through the mangrove swamp. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks rentals are also available. John Pennekamp Coral Reef

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c