Where is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park,Key Largo, Florida?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located in Key Largo, Florida, USA. It lies between the Florida mainland and the Florida Keys, situated in the upper Florida Keys, and is famous for its coral reefs, snorkeling, and marine life.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Location Map,Key Largo, Florida

Top Attractions Inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

  • Coral Reef Snorkeling & Diving – Explore vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life in the Florida Keys.
  • Christ of the Abyss Statue – Famous underwater statue of Jesus, popular with divers and snorkelers.
  • Glass-Bottom Boat Tours – View the coral reefs and underwater wildlife without getting wet.
  • Visitor Center & Aquarium – Exhibits featuring tropical fish, corals, and park information.
  • Kayaking & Canoeing – Paddle through mangrove trails and shallow waters around the park.
  • Beach & Picnic Areas – Relax on sandy shores or enjoy a family picnic in designated areas.
  • Nature Trails – Walk through coastal hammocks and observe native plants and wildlife.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Facts

Official NameJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
LocationKey Largo, Monroe County, Florida, USA
Latitude & Longitude25.1480° N, 80.4290° W (approx.)
Total Area~70,000 acres (283 km²) including offshore coral reef areas; Park land ~1,500 acres (6 km²)
Established1963
FounderState of Florida
Managed ByFlorida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks
RegionFlorida Keys / Atlantic Ocean / Coral Reef Ecosystem
Address102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA
Zip Code33037
Area Code305
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptCoral Reef Conservation, Marine Life, Snorkeling & Scuba Diving, Eco-Tourism, Coastal Recreation
Sections (Areas)Offshore Coral Reefs - Land-Based Park Facilities - John Pennekamp Visitor Center - Canoe & Kayak Trails - Marina & Boat Docks
Famous AttractionsCoral Reef Snorkeling & Diving Sites - Christ of the Abyss Statue - Glass-Bottom Boat Tours - Canoeing / Kayaking through Mangroves - Marine Life Observation
Annual VisitorsApprox. 700,000–800,000
Entry Fee TypePaid Park Entry / Activity Fees
Ticket Price RangeVehicle Entry: ~$8–$10 per day; Activities: $20–$60 depending on tour or boat rental
Ticket OptionsSelf-Guided Visit - Glass-Bottom Boat Tours - Snorkeling / Scuba Diving Rentals & Tours - Canoeing & Kayaking
Best Time to VisitNovember–May (drier season; calmer waters and better visibility for diving/snorkeling)
Nearby AirportFlorida Keys Marathon Airport (MTH) – ~50 miles (80 km); Miami International Airport (MIA) – ~60 miles (97 km)
TransportationCar access via US-1 Overseas Highway - Parking Areas - Boat / Marina Access - Guided Tours & Rentals
Official Websitehttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park

Distances from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Key Largo, FL – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Christ of the Abyss Statue – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • John Pennekamp Visitor Center – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
  • Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Islamorada, FL – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Anne’s Beach – 42 km (26 mi)
  • Marathon, FL – 85 km (52.8 mi)
  • Key West, FL – 110 km (68.4 mi)
  • Hurricane Monument – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Harry Harris Park – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Tarpon Basin Marina – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • North Key Largo Park – 8 km (5 mi)
  • John Pennekamp Canoe/Kayak Launch – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Coral Reef State Park Marina – 0.7 km (0.4 mi)
  • Everglades National Park (Flamingo Entrance) – 200 km (124.3 mi)
  • Key Largo Undersea Park – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
  • Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters – 41 km (25.5 mi)
  • Florida Keys Overseas Highway (US-1) – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)