

Best for beginner divers, 1-10m, boat entry, mild current.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers shallow reef diving in depths ranging from 1 to 10 metres. This site is suitable for beginners, though boat access is required as it lies 8 kilometres from shore. Visibility varies significantly from 5 to 30 metres. Divers should remain cautious of boat traffic, sharp coral, and potential strong currents. Species recorded around this area include Great Barracuda, Nurse Shark, Green Moray, French Angelfish, Queen Angelfish, Rock Beauty, various wrasses, Stoplight Parrotfish, Caribbean Ocean Surgeonfish, Lettuce Sea Slug, Redband Parrotfish, Purple Sea Fan, Yellowtail Parrotfish, and Hogfish. Facilities include parking, toilets, showers, air fills, equipment rental, a cafe, a dive shop, and boat charters.
25.15770, -80.33720
Book your boat entry early, especially on weekends, as this is a busy site and spots fill quickly. Watch for boat traffic on the surface when ascending, and do a thorough safety stop before signalling your boat.
From Miami, take Florida's Turnpike south to US 1. Take US 1 to Key Largo. Look for the State Park entrance on your left at Mile Marker 102.5.
Recorded nearby, within 20km
Depth
Up to 10m
Visibility
5-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
24-30°C
Current
Mild
Species recorded around this area include Great Barracuda, Nurse Shark, Green Moray, French Angelfish, Queen Angelfish, Rock Beauty, wrasses, Stoplight Parrotfish, Caribbean Ocean Surgeonfish, Lettuce Sea Slug, Redband Parrotfish, Purple Sea Fan, Yellowtail Parrotfish, and Hogfish.
Yes, the shallow depths of 1 to 10 metres make this an approachable site for beginner divers.
The water depth at this site ranges from 1 to 10 metres.
Boat access is required to reach this site, which is located 8 kilometres from the shore.
Yes, the shallow reef structure is suitable for snorkelling, though boat access is required to reach the site.
Diving at Pennekamp in Key Largo requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Pennekamp in Key Largo. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Pennekamp in Key Largo. Water temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C.
Pennekamp in Key Largo typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Pennekamp in Key Largo typically ranges from 5 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.