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Renowned for being the country’s first undersea park, John Pennekamp camping encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles. While many visitors view the park’s colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, one 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 also enjoy walking on short trails through tropical hammocks, picnicking or swimming at the beach. The visitor center features several large saltwater aquariums filled with sea creatures, and nature videos are shown in its theater. Full-facility and youth/group campsites are available.
What a great park to visit, they have a lot to offer and most off all the staff was super friendly! The awareness about reefs in an important one in the region. The nature is beautiful and they have a nice little beach to snorkle from. It's not as nice as out in the Sean, but even when the visibility is 0 out there you get a chance to see some here. They have these barracudas who as not scared of you and swim right under you. The park offers kayaks, snorkeling, and diving tours as well. There are campgrounds and lots of little activities.
Great place to spend the day! Kayaking, snorkel, to a rentals available! The beaches weren't super nice to relax at as they had just been hit by a storm, but the hiking trails and areas around the park are very beautiful with the mangroves. A very natural state park with lots of fun history. Sunken shipwreck to explore in the swimming area which was pretty cool!
First time at John Pennekamp... started with kayaking around the mangroves in the morning. Not able to rent a boat due to the wind, but did do the 3:00 snorkeling tour. Joel and Art were great. Explained everything thoroughly and just down to earth guys. Appreciated their knowledge and desire for safety for all. Had our own gear, as we've snorkeled many times before. Fins up people! It was discouraging to see people kicking the coral/standing on it, despite being told not to. Many fish, some lobsters and barracuda were seen. Overall, great day in nature.
Loved it! We went just to relax, we didn’t take advantage of any of the amenities. Restrooms were nice, beaches were clean. One of the trails had educational signs about the trees. We had a great time. The little aquarium was a nice surprise.
