4.6 / 5
High
Full Day
Fall & Winter
Amenities & Activities
Fun Facts
Established in 1963, John Pennekamp was the first underwater park in the United States.
The park's famous "Christ of the Abyss" bronze statue is a 4,000-pound replica of a sculpture in the Mediterranean Sea near Genoa, Italy.
Protects 78 square nautical miles of coral reef, seagrass beds, and mangroves — one of Florida's most biodiverse ecosystems.
Named after John D. Pennekamp, a Miami Herald editor who campaigned for decades to protect the Keys' reefs from commercial fishing and development.
The reefs here are part of the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.
Seasonal Events
Spiny Lobster Season
Lobster mini-season (late July) and regular season (August) draw large crowds of divers and snorkelers. Water can be very crowded during mini-season.
Calm Water Season
Calmer seas and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving — the best time to visit.
Wildlife
America's first undersea park protects a stunning reef ecosystem with hundreds of coral species, 650+ fish species, sea turtles, nurse sharks, rays, moray eels, and vibrant tropical fish. The famous 9-foot bronze "Christ of the Abyss" statue stands 25 feet underwater in Key Largo Dry Rocks. Dolphins and manatees are occasional visitors.
Visitor Tips
Book snorkel or scuba tours online in advance, especially on winter weekends — they sell out. The glass-bottom boat is a great option if you're not a swimmer. Early morning departures have the clearest water and fewest crowds. The "Christ of the Abyss" statue at 25 feet deep is accessible even for beginner snorkelers on calm days.
Safety Notes
Never touch or stand on coral — it is living and extremely fragile. Wear reef-safe sunscreen only. Follow all diver and snorkeler guidelines. Boat traffic is heavy; surface with a dive flag and safety sausage. Water depths vary significantly — novice snorkelers should stick to the shallower inshore reefs.