John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, Florida

Covering 75 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean, John Pennekamp State Park is a national treasure offering some of the best Florida Keys diving. Named after an early head of the Everglades National Park Commission who was devoted to preserving Florida’s coral reefs, the Park’s most heralded attraction is its access to underwater reefs and the associated biodiversity.

You can enjoy breathtaking views of a wide variety of fish, crustaceans, and other sea creatures from a number of vantage points. Rent a power boat to navigate the waters on your own. Or, to have an up-close experience with the reef, sign up for one of the snorkeling or scuba diving tours. The Park is a great place to experience all that diving in Key Largo has to offer. While underwater, look for a 9-foot-tall bronze statue of an underwater Christ, known as the Christ of the Abyss Statue. The statue is a well-known attraction of the upper keys.

For those who want to cover more territory, another option is take a tour of the Park’s waters on the Spirit of Pennekamp. The boat’s bottom is made of glass so that you can simply look down and see the reef and its inhabitants.

Outside of the reef, the Park offers its visitors a beach where you can sit out in the sun and swim. Or you can rent a kayak or canoe to explore the mangrove ecosystems.

While at the Park, stop by the John Pennekamp dive shop, one of the best dive shops in Key Largo. Like many Florida Keys dive shops, you will find friendly staff who are ready to help you find whatever equipment you need for an adventure diving or snorkeling in Key Largo.