John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The park was established in 1963 as the first undersea park in the country, after a campaign led by a newspaper editor against reef destruction by collectors and construction interests; it now adjoins the much larger Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Christ of the Abyss, a bronze copy of a statue in the Mediterranean off Italy, stands in about eight metres of water on Key Largo Dry Rocks and is the most-visited single feature - snorkellers reach it by boat. The reef is living coral with hundreds of fish species, but it has suffered badly: bleaching events, disease and the 2023 marine heatwave have caused severe loss, and restoration groups are outplanting nursery-grown coral.

What's there

• The first US undersea park - created in 1963.
• Christ of the Abyss - a bronze in about eight metres of water.
• Living reef - with hundreds of fish species.
• Restoration outplanting - nursery-grown coral being replaced.

When to go

December to April for calmer water and visibility. A full day.

Good to know

Reef condition has declined severely from bleaching and disease - it is not what older photographs show. Boat trips cancel in wind and visibility varies. Sunscreen chemicals damage coral; reef-safe products are expected. Hurricane season affects late summer.

Nearby

Key Largo runs south; Everglades National Park is north-west.

Key facts