Limited wheelchair accessibility is also available on the glassbottom boat Spirit of Pennekamp. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of the surrounding water ways, homes, and lighthouses. Beach wheelchair available upon request at visitor center and aquarium building. Coming Soon, Regal John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has four different types of boat tours to ensure that all park visitors have the best opportunity possible to experience the park's coral reef system. NEW YORK We had planned on taking the 12:15pm boat ride and then stay to swim and snorkel. Dont worry, it wont take long. I love the history shared. From Watertown take Route 12 exit (Bradley Street) to Clayton, turn right at the Light, 39621 Chateau Lane is less than a mile on your left! And the price was very reasonable. Lovely cruise.Too long of a stop at the lighthouse.Have recommended it to friends.Saw one freighter. Take a peek beneath the waves where the sunlight shimmers on swaying sea fans and rigid stony corals. The brackish-water creek is perfect habitat for the mangroves growing there. There was plenty of space on the boat for everyone to get a good view once we reached the reef, and there was so much to see! You're almost there! For overnight stays on a personally owned boat, there are dock slips in the marina and mooring buoys in Largo Sound. There is a drop-off driveway, and vehicles may be parked for the day in the lot across the road. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has two human-made beaches, each with its own distinct personality. It may have been because the boat wasn't overcrowded. Making waves on the John Pennekamp boat ride out to the reef! No trip!! Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, except for campers who may do so within their campsites. Each of the parks three nature trails offers a different habitat. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! MAMMOTH CAVE KY Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas. The park has a very good deep-water boat ramplocated at the marina. Located near Key Largo, it . Beautiful experience and our tour guide was excellent. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. The ride out was quite a ride. Trust the origin, trust the quality, trust the name. Truly enjoyed every second. What an excellent adventure! The tours last 2.5 hours and allow for approximately 1.5 hours of reef time to view the park's living coral and its associated marine life up-close and personal. All rights reserved. While many visitors view the park's colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, one can get an even closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. The Grove Trail is six-tenths of a mile and starts neara mangrove swamp. The park's accessibility features include the wheelchair-friendly glass bottom boat and snorkeling vessel, wheelchair-accessible picnic pavilions, campsites, playground area, and a dock for kayak and canoe rentals. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. While the mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the park's upland areas offer visitors a unique experience, it is the coral reefs and their associated marine life that bring most visitors to the park. The lighthouse experience was awesome. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance by calling the park at 305-676-3777. If you wish to reserve a pavilion, this can be done for a fee in advance by calling the ranger station at 305-676-3777. They were professional and personable. This will reduce the amount of single-use plastics in landfills and reduce the litter sometimes found along trails, at campsites, on beaches and in Floridas waterways. Both the dive shop and the visitor center and aquarium building have restrooms. Meanwhile, inept security agents Julius Pritter (Dom DeLuise) and Homer Cripps (Paul Lynde) wrongfully peg Jennifer as a Soviet spy, causing all sorts of problems. 38!!! The trail winds through the tropical hardwood hammock and ends in an historic fruit grove. So happy to hear you enjoyed exploring the St. Lawrence river with us. Date night with spouse Had a great day! The playground is temporarily closed for repairs. While many visitors view the parks colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, one can get an even closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. Dive in to explore Floridas Coral Reef at the park. Scuba tours, equipment rentals, boat rentalsand overnight boat camping are also available at the dive shop. Left at 7 to make our 10 voyage. Coming Soon. It is temporarily closed for repairs. Feeling hungry after enjoying the water all day or maybe just want to cool off with some ice cream after a peaceful kayak paddle? The glass-bottomed boat experience was a first impression that led me on a lifelong diving and fishing adventure. Accessible picnic pavilions, tablesand benches. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND Some bird species can be found in the trees of the hardwood forest. That means limited time and flexibility. While the mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the park's upland areas offer visitors a unique experience, it is the coral reefs and their associated marine life that bring most visitors to the park. Effective March 14, 2023: The camper dock and overnight boat camping facility behind the Dive Shop at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park will be closed for repairs. Well I really didnt want to throw up (I didnt) so I did not wait out this feeling of possible nausea for very long before I decided that I was going to get outside on the open deck. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities to all of its visitors. Take US 1 to Key Largo. We also got a view of coral formations, shipwrecks, and all kinds of marine life. Hop aboard the M. V. Key Largo Princess 2 for our daily two-hour tours as we cruise through the waters of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to view the exciting, beautiful, underwater world of the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. We live in Florida and are on boats fairly often but we don't drive boats. Cinemark Contact the Statewide Information Line: This was a wonderful day trip with knowledgeable guides/hosts, both during the cruise and on Rock Island. Electricity is not available at the site, but the Pond restroom is adjacent. Explore the park's 50 miles of natural mangrove wilderness trails in Pennekamp waters. We wont be able to verify your ticket today, but its great to know for the future. IDAHO Getting on the John Pennekamp glass bottom boat, seasick tablets were being handed out. Check out and board the historic boat: Spirit of Pennekamp and tour the water in style with this 65 foot vessel. Climb aboard the M.V. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. Regal Coral Reef Park Company, Inc. All rights reserved. The dive shop also has some RV and camping items. for the money. From $50 Daily 2 hours 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. Glass-Bottom Boat Key Largo Hop aboard the M. V. Key Largo Princess for our daily tour to view the exciting and beautiful underwater world of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. Boats leave the dock promptly at published time. (I have been on a few guided boat rides where it is difficult to understand what is being said.) I foolishly assumed that the reef had calmer waters. (305) 451-6300. They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Receive boarding pass from our blue ticket booth, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers. The four-hour scuba diving tours offer divers two-location, two-tank dives. Knowledgeable tour guide. The boat is spacious, the staff were friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable and what we saw on the reef was spectacular! One can also see some species in the swimming areas at the land base of the park. Welcome aboard our flagship glassbottom boat, Spirit of Pennekamp. Because I didnt stay inside the glass bottom boat part for very long, I cant say whether youll see good things. UTAH The campground has 42 reservable campsites, each with 30-amp, 50-amp and 110 electrical outlets. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. The small ones are for 20 to 25 people, and one large pavilion accommodates 50 people. And the other is the John Pennekamp glass bottom boat tour. She sails out 3 times a day rain or shine for up to 2 hours. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. To me, if it's safe to go, it's safe to go. The guide was great and the sights were stunning. It was bumpy. There are 2 main tours at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park that will take you out to the coral reef. It will never get old! Minimum passenger requirements apply on all tours. Well another reason I convinced myself to leave might have been because I didnt really have motivation to stay because it didnt seem like there was much to see. TheMangrove Nature Trailis closed while repairs are being made to the boardwalk, but you can enjoy a view on the new bridge. 2 - The minimum number of guests has not been met, especially this year with the high gas prices. We thank you for your patience while we workto improve your park experience. Once slated to become a condominium development, this park contains one of the largest tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States. Additionally, pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. The park has picnic tables and grills throughout the park. Those amenities include: The Point, an area across from the campground entrancewith an outdoor screen, benchesand a fire circle,provides an area for evening ranger programs in the late fall and winter season. Call (305) 451-6300 for more information. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Some blah fish and one green turtle on the side of the boat. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/AWindowToTheWorld?sub_confirmation=1#glassbottomboat #coralreef #boattour #johnpennekamp #keylargo #florida #floridakeys. Being the original all-welded aluminum boat, Xpress Jon Boats' roots run deep and strong. You have a nice friendly crew and great viewing. Great trip. (Note: Those prone to sea sickness should inquire about conditions.) A small aquarium, very nice. My family of five have been on cruises, catamarans, boat tours in Amelia Island and the Virgin Islands. Check at the ranger stations for directions. BIG ISLAND We are happy to hear you enjoyed your time onboard. ARIZONA HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Only issue was that we were not able to go in the lighthouse, because the time ran out. Cannon Beachis the park's primary snorkeling beach, where visitors will find the artifacts from an early Spanish shipwreck100 feet offshore. Then we began slowing down as we approach the reef. Mobile Web Design by Wodu. As you mentioned, Rock Island is a trash-free island and does not allow visitors to dispose of any garbage. WYOMING Assisted listening devices in the visitor center and aquarium auditorium. Whether it's for pleasure or commercial use, a flat bottom, tunnel or "Mod V" bottom hull, rigged with accessories or simply two bench seats in a basic hull, we have what you need. Captain Joe was friendly. Ask for program schedule at the ranger station or visitor center and aquarium. Foraging for firewood is not allowed; purchase is available at local stores. Visiting the park is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy Florida's outdoors, exploring the nature trails and kayak trails or having up-close encounters underwater. Thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours. (The kind they give you on a plane.). For reservations please call(305) 451-6300, 102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5) Do you need water shoes for the Florida Keys? Box 1560(305) 451-6300Video Equipment used:* Canon M50 https://amzn.to/35BAXva* Sony FDR-X3000 https://amzn.to/3iyduz9* Rode VideoMicro https://amzn.to/3oyTa4TMusic by:Epidemic Sound If you enjoy the video support me by liking, sharing, and Subscribing to my channel PayYourSelfBack.PARK ADMISSION FEES ARE PER PERSON:1) $4.50 3)$9.50 5)$10.50 7)$11.502) $9.00 4) $10.00 6)$11.00 8)$12.00Glass Bottom Boat Tour Prices:Adult $24Age 4-11 $17Age 3 and under FREEPark Opens from: 8am-5pmJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park https://pennekamppark.com/glassbottom-boat/102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5)Key Largo, FL 33037P.O. Reservations are recommended for all tours and must be confirmed in person no later that one hour prior to tour time. The gentlemen were very knowledgeable and interesting facts were given. ROAD TRIP AMERICA More 3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation From $65.00 Sunset Cruise on the Florida Bay 167 My stars, that was a lot of fish! Thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours. The launch is located over the bridge next to the education classroom. You may be able to see marine creatures among the seagrasses, andreef fish will occasionally swim by. EVERGLADES FL You can also get a vomit bag if you want one just in case. The snorkel boat trips depart four timesper day. Thank you for taking the time to review us Roger. The friends group helps preserve park resources and enhance services to the public. The Resort Course introduces the fledgling diver to diving and the coral reef in one day. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the Rock Island Lighthouse and we thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours on your getaway. Great experience! Just leave us a message here and we will work on getting you verified. Loved going up inside the lighthouse & listening to the history of Rock Island and the lighthouse. Just bring a refillable water bottle to replenish your drinking water at the park. An hr is not enough time, probablyneed an extra 15 min. Named for its tall dunes rising above the emerald waters of the gulf like a ship's sail, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers 3 miles of pristine white quartz beaches just minutes from Destin. All rights reserved. Why not share such an amazing experience this summer with your kids, and treat them with window into one of the worlds most fascinating, complex and resplendent of ecosystems? The parks new Coral Cam provides a window to one of Key Largos serene yet delicate coral reefs. We are sorry you were disappointed that your tour was cancelled. We check in for the boat ride and are told that the swells are 4-5 feet. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. I've only ever been on one other Glass Bottom Boat experience, but the one here at Pennekamp trumps the first one by far. SNORKELING SHIRTS Junior Ranger activities are offered here, as well as volunteer and ranger-led programs and walks. We were up and down on those 4-5 foot swells. We are happy to hear you enjoyed exploring Rock Island Lighthouse with us. , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Concession: Overall good experience. Snorkelers head out to the reef at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Key Largo FL 33037, Offshore Island Programs are free with paid entrance fee or campsite fees. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. Staff was awesome from the start! Most sites can accommodate an RV length of 40 feet; a few sites can accommodate a few feet longer. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. From Clayton, N.Y. to Alexandria Bay, see all the sights, including the historic mansions and famous Rock Island Lighthouse. An uncommon sight in Florida, John Pennekamp is home to an extremely deep well that serves as an integral part of the park's ecosystem. 31 reviews of Glass Bottom Boat - Pennekamp Park "With 10 minutes to spare, we arrived at Pennekamp Park and were able to purchase tickets to the soon-departing Glass Bottom Boat. Occasionally, manatees or crocodiles may be in the marina or Largo Sound. When her coworker, Bruce Templeton (Rod Taylor), accidentally hooks her costume while fishing, he is smitten. We offer sit-on-top kayaks and canoe rentals. The tours leave three times a day, and last about two and a half hours. Box 1560 BADLANDS SD Manatees, Sting Rays and all sorts of animals will swim right up. If you haven't already figured it out, it was so rough that it was sickening. The Blue Heron Caf has a grill with a variety of freshly made food, beveragesand ice cream. PICTURED ROCKS MI We are happy to hear you enjoyed your tour to Rock Island Lighthouse. We had a lovely tour. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Cinemark Loved the lighthouse and views. Back to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You can go outside on the open deck on the John Pennekamp boat ride out to the reef! The tour guides are knowledgeable and the trip was fun. Terence Terry Helmers is the recipient of the 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year Award for the Greener Initiative. PEARL HARBOR HI I guess I was thinking back to times that I've snorkeled at reefs. Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas. My only recommendation would be to bring a cushion or towel to sit on if your hips/back bother you. Received a call at 9 it was cancelled. The hours of the center are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For the most up-to-date info call (305) 451-6300. Thank you for the fantastic review! Learned alot about history of the river. My only regret is not knowing that I would need to carry out my yucky ice cream paper as they do not have garbage disposals on the island. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Rotten Tomatoes news! Xpress Boats. Visitors can also enjoy walking on short trails through tropical hammocks, picnickingor swimming at the beach. There was someone from the boat crew who is on the open deck for those who get sick. It's about 45 minutes to the reef." We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a nice day cruising on the St. Lawerence and learning more about US history. In this video you willenjoy a unique and fascinating glimpse into the serene undersea world. They even handed out little motion sickness tablets as you got on the boat, free for the taking if you wanted one. If youll be heading that far south in the Florida Keys (Bahia Honda State Park is about an hour from Key West), then check to see if the Bahia Honda State Park snorkeling tour is going out! You may wind up with a marine biologist in the family. Terms and Policies Our trip was cancelled We were already halfway there when we got the call! Kayak and paddleboard rentals for exploring over 50 miles of mangrove trails. Ask the Community Ask a question Q: What is the price for the glass boat ride? That never had rough waters. The boat ride to the lighthouse was a lot of fun. County Road 905, Mile Marker 106 Otherwise, try Looe Key for a snorkeling tour!). Any swimming or snorkeling done outside the designated swimming areas is prohibited unless a diver-down flag is properly displayed. The park has several miles of paddling trails through the mangroves and in Largo Sound. Ugggg. Please take all trash with you, as litter is harmful to wildlife. Here.here is where it all came together. Your AMC Ticket Confirmation# can be found in your order confirmation email. Loved the glass bottom feature. Thank you for choosing Clayton Island Tours. The best way to see the 1000 Islands is definitely by boat. Thank you for taking the time to review us Camille! The campground has one large bathhouse with laundry machines and a smaller bathhouse near the group camp, both with hot water. The boat ramp will be open; however, occasional closures may occur. Their name comes from their coloration rather than their attitude: They have prominent, vertical black bars on their sides, reminiscent of the insignia of a military sergeant major. Located at the end of the campground drive is a primitive group camp. Ah, but then we are told - you can't snorkel this reef! Ask Jodi307 about John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Ask mandy292016 about John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Glass Bottom Boat - The info they don't tell you, Ask LBR115 about John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Ask IndianJonny about John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Ask 62sonyap about John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Ask FabEarth about John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. I was offered a small peppermint candy as I guess that helps seasickness. By Terry Gibson. There are no lifeguards on duty. There are many smaller aquariums with fish, invertebratesand other marine creatures, including live coral. Take a 2-hour 45-minute cruise along the majestic St Lawrence River, the largest east-west river in North America, as a guide describes its history and highlights, including which rich and famous people settled here over the years. Once the Spirit of Pennekamp reaches the reef, you will get a window into this fascinating underwater world. Terrible website! Snorkeling give you an up-close view of the expansive underwater habitats at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The well has created a pond that drains into a small creek, which in turn flows into the marina. We had breakfast, viewed the antique boat museum and watched the boats on the river. Next time! Why is the Ocean Different Colors Sundry items, water sports equipment, clothingand souvenirs are soldat the gift shop and dive shop. Did you realize you could take this kind of unique boat tour right here in New York? Cost is $32 for adults. We didn't feel rushed. We took a group of 12 teenagers on the morning glass-bottom boat tour and it was really wonderful! I wish they would have given us more notice since we live a distance away. You can sit inside on the John Pennekamp boat ride out to the reef. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your email. You'll journey to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to explore reefs that are part of the third largest living reef system in the world and the only living coral reef in the United States. Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". Great experience all the way through! They didn't get us a chance to get a refund and they didn't tell us HOW bad it would be. Comedy, Jennifer Nelson (Doris Day) works at an aerospace lab, but moonlights as a mermaid to boost sales for her father's glass-bottom boat company. The boat tour was awesome!! Additional fees apply for snorkeling and scuba tours, glass-bottom boat excursions and kayak and paddleboard rentals. Glass-bottom boats are available several times a day and the tour is 2.5 hours. We had no reason to think there would be any issue today.We get on the boat and are told, "If you get sea sick, take Dramamine now.