John Pennekamp State Park Fl

12/3/2014

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Becky and I heading back to the mainland from Bahia Honda State Park to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. We were not disappointed when we heard this park has a lot to offer. Beautiful Coral, Fish, and clear water.

On our way to John Pennekamp State Park, we stopped at The Turtle Hospital, a Hospital for Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release of Sea Turtles. Interesting to see the wonderful work they are doing helping preserve Turtles.  In 1993, a bar called Fanny’s was fully renovated and is now the building known as The Turtle Hospital. Today, The Turtle Hospital is the only state-certified veterinary hospital in the world for sea turtles. More than half of the hospital’s equipment has been generously donated by hospitals, doctors, private individuals and organizations. In 2002, SIMA (Surfing Industry Management Association) generously donated a new radiograph (x-ray) machine and a Turtle Ambulance which is used to pick up our new turtle patients. The Sea Turtle Preservation Society of Brevard County donated a new radiograph developer to the hospital.

The Turtle Hospital was solely funded by Hidden Harbor Motel until 2005 when Hurricane Wilma caused the closure of the motel. The hospital is now funded by personal donors, grant and foundation money, merchandise sales and the provided guided educational
experiences.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

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When we arrived at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park we lucked out and got the last campsite available. Full hookup available. Sites are kinda small but sufficient. We rode our bikes around and got familiar with what was their.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Highlights Video:

The first undersea park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. 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. Many enjoy the view of the reef from a glass-bottom boat tour, but visitors 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 enjoy walking on short trails, picnicking, or swimming at the beach. The Visitor Center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos are shown in its theater. Full-facility and Youth/Group campsites are available. Beach wheelchairs are available without cost.

After a good nights rest, Becky biked over to the Glass Bottom boat sales office to purchase us tickets for the Glass Bottom boat tour. Tickets are $24.00 each. Takes about 45 min. to reach the Coral Reef, then the boat spends around 45 min. touring the Coral Reef.
Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Welcome aboard our flagship glass-bottom boat tour, Spirit of Pennekamp. Enjoy a unique glimpse into the serene undersea world in style and comfort. At 65 feet in length, this high-speed catamaran is capable of transporting up to 130 passengers to the various nautical destinations of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The itinerary includes a number of shallow reefs teeming with wildlife. Tours are 2 ½ hours long. Minimum passenger requirements apply on all tours.

While waiting for the Glass Bottom boat tour to begin at 12:00 noon, we went to the Visitor Center and Aquarium. The John Pennekamp State Park Aquarium is 33,000 gal. of water. Beautiful layout, showing Coral and several varieties of fish, Lobster, and plant life.

Environmental Education and Visitor Center features a 30,000 gallon saltwater aquarium and other natural history exhibits interpreting the park's unique marine environment. There is also a theater where visitors may watch nature videos. Hours are from 8am to 5pm daily.At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, visitors can learn about the Coral Reef Ecosystem. Throughout the year, there are many environmental programs offered to park visitors on a wide range of natural and cultural history subjects. Guided nature walks along the Mangrove and Wild Tamarind trails are offered seasonally or upon request by individuals and organized groups. Current program schedules are available at the Visitors Center.

At noon we hopped on the Glass Bottom boat and started our adventure 20 min. out to sea to see the Coral and Sea Life. The tour was not disappointing. Beautiful fish and lots of Coral. The guide was very knowledgeable telling us the different fish and the history of Coral and its making.
Glass on the Bottom of the boat. It was amazing how clear the water is. We even saw a Sea Turtle at one point.

Carysfort Reef Light is located approximately six nautical miles east of Key Largo, Florida. The lighthouse has an iron screw-pile foundation with a platform, and a skeletal, octagonal, pyramidal tower, which is painted red. The light is 100 feet (30 m) above the water. It is the oldest functioning lighthouse of its type in the United States, completed in 1852. Carysfort Reef is named for HMS Carysfort (1766), a 20-gun Royal Navy post ship that ran aground on the reef in 1770. The light is currently a xenon flash-tube beacon..


Enjoying the cruise to the Coral Reef 

View of the Glass Bottom

After spending a wonderful morning and afternoon at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, we closed camp and continued Our Kodiak Adventures on down the road back to
Everglades National Park.

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