A recommended day trip from Reefhouse: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a short walk or 3–5 minute drive from Reefhouse Resort & Marina and is the easiest place near the resort to snorkel or dive living coral reefs, take a glass‑bottom boat tour, kayak, or hike the Wild Tamarind Trail. Plan for 2–4 hours for snorkeling/diving or a half‑day if you add a glass‑bottom-boat tour and a short beach stop.
In this guide
Why visit John Pennekamp from Reefhouse?
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is America’s first undersea park and the nearest marine attraction to Reefhouse Resort & Marina. The park offers direct access to reefs, snorkel and dive sites, and boat tours popular with resort guests.
Because the park sits roughly a 3–5 minute drive (about 1–2.3 miles) from the resort, it fits easily into a Reefhouse day: leave your room after breakfast at Gus' Grille and be at the park in minutes for a morning snorkel or midday glass‑bottom‑boat tour.
- Park highlights: snorkel/dives on living coral reefs, glass‑bottom boat tours, kayaking, Wild Tamarind Trail, small on‑site beach
- Travel time from Reefhouse: about 3–5 minutes by car (short walk distance noted on the resort site)
- Good for non‑swimmers: glass‑bottom boat tours let you see reefs without getting wet
| Activity | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Snorkeling or dive trip | 2–4 hours (including transit and briefing) |
| Glass‑bottom boat tour | 30–60 minutes |
| Kayak + short hike | 1–2 hours |
How to get there from Reefhouse
Reefhouse Resort & Marina is on Overseas Highway in Key Largo, and John Pennekamp is the nearest major reef park—about 1–2.3 miles away. Driving or a short taxi/rideshare from the resort is the fastest option.
If you prefer to walk, the resort notes Pennekamp is within walking distance; check with the front desk for the easiest walking route and any current park access information.
- Drive or rideshare: quickest option (about 3–5 minutes)
- Walk: possible for fit walkers — ask the front desk at Reefhouse for directions
- Car rental or shuttle: rental cars and shared/private shuttles serve Key Largo; prebook if coming from Miami
| From | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Reefhouse by car | 3–5 minutes |
| Reefhouse on foot | Walking distance (time varies with pace) |
What to do at the park
Snorkeling and diving are the main draws: you can snorkel reef areas or join dive trips to sites like Key Largo Dry Rocks (home to the Christ of the Abyss bronze statue). If you prefer to stay dry, glass‑bottom boat tours let you view reef life from the boat.
Other options include renting kayaks, hiking the Wild Tamarind Trail, or relaxing briefly on the park’s small beach. Bring reef‑safe sunscreen and water shoes if you plan to enter the water or explore shallow areas.
- Snorkel or dive the coral reefs (boat trips and shore access available)
- Glass‑bottom boat tours for non‑swimmers
- Kayaking and short coastal hikes (Wild Tamarind Trail)
- See the submerged Christ of the Abyss statue at Key Largo Dry Rocks via snorkel or dive
| Activity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Snorkel | Gear rentals and guided trips available from local vendors |
| Dive | Charters run from nearby docks and the park |
| Glass‑bottom boat | Good option for families and non‑swimmers |
Timing and what to bring
Plan morning trips for clearer water and lighter winds; mid‑day can be busier. If you want a guided snorkel or dive charter, book through Reefhouse’s marina or a park‑approved operator in advance.
Carry a towel and change of clothes if you’ll return to the resort pool or beach. The resort provides towel service for registered guests, and you can dine at Gus' Grille, Flipper's Pool Bar, or Breezer's Tiki Bar after your trip.
- Bring: reef‑safe sunscreen, hat, water bottle, light snack, ID
- Reserve: guided snorkel/dives or glass‑bottom tours in advance during busy seasons
- Afterward: rinse off and use Reefhouse pool or private beach loungers (for registered guests only)
| Best time | Why |
|---|---|
| Morning | Calmer seas, clearer visibility |
| Late afternoon | Shorter tours and fewer crowds, but visibility may drop |
| Avoid | Weather‑affected days during hurricane season (June–Nov) |
Booking a trip and on‑site options at Reefhouse
Reefhouse’s on‑site marina and dive shop arrange snorkeling, diving, fishing charters, parasailing, and sunset cruises that depart from the resort. Guests can book excursions through the marina desk or ask the front desk for recommended operators.
If you prefer a self‑guided day, head to Pennekamp for park rentals and glass‑bottom boat departures; confirm current schedules and entry rules with the park before you go.
- Book excursions: contact Reefhouse marina or the front desk on arrival
- Reserve early for weekends and peak season (spring and winter months tend to be busier)
- Check park schedules and availability before leaving the resort
| Who to contact | Phone / place |
|---|---|
| Reefhouse front desk / marina | Ask at resort or use the BookResorts agent line +1 (888) 605-1350 for booking assistance |
| Gus' Grille | Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner — good for pre- or post-trip meals |
Practical tips and where to return afterward
After your time at Pennekamp, return to Reefhouse to use registered‑guest amenities: heated/cooled outdoor pool, private beach loungers and umbrellas, towel service, and on‑site dining. The spa (By the Bay Spa) is available by appointment if you want a massage or facial after a day on the water.
If you’re staying in a larger room after a long day, consider the Suite, 1 Bedroom or Suite, 1 Bedroom Penthouse for more living space; the resort also offers Room (King - Bay Front) and other room types with balcony views for shorter stays.
- Pool and beach access: for registered guests only; towels provided
- Spa hours and booking: By the Bay Spa recommends booking up to two weeks ahead; check current hours before scheduling
- Dining on return: Gus' Grille (reservations available), Breezer's Tiki Bar (happy hour 4–6 p.m.), Flipper's Pool Bar (walk‑in)
| Post‑trip option | Why |
|---|---|
| Relax at the pool or private beach | Rinse off, recover, and use resort towel service |
| Spa appointment | Book in advance for massages or facials |
| Dinner at Gus' Grille or Breezer's | Full meals and family‑friendly menus |
