John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
The first undersea park in the US. Snorkel boats run out to living coral reef, and two calm beaches work for kids not ready for the boat.
Pennekamp protects the northern end of the only living barrier reef in the continental United States, and the snorkel trips are the point: a boat runs out to the reef, drops a line, and you swim over coral heads full of parrotfish and barracuda. The reef is two and a half hours round trip and can be choppy, so there is a real minimum age - roughly five for a confident swimmer, and a calm forecast matters more than the season. For younger children the park has two protected beaches, Cannon Beach with a scattered replica shipwreck to snorkel over in chest-deep water, and Far Beach, plus a glass-bottom boat for anyone who would rather stay dry.
Pricing
$8 per vehicle; snorkel boat trips ticketed separately (verify)
Common Questions
- How much does John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park cost?
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park charges admission. $8 per vehicle; snorkel boat trips ticketed separately (verify)
- What ages is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park good for?
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is best for kids ages 5 to 18+.
- Is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park stroller friendly?
- No, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is not considered stroller friendly.
- Can I bring my dog to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park?
- No, dogs are not allowed at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
- How hard is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park?
- The difficulty level is easy. Plan for about 5 hours.
- Is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park free?
- No, there is a cost to visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. $8 per vehicle; snorkel boat trips ticketed separately (verify)
- What should I bring to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park?
- Reef-safe sunscreen, towels, motion sickness tablets for the boat
- How long does John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park take?
- Most families spend about 5 hours at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
- When is the best time to visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park?
- Morning trips are calmer. Check the wind forecast - the reef is unpleasant above 15 knots.