Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat: John Pennekamp views

Watch the reef from inside the boat, no diving required

The Key Largo Princess is a 75-foot glass bottom boat that carries up to 140 passengers out to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for a two-hour tour of living coral and sea life. Large viewing windows run along the center of the boat, positioned flat to show the reef without distortion. A professional guide points out sea fans, sea plumes, and fish species as the boat stays anchored at the reef. You can spend the voyage on the sun deck watching the Atlantic or stay in the air-conditioned cabin.

Step-by-step itinerary

Glass bottom boat reef tour

• Board the M. V. Key Largo Princess
• Relax on the sun deck with drinks
• Enjoy panoramic views of Florida Keys
• Observe coral reef through viewing windows
• Listen to guide point out sea creatures

The experience

The boat leaves from Key Largo and takes 45 minutes to reach the reef, giving you time to settle in. The sun deck offers a panoramic view of the Florida Keys and the changing colors of the water on the way out. Once anchored, the real viewing begins through the windows: everything you see is or was alive, built from living coral varieties and populated with an assortment of sea creatures. The guide will identify what passes by the windows: ranging from small tropical fish to larger species that local fishermen pursue.

The windows are large enough for everyone to see at the same time and sit flat along the boat's center, so the only distortion is what nature creates. If the sun deck feels too hot or you want a break from the glare, the climate-controlled cabin offers the same view without the exposure. A full-service snack bar is onboard, though drinks and snacks cost extra. Restrooms are available throughout the tour.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• climate-controlled cabin.
• sun deck access.
• restroom onboard.
• snack bar available for purchase.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except TuesdayDepartures at 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 140

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat

Is this one for you?The two-hour tour keeps you on the boat the entire time (no swimming, wading or diving), so it suits anyone who wants to see the reef without entering the water or managing snorkel gear.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of sea life will I see on the reef?

The reef teems with sea fans, sea plumes, and hundreds of fish species ranging from small tropical fish to larger varieties. Your guide will point out what appears at the windows as the boat stays anchored at the site.

How long is the boat ride out to the reef?

The voyage to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park takes 45 minutes, giving you time to relax on deck or grab a drink before the viewing begins.

Can I stay inside the whole time if I don't want sun exposure?

Yes. The climate-controlled cabin offers the same view through the windows as the sun deck, so you can watch the reef in comfort without going outside.

Are drinks and food included?

A full-service snack bar is onboard and available for purchase, but drinks and snacks are not included in the tour price.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility concerns?

The boat is wheelchair accessible. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed onboard.