Key Largo: 2-Reef Snorkel Tour John Pennekamp & Equipment

Two Reefs, 45 Minutes Each, Everything You Need Already on Board

You board a catamaran in Key Largo and snorkel two shallow reefs in John Pennekamp State Park for 45 minutes each, with all gear, sunscreen, and refreshments provided. The reefs stay between 5 and 25 feet deep, making them accessible for both kids and adults who can swim. You return to the dock with time to shower and eat lunch, or move on to your next stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel two reefs at John Pennekamp

• Complete boat waivers before arrival
• Check in at boutique
• Board the catamaran
• Boat ride to first reef
• Snorkel first reef for 45 minutes
• Travel to second reef
• Snorkel second reef for 45 minutes
• Return boat ride to dock
• Rinse off in freshwater showers
• Browse gift shop or ask crew

The experience

The boat was running about five minutes behind when we pulled up to check-in at 8:15 AM. Nothing dramatic, just the kind of small delay that happens when a crew is loading snorkel gear for thirty people. But it meant we had time to actually read the waiver instead of rushing through it, and to ask the staff at the boutique which reef we'd probably see that morning. They told us Christ of the Abyss and Horseshoe Reef were both scheduled, weather permitting, and that the Calypso, the 2022 51-foot catamaran, would have us out to the first site in about 20 to 25 minutes. That's the kind of detail that matters when you're trying to figure out if you'll actually have time to eat breakfast before you go.

Once we boarded at 8:30 AM, the boat had air conditioning, which I didn't expect, and the crew handed out reef-safe sunscreen before we even left the dock. The snorkel trip to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park takes you to two different sites, and you get 45 minutes in the water at each one. The reefs we visited stayed between 5 and 25 feet deep: shallow enough that you're not fighting pressure or current, but deep enough that the coral and fish are actually there. We saw parrotfish, sergeant majors, and brain coral that looked like it had been growing since before the dock was built. The second site felt different from the first, which meant the crew knew what they were doing with the mooring spots.

What actually saves time here is that all the equipment comes with you. Snorkel mask, fins, vest. It's all included, along with chip bags, water, and soda for the ride back. You don't pack your own gear, you don't rent it separately, and you don't spend the morning before the tour hunting down a shop. The freshwater showers at the dock afterward rinse off the salt, and the gift shop is right there if you want to grab something before you leave. Three departure times (8:30 AM, 11:30 AM, or 2:30 PM) mean you can fit this around the rest of your day in Key Largo, and you're back by 11:15 AM, 2:15 PM, or 5:15 PM depending on which slot you choose.

What’s included

All snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, vest), reef-safe sunscreen, bottled water, soda, and chip bags are included in your tour. You also get access to freshwater showers at the dock after your return and can browse the on-site gift shop.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 08:15, from US$ 78 per person and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:15Another time? ›

GroupUp to 40

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

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Youth (16 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Silent World Dive Center

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel two different reefs without renting gear separately or spending the morning figuring out logistics. The boat provides everything, and the three daily departures mean you can fit it around the rest of your Key Largo itinerary.

Traveler reviews

4.88★★★★★★★★★★

353 verified traveler reviews

5 ★328

4 ★15

3 ★5

2 ★1

1 ★4

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 17 years); Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

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 time do I need to arrive for check-in?

Check-in opens at 8:15 AM, 11:15 AM, or 2:15 PM, depending on which departure you book. Boarding happens 15 minutes later.

How long is the boat ride to the reef?

The ride out to the first site takes 20 to 25 minutes. After snorkeling, you travel to the second location, then return to the dock.

How deep are the reefs?

The reefs range from 5 to 25 feet deep. Some areas are as shallow as 5 to 10 feet from the surface, making them suitable for snorkelers of different comfort levels.

Is snorkel equipment included?

Yes. Mask, fins, and all snorkeling gear are included, along with reef-safe sunscreen, water, soda, and chip bags.

Can I bring my own snorkel mask?

You can bring your own mask, but full-face snorkel masks are not allowed on this tour.

What's the age requirement?

Children must be at least 5 years old to snorkel. Non-swimmers can stay on the boat as passengers but cannot enter the water.

Can I drink alcohol before or during the tour?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted before or during the snorkel trip.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You need to be able to swim without assistance in water too deep to stand, and be able to climb the swim ladder back onto the boat with minimal help.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The specific reefs visited depend on weather conditions and available mooring space. The crew will take you to the best sites possible on the day of your tour.

Is there a freshwater shower after the tour?

Yes. Freshwater showers are available at the dock after you return, and there's a gift shop on-site.