Key Largo Half-Day Catamaran Snorkel Adventure to Pennekamp Reef
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to climb a ladder, step in and out of the water, and handle short swims in open water.
Overview
Step aboard a 45‑ft catamaran at Amoray Dive Resort for a four‑hour snorkel run to two reef locations in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Expect vivid coral gardens, abundant fish life, expert local captains, and practical snorkeling support—gear, snacks, and chilled water included.
Key Largo Half-Day Catamaran Snorkel Adventure to Pennekamp Reef
Select participants and date
The catamaran slips away from the mangrove-strewn shoreline and the Atlantic opens like a liberated horizon—blue pressing to the edge of sight. Onboard, the 45‑foot power catamaran hums with a casual efficiency: shaded benches, a wide deck, and the easy banter of captains who read currents the way others read maps. Within twenty minutes you’re beyond the commuter traffic of US 1 and into the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where the reef drops away and shoals of wrasse and parrotfish begin to materialize.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early to check in
Plan to be at Amoray reception 30 minutes before departure to complete check‑in and gear fitting.
Use reef‑safe sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens damage coral—choose a mineral (zinc or titanium) formula and apply before boarding.
Motion‑sickness prep
If you get seasick, take medication at least an hour before departure and sit mid‑ship where motion is gentlest.
Respect the reef
Keep fins off corals and avoid touching wildlife; your hands and fins do more harm than you think.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtle
- Southern stingray (often seen on sandy bottoms)
History
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, established in 1963, was the first undersea park in the U.S. and helped catalyze marine conservation in the Keys.
Conservation
The reef here is fragile—operators follow sanctuary rules; use reef‑safe products, avoid handling marine life, and support local conservation fees when offered.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Key Largo
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Swimsuit and quick‑dry towel
Wear your suit under clothes for a quick water entry and dry off fast after the swims.
summer specific
Reef‑safe sunscreen and hat
Protect skin without harming coral; a wide‑brim hat helps on deck between swims.
summer specific
Light wetsuit or shorty
Adds comfort for longer swims or cooler mornings without restricting movement.
spring specific
Waterproof camera or phone case
Capture shallow reef scenes and surface wildlife without risking your device.