Key Largo Two-Stop Snorkel Trip — Pennekamp & Florida Keys Sanctuary
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Basic swimming fitness required; you should be comfortable treading water and snorkeling in areas where you can’t stand.
Overview
Head offshore from Key Largo for a two-site snorkel trip that visits John Pennekamp and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. With equipment included, guided briefings, and 65 minutes of water time at each stop, this tour is ideal for families and first-time snorkelers.
Key Largo Two-Stop Snorkel Trip — Pennekamp & Florida Keys Sanctuary
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The boat eases out of the marina with a small wake that seems to invite the ocean to join. Salt air tastes sharp and clean; the Gulf Stream hums under the hull. Before the engines quiet, somebody calls out — dolphins, a spray of fins carving the water alongside the bow — and the tone of the day switches from ordinary to marine. On this Key Largo excursion you trade shoreline noise for the quiet of the reef: sunlit coral gardens, scattered sand channels, and fish that peer back at you as if passing judgment.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Check in one hour before departure—boats won’t wait for late arrivals and check-in times are enforced.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Apply a mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen before arrival to protect coral and avoid greasy residue on rental masks.
Bring Seasickness Remedies
Even on larger boats, take anti-nausea medication or ginger if you’re prone to motion sickness—morning trips are usually calmer.
Respect the Reef
Do not touch, stand, or fin directly on coral; guides will position groups to avoid damage while keeping you close to marine life.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Southern stingrays
History
The Keys were used by indigenous peoples and later became a center for fishing, salvage, and recreational diving; Pennekamp Park was established in 1963 as the first undersea park in the U.S.
Conservation
Operators follow Sanctuary rules: no touching or collecting reef life, limited anchoring zones, and encouragement of reef-safe products to reduce sunscreen impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Key Largo
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the coral—apply before arrival to avoid greasy equipment.
Swimsuit and quick-dry top
Comfortable swimwear and a cover-up or rash guard help with sun and chafe from fins.
summer specific
Waterproof phone case or action camera
Captures underwater moments—cases are often sold in the shop if you forget one.
Motion-sickness tablets or ginger chews
Useful for those susceptible to seasickness, especially if seas are choppy.