Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located in Key Largo, Florida, is America's first undersea park, spanning approximately 70 nautical square miles. Its diverse marine ecosystem includes vibrant coral reefs, mangrove swamps, and seagrass beds, which support a wide variety of marine life such as sea turtles, parrotfish, and barracudas. Established in 1963, the park was created to protect and preserve its unique underwater habitats and historical shipwrecks. Visitors are attracted to the park's myriad recreational opportunities including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours, all aimed at exploring its amazing underwater vistas. Notable landmarks include the Christ of the Abyss statue, a submerged bronze sculpture. The park is also appealing for its education centers and beaches, making it a favored destination for tourists seeking interaction with nature both on land and underwater.
