Beaches

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has two manmade beaches, each with its own distinct personality. Cannon Beach is the park's primary snorkeling beach, where you will find the remnants of an early Spanish shipwreck approximately 100 feet offshore. Far Beach, with its palm trees is a relaxing place to swim, or just sit and enjoy the sun. Any swimming or snorkeling done outside of the designated swimming areas is prohibited, unless a Diver Down flag is properly displayed.

Boat Ramp

The park has a very good deep water boat ramp, the ramp is located at the marina. The ramp can handle most boats up to 36 feet in length.

Boat Tours

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has four different types of boat tours to ensure that all park visitors have the best opportunity possible to experience the park's coral reef system. Glass bottom boat tours: These 2 ½-hour tours allow for 1 ½ hours of water time to view the parks living coral reef and its many inhabitants up close and personal. These trips depart from the parks docks three times a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting. Sailing/ Snorkeling tours; Our Sailing/Snorkeling tours depart daily aboard a 38-foot catamaran. These four-hour tours provide 1.5 hours of snorkeling at one location on the coral reef. Tours depart daily at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Rental equipment is available. The park also has a dive shop which is a PADI Resort Facility, offering a full range of courses from Open Water through Instructor. Our specialty courses introduce you to diving and our coral reef in one day with the Resort Course. Scuba diving tours: These four-hour tours allow divers two dives at a different location.

Boating

Boaters should always use caution in shallow reef areas and when approaching any area where there are Diver Down flags displayed, swimmers, or moored boats. Always obtain a navigation chart before departing for open water. Combustible engines are not permitted in or near shore areas of the park where the water is less than four feet deep. For those boaters that do not have a boat, the park concession maintains a boat rental where boats may be rented for four hour and eight hour intervals. Boat slips and moorings are available at the marina for overnight rental. Slips are located in the marina and include water and electric hookups with bathroom and shower facilities nearby. Mooring buoys are located in Largo Sound with dingy dockage at the marina. both include full use of park facilities, trash disposal, and pump-out. Reservations are recommended. For more information you may contact the marina at (305) 451-6322 or on VHF channel 16.

Campfire Circle

From January through February, the Park Rangers hold a Friday night campfire circle where various programs on the local environment, wildlife, activities, or local history are given in an informal atmosphere.

Canoeing & Kayaking

You can explore the park's 2 ½ miles of marked mangrove wilderness trails. The mangroves, and the crystal clear waters which surround them provide habitat for a wide variety of birds and marine life.

Concessions

Our Visitor Services Provider maintains a lunch counter and snack bar. Gifts and snorkeling equipment, for the beach area, may also be obtained at the concession.

Facilities

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in designated areas in accordance with Florida State Law. Saltwater fishing licenses are required for out of state visitors. Spearfishing, possession of spearfishing equipment, and collection of tropical fish [by any method] is prohibited inside the park.
Do you need a Fishing License?

Full Facility Camping

Our campgrounds offer 47 full-facility camping sites for both tents and RV campers. Maximum occupancy is 8 people per site; in 2 tents, or one RV and one tent. Restrooms, with hot showers, are available as are laundry facilities. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Campers register at the park entrance. Pets are allowed in the campground.

Nature Trails

The park maintains two nature trails each in a uniquely different environment. The Wild Tamarind Trail winds through the park's beautiful tropical hardwood hammocks, allowing visitors to view many of the areas native hardwood species. The Mangrove Trail winds peacefully through the mangroves and over the mangrove estuaries allowing visitors to view this unique environment up close and personal. Nature walks, for organized groups, need to be requested in advance, if possible to ensure that a Park Ranger is available for the walk.

Pet Camping

Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.

Picnicking

Designated areas for picnicking are located throughout the park. Barbecue grills are provided, no ground fires are permitted. The park has 12 pavilions for use on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations for the pavilions are accepted. The 11 small pavilions, with two picnic tables each, rent for $30.00 per day, plus tax. The large pavilion has eight tables and rents for $50.00 per day, plus tax. None of the pavilions are equipped with electric or water. Whether on land or the water, please do not litter.

Playground

RV Camping

Scuba Diving

To fully enjoy the diving possibilities of the park, boat trips to the reef are recommended. A new diver, or a diver that needs a refresher, finds the waters of cannon beach a great place to hone their skills.

Showers

Public showers are provided.

Snorkeling

In addition to the park's snorkeling tours, there are areas in the park designated for snorkeling. These areas are in a tropical lagoon and offer a look at the various sea grass communities in the park. In these areas there are some natural ledges that do hold some interesting marine life. There are also some artifacts from an early Spanish shipwreck approximately 100 feet offshore.

Swimming

Swimming is a popular activity at both Cannon Beach and Far Beach. The swimming areas are located in a tropical lagoon that provides a good place for younger swimmers to enjoy the water.

Visitor Center

The highlight of the park's Visitor Center is its 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. Park staff conduct a fish feeding for visitors at 11:00 a.m. daily. There are also six additional 100-200 gallon aquariums which offer the visitor different looks at the park's marine inhabitants. The Visitor Center also features natural history exhibits, which interpret the park's unique marine environment. The park has a theater where visitors may view nature videos relating to the park and its surrounding area. The hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., daily. Free with park admission.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is possible at this park.

Youth Camping

The youth camping area is available for both organized youth and adult groups. The site has a fire circle, benches and picnic tables. There is no electricity at the site. Restrooms and hot showers are available. The youth camping area will accommodate up to 24 people. There must be at least one (1) adult chaperone per ten (10) youths, and no more than one (1) adult chaperone to three (3) youths. Chaperones must be at least 21 years of age. Reservations for the youth camp can be made 60 days in advance (for youth groups), or 30 days in advance (for adult groups) by calling the park at (305) 451-1202. A representative of the group must check in before 5:00 p.m. on the day of arrival. All park rules and regulations apply to this campsite.