It is a place of pools, tropical breezes, of underwater fantasies. It's the living rock, and animals that look like plants. This is the status with their arms raised to the sky, and even under the sea.

Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Florida Keys.

Realms of the Sea

Pennekamp State Park is mostly under the waves, so the big attraction is undoubtedly the watery part. As the only living coral reef in the United States, Pennekamp is a mecca for divers worldwide. And what is a reef! It is a realm of waters, with thrones of corals and fish guardian about the patrols.

Snorkeling and diving Tours

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers snorkeling and diving tours of the diving center. The main reef is about four miles from shore, so that Spirited Away, a catamaran for your trip (the Spirit of Pennekamp).

Tours run about two hours of real time water, and by all accounts are very worthwhile.

Glass Bottom Boat

If you're not wet, but still want to see the reef, how about a glass bottom tour boat? You can relax in air conditioned comfort and discover your own Atlantis.

What else?

What about camping, fishing, swimming and canoeing? All this and more can be found at Pennekamp State Park. Come and visit another world, just below the waves.

Gail Nettles is a Florida native who enjoys showing the Sunshine State to visitors. She also publishes http://www.great-florida-vacations.com

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