John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Marina (Key Largo, off Hawk Channel)
Actually, the “crash corner” referred to below by Captains Richard and Neena is NOT located on the approach channel to the John Pennecamp State Park Marina. Rather, it will be discovered on what I call the “Key Largo Canal” which lies just a short hop south of the marked entrance to the park. Key Largo Canal leads to Marina Del Ray, and several other facilities, while the park channel leads to, you guessed it, the Park marina and a nearby mooring field on Largo Sound.
It was with some trepidation that we decided to come into the park~ after all the cruising descriptions ‘ CRASH CORNER’, and `DANGEROUS TURN’ gave some pause! Channel is well marked, we never saw less than 6’ on a mid tide, all the Cruise Boat ( they have a set schedule so you can call ahead and avoid the big cruise boat if need be) and Dive Boat operators are courteous and the Park Dockmaster Scott coudn’t be more welcoming. There is laundry on premises and several nice restaurants, a Publix and a West Marine are within a mile walk. Slips have electric, water and there is a good working pump out. We are delighted we made the stop.
RICHARD & NEENA RODGERS
MV SLOOPLESS
It’s fun to stay at John Pennekamp State Park on Key Largo. They have a few slips for big or small boats and lots of mooring space for small boats. We stayed there in our 53 ft. Hatteras right at the park dock. Very interesting to go in through the marked mangrove channels and plenty of water depth with minimum of 5 ft. plus. Take the park boat to snorkel or scuba at the underwater state park coral reef or just go out and grab a free govt. mooring ball with your own boat (watch the charts carefully). Great park to walk around there and some minimal park type food, but nothing else you can walk to.
Depending on how far you usually cruise, you can easily make that your only stop between Marathon and Miami with two 50 NM days or so.
Doug
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