John Pennekamp has the singular distinction of being the first underwater park in the USA. There’s 170 acres of dry parkland here and more than 48,000 acres (75 sq miles) of wet: the vast majority of the protected area is the ocean. Before you get out in that water, be sure to take in some pleasant beaches and stroll along the nature trails.
The Mangrove Trail is a good boardwalk introduction to this oft-maligned, ecologically awesome species (the trees, often submerged in water, breathe via long roots that act as snorkels). Stick around for nightly campfire programs and ranger discussions.The visitor center is well run and informative, and has a small saltwater aquarium and nature films that give a glimpse of what’s under those waters. To really get beneath the surface, you should take a 2½-hour glass-bottom boat tour (adult/child $24/17). You'll be brought out in a safe, modern 38ft catamaran to the splendid Molasses Reef, where you'll see see filigreed flaps of soft coral, technicolor schools of fish, dangerous-looking barracuda and perhaps massive, yet graceful, sea turtles.
The park's most famous attraction is the coral-fringed Christ of the Abyss, an 8.5ft, 4000lb bronze sculpture of Jesus – a copy of a similar sculpture off the Portofino Peninsula in northern Italy. On calm days, the park offers snorkeling trips (adult/child $30/25, plus equipment rental) to the statue, which is six miles offshore. You can also arrange diving excursions (six-person charter from $500). DIY-ers may want to take out a canoe ($20 per hour), kayak (from $12/30 per hour/half day) or stand-up paddleboard (from $25/50 per hour/half day) to journey through a 3-mile network of trails. Phone for boat-rental information.
