Top 10 On The Water Sports
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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Contact:
- +1 305 451 6300
- visit website
Location:
- Mile Marker 102.5
- Overseas Highway
- Key Largo,FL33037
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Map
Description:
Kudos to the late "Miami Herald" editor John Pennekamp for helping to create the first undersea park in the United States.
Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, established by the state legislature in 1961 to protect the miracle of America's only living coral reef, allows access to abundant underwater wildlife, large brain, staghorn and elkhorn coral formations and a four-foot barracuda who likes to be photographed.
Only a 90-minute drive from Miami, Pennekamp is incorporated in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a 2,800 square nautical mile span of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamp on both sides of the Keys island chain, Florida Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
One of the park's most popular dive sites is the nine-foot bronze statue that rests in 20 feet of water. The statue is a replica of the "Christ of the Abyss" statue in the Mediterranean Sea and was donated to the Underwater Society of America in 1961 by industrialist Egidi Cressi. It is also referred to as "Christ of the Deep."
Underwater enthusiasts can take a reef adventure on a glass bottom boat, snorkeling or scuba diving. If you're not into the underwater scene, John Pennekamp offers two manmade beaches, canoe, kayak and boat rentals and nature trails, a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive exhibits at the visitor center as well as 47 campsites, all with electrical hookups and water.
In 2010, the Park celebrated its 50th anniversary as America's first undersea park. -
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Parawest Parasailing Adventures
Contact:
- +1 305 292 5199
Location:
- 700 Front Street
- Key West,FL33040
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Map
Description:
Rise above it all with the help of the folks at Parawest. This exciting activity combines the thrill of skydiving, the tranquility of hot-air ballooning and the whoop-de-doo of hang-gliding with the adventure of parasailing. After you are harnessed into a parachute, a speedboat takes off, causing you to rise in the air. The eight-minute flight includes a freefall and a dip, so don't eat a big meal before you try this. On the longer 10-minute flight, you'll rise about 600 feet up in the air.
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Long Key Fishing Site
Contact:
- 305-664-4815
- visit website
Location:
- P.O. Box 776
- Long Key,FL33001
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Map
Description:
This is a wonderful destination for anglers. Many opportunities wait. Fishermen are frequently spotted wading beyond their campsites trying to snag a bonefish, permit, or tarpon. Sea kayaking and canoeing create endless opportunities for exploring the waters of the Atlantic and Florida Bay. A boat launch is offered just inside the park. Fishermen even find the U.S. 1 Bridge between Long Key and Conch Key successful. Usual catches include hogfish, grouper and snapper. Of course, there are numerous charter boat options along with tackle shops. Campgrounds, trails, and a swimming beach are additional amenities.
