Great location and snorkel operation. Very helpful operators. Reef is doing better after Hurricane Irma, apparently. Most people want to see the Cristo statue but the vibrancy of fish and coral health in that area is not very great. Operators recommended the 'Grecian Rocks' spot for better, shallow snorkeling.
This is a great place to spend a day or afternoon when vacationing. They have a little of everything. The beach, trails, canoes, picnic areas, visitor center, boat ramps, biking, a store for those supplies you may need that serves ice cream! The price to get in will vary on what amenities you're going to use. Offers nice scenic views as well. The old cannons sitting on the beach certainly nods to the historic aspect of Key Largo.
There are fun activities when they're open. They charged us at the entrance and didn't tell us some attractions were closed due to hurricane damage! It's December so we thought they would be open. Didn't get to do much!
We are staying at the campground. The rangers and workers are very nice and always have a smile. The campsites are very small and right on top of each other. Love the gravel. It made for easy setup and a clean site. We are on site 4. There is absolutely no shade on even site numbers due to hurricane Irma. The aquarium is closed and the stores are being run out of mobil containers. We've been trying to camp here for years. Disappointed not running at full potential. (stupid hurricane)
Spent a couple of hours on the beach here before going home the next day. Hurricane Irma caused a lot of their attractions to be closed, so we got in for half the price. It was a nice time spent there. I'd definitely come back after they start running at full speed again. Wouldn't mind taking part in some of the activities they have to offer.
There isn't much of a beach. Just a rocky over crowded area. Remember to bring water shoes. Snorkeling from the beach is okay. There are parts of a sunken ship and an old cannon that attract some fish. The kids loved playing on the rocks and seeing the fish and crabs. It is beautiful but not spectacular by any means. The boat ride out to the Christ statue and coral makes for a much better snorkel experience.
Nice park to visit! No doubt, the Mangrove makes it a special place to be. Not so good for snorkeling though I would prefer to have a guide in the water with me and my daughters at all times!. Besides that great experience. We rented a boat and that was cool!
You are on your own for kayaking. It was a little scary when you don't know how to swim and have to find your way through the trail with a map. But overall it was a nice experience. They have different water activities other than kayaking, just make sure you call and ask about the times for the activities you want to attend.
We came here for a extended 4.5 hour snorkel tour, the grounds and staff are so nice, beautiful, friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely suggest stopping here to enjoy the beach, grounds, aquarium and souvenir shop. If you have time I definitely suggest taking a snorkel tour, it was so fun and exciting. The price is so good you can't beat it!! The Captain and dive master on our boat (Brian and Morgan) were so nice, funny and experienced. They made sure everyone had a good time and were safe!! Must visit!!
went kayaking here and it was so much fun. saw a lot of different wild life. after kayaking we were able to sit and enjoy the beach there and a bite to eat. was such a nice day, if you haven't been you gotta go.
We biked here from the Key Largo Marriott. I definitely would not recommend going here for the beaches, they are NOT good. However, it's a really nice park if you are planning to kayak or take a boat trip out to the reefs for snorkeling. They have a nice visitor center with some large aquariums and a nice gift shop also. The beaches are really rocky, small and not very nice, however.
Positives: Snorkeling and kayaking rentals and trips. Nice visitor center and gift shop.
Negatives: Horrible beach.
This park has many fun activities to enjoy. Stand up paddle boarding is great. Snorkeling tours are amazing. Glass bottom boat is unique. Only downside is the "beach" area, it's full of rocks and murky water. But do not let the beach deter you from this attraction, because you will be the one who lost out on one of Florida's hidden treasures.
Great state park with plenty of family and friend fun and adventure potential. Parking is $9, with decently priced equipment rental. Snorkel gear is ~$8. Daily rates for kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards are great deals.
There are a few beaches with swimming and snorkel areas, areas to explore via kayak/canoe/paddle boards, hiking trails, and boat trips out further to the reefs. There is also a small aquarium and concession stand with a surprising amount of food (hamburgers, salads, etc.).
The only downside IMO is that since it is at the top of the keys, it gets quite a bit of traffic. It is fairly busy, so the main beach area could get crowded. Other than that, this state park is definitely worth the visit, just try to avoid peak times.
It's a neat place, mostly just checked out the aquarium and gift shop. The price for a parking pass was a few bucks higher than I thought it should have been but it does go to maintaining and preserving the state park. Didn't hang out on the beach it was crowded and is small like others have stated. Sombrero beach on Marathon key is better. The video in the theater is interesting to sea also about the local coral reefs and sea critters.