Founded in 1960, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located in Key Largo, Florida, is an amazing destination that is popular with people of every stripe. Divers, in particular, enjoy all the park has to offer – whether you prefer the natural beauty of coral reefs, or find the added intrigue that comes with historic shipwrecks compelling, you will love visiting Pennekamp.
The Reefs
The Florida Keys Reef tract is the third largest coral barrier reef on the planet, following Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Belize’s Meso-American Reef. Although the reef is massive, running for 221 miles along Florida’s southeast coast, the section of reef at Pennekamp is representative of the entire structure, which is, incidentally, North America’s only living reef.
Unlike many of the algae and rock reefs, as well as the artificial reefs, which are common throughout the rest of the United States and Canada, these coral reefs are made up of millions of tiny animals – Coral! Besides the coral, the reefs and wrecks of John Pennekamp Park are home to small reef creatures and larger tropical fish.
Most divers find themselves exploring canyons within the inshore reefs, as well as reefs further out. The average depths encountered within these reefs are about 15-70 feet. Expect to encounter the occasional turtle, some larger pelagic fish on occasion, and schools of parrotfish and wrasse.
The Wrecks
Pennekamp’s shipwrecks are covered in hard and soft coral growth, and are home to large fish, colorful sponges, and a variety of hard and soft coral, as well as sea fans.
The Cargo Vessel Benwood, built in the UK in 1910, was 344 feet long with a 51.3 foot beam. As she navigated through the area which is now Pennekamp, on April 9th of 1942, she and the freighter Tuttle collided. Both ships had been running without lights, as a precaution against German submarine attacks, and the force of the collision tore a massive hole in her starboard side. As she was carrying a load of phosphate rock, a fire soon started, attracting unwanted German attention. Two torpedoes finished her career above water, and the crew fled to the Tuttle, which was basically unscathed in the collision.
Benwood now sits with her stern in 25 feet of water, and her bow in 50. She is a hulk of torn and tattered metal, and home to plentiful marine life. A great dive for anyone!
The 327 foot long, 41 foot wide wreck of the US Coast Guard Cutter Bibb and her sister ship, the US Coast Guard Cutter Duane lie only 100 yards apart near Molasses reef, in 130 feet of water. This is an advanced dive site, since the Gulf Stream provides a strong current as well as exceptional visibility (average 200 feet). Duane’s crow’s nest is at 60 feet, and her wheel house is at 80 feet. Bibb’s upper portion is at 90 feet. Both were prepared for divers as part of the artificial reef program, however, keep in mind that penetration can be dangerous.
The City of Washington and the Tonawanda, along with the Civil War Wreck and the Windlass Wreck, all lie in shallow water, near Elbow Reef. These are all wonderful sites with their own history, as is the wreck of the HMS Winchester, which also lies within the park’s confines.
Whether you can take only one dive, or enjoy many in the area, you’re certain to enjoy yourself and bring home memories that will last forever.