coral reef boat tour

Winner Best Watersports 10 Years Running. Enjoy Xtra Savings Up to $20*

July 4th Fireworks > View Trips

• DEPARTURE POINT DIRECTIONS
• SPECIAL TRIPS & EVENTS
• SPECIAL OFFERS
• JOB OPPORTUNITIES
• MEDIA TICKET REQUEST
• PRIVATE CHARTER INQUIRIES
• WEDDING CHARTER INQUIRIES
• ENVIROMENTAL COMMITTMENT
• MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION
• MEET THE CAPTAINS
• BIKE RENTALS
• PRIVATE CHARTERS
• GOLF CART RENTALS
• THINGS TO DO IN KEY WEST
• VISIT KEY WEST
• KEY WEST ADVENTURE GUIDE
• BEST KEY WEST BARS
• PLACES TO WATCH THE SUNSET
• KEY WEST PARASAILING
• KEY WEST SNORKELING
• KEY WEST WATERSPORTS
• KEY WEST SANDBAR TRIPS
• KEY WEST WEDDINGS
• FOR CRUISE GUESTS

• walk up sales locations

Your phone number will not be shared with a third party, nor will it be sold or used for purposes other than providing you with directions to the selected destination.

Most Popular

Reef Eco Tour

Key West’s only window to the sea! Stay cool and dry as you view a stunning array of tropical marine life in air-conditioned comfort aboard Fury’s Glass Bottom Boat. Through our windows to the sea, guests can witness the wonder of North America’s only living coral reef. You may even observe sea turtles, rays and fish of all kinds gliding through the crystal waters they call home.

• Check-In, 11:30am, 1:30pm & 5:30pm
• Approx. 2 hrs
• Departs, 12:00pm, 2:00pm & 6:00pm

Glass Bottom Boat

Taking Visitors To Key West’s Reefs For Over 70 Years

• Check-In 11:30am, 1:30pm & 5:30pm
• Departs 12:00pm, 2:00pm & 6:00pm

Guests (Ages 4-10)

Guaranteed best price when you book direct. Flexible & Refundable Reservations.

• DEPARTURE POINT

Trip Features

• See North America’s Only Living Coral Reef in Comfort
• Special Glass “Windows to the Reef” Provide Continuous Viewing for all Passengers
• Expert Tour Guides
• Air-conditioned viewing cabin makes it easy and comfortable to view the reef
• See colorful tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, numerous species of coral and more*
• Private & Wedding Charters Available Learn More

“ This was an incredible glass bottom boat experience. The ride out to the viewing area was fabulous and the information given during viewing the soft coral and fish was entertaining and educational. This all topped by an incredible sunset on the way back in.”

This is a 10 out of 10!! It was an awesome day, professional, friendly staff all the way around! Thanks for a great day in Key West!

“ The glass bottom boat was awesome! Took us off the coast of Key West to the coral reef where they pointed out various fish and coral who reside there and the history of it. They also narrated sites on the island on the way out to the reef as we passed them.”

“ Was very relaxing. It very interesting getting to see the fish swimming in and around the reef. Learned something new about the reef and the eco system it provides for the oceans. A must see for families”

“My husband and I went on the glass bottom boat tour at 6pm. The views were spectacular and the staff very informative. The reef was absolutely beautiful.”

What's Included

• Reef Safe Sunscreen
• Snack Bar ($)

Last trip of the day includes sunset views on the way back to port

What to bring.

• Gratuities Customary
• Refillable Water Bottle
• Selection of Chips, Peanuts, Crackers & Cookies  ($1.00 each)
• Selection of Sodas  ($2.00 each)

BOAT FEATURES

• State-of-the-Art Catamaran Glass Bottom Boat (65ft)
• Air Conditioned Viewing Area
• Twin 45 Degree Observation Hulls
• Large Seated Sundeck
• Modern Marine Restrooms
• Twin Hull Design for Maximum Stability

About Reef, Wildlife & Weather

We are very lucky that so many days here in Key West look exactly like the beautiful photos and video you see on our website & other marketing materials. However, you should be aware that all of our water adventures are outdoors and influenced by Mother Nature. Many days underwater visibility is 80+ feet and teeming with sea life; others are not. Though we hope that every day is perfect, we are not in control of the wind, waves, clouds, rain or underwater sea life. If we are aware of any concerning factors regarding conditions, we will make an announcement before your trip departs. At that time, you may elect to take the tour, reschedule or receive a refund. 

Explore the reef in comfort

Key West’s only window to the sea! Explore dramatic underwater vistas generally reserved for scuba divers from our glass bottom boat. A wide variety of fish and other sea creatures await you as you gaze into the underwater world of Key West. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see North America’s only living coral reef , one of the most biologically diverse marine eco-systems in the world. Majestic elkhorn and impressive brain coral, sturdy in appearance yet fragile and vulnerable, stand sentry for the more than 300 species of fish that complete the colorful and intriguing seascape. Along the trip, our experienced captain and crew will provide a unique and informative eco-tour and point out some of the most interesting marine life that inhabit the waters of this incredible island. Special glass “windows to the reef” provide continuous viewing for all passengers.

• Reef Eco Tours & Sunset Cruise Combo Package
• Read More Key West Glass Bottom Boat History

Duval Street

Located between Ocean Key Resort & Pier House Resort, at the end of Duval Street.

• Glass Bottom Boat & Sunset Cruise
• Ultimate 90 Min. Jet Ski Tour

No, this is a viewing trip only.

It is a 65 foot catamaran, air-conditioned, enclosed, with a shaded viewing cabin, snack bar, sundeck, and 2 restrooms.

The Glass Bottom Boat has a spacious, air-conditioned viewing cabin that can accommodate many guests.

7 miles to the reef

How long does the ride to the reef take? 30-40 minutes

How long are you at the reef? 25-30 minutes

Yes, Our knowledgable crew members will share some historical Key West facts while going through the harbor and a full guided tour while at the reef pointing out many corals and marine life.

Yes, the Glass Bottom Boat is great for all ages.

No, the Coast Guard won’t allow it. We’ll hold it on the dock until trip returns.

Manual wheelchairs allowed, 2 per trip (electric wheelchairs not allowed.) Fury has one manual wheelchair that is available for guests to use. Guests must have assistance that can help move them safely to the manual chair.

Yes. It is necessary for Fury to collect your paid in full voucher and give you a boarding pass. This helps us maintain an accurate count for the Coast Guard.

Yes! To receive a military discount on any Fury trip, please book through the MWR office on Key West’s Sigsbee base by calling 305-293-4174.

Yes, life jackets are onboard for everyone in case of emergency.

We provide water and a snack bar for purchase for the duration of the tour. Sodas are $2 and a selection of chips, peanuts, crackers and cookies for $1. You are more than welcome to bring lunch and snacks just no glass containers, please.

We will not be taking any photos on this trip.

No, we do not offer any wifi on our vessels.

Please bring a Valid Government Issued Photo ID. Gratuities are customary.

Departure Location #2 0 Duval Street – Located between Ocean Key Resort & Pier House Resort, at the end of Duval Street.

Yes! Fury operates 365 days a year. Be sure to check out our Special Trips & Events to see if we are running any special Holiday trips.

Fury Water Adventures does not operate in unsafe weather conditions, but a light rain shower is not a deterrent. The Captain will assess the weather and should the Captain determine that the conditions are unsafe to run the tour, the tour may be postponed or it will be canceled. If a trip is canceled by Fury Water Adventures for any reason, every effort will be made to reschedule the trip during your stay in Key West. If you are unable to reschedule, you will have the option of receiving a voucher for a future trip or receiving a full refund. Every effort will be made to run tours, as advertised. Should Fury have to amend or alter your tour due to extraneous circumstances, tickets remain non-refundable on tours taken.

All cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to your trip’s scheduled departure time. To place a cancellation, please call 1-888-976-0899 or email [email protected] and refer to the confirmation number at the top of your confirmation document. Failure to place a cancellation at least 24 hours in advance will result in your credit card being charged the full amount of the reserved. No refunds will be issued for reservations cancelled within 24 hours of departure, unless reservation refund protection was purchased. Please note that failure to show for the reserved trip  without cancellation will result in no refund. If a trip is cancelled by Fury Water Adventures® for any reason, every effort will be made to reschedule the trip during your stay in Key West. If you are unable to reschedule, you will have the option of receiving a voucher for a future trip or receiving a refund.

Fury has a 24 hour notice cancellation policy to receive a refund. Guests can purchase Reservation Refund Protection for a 10% fee to be eligible to cancel or transfer tickets up to 1 hour prior to their scheduled departure. All you have to do is email a request to [email protected] no later than 1 hour in advance of your reservation time.

Reservation refund protection fees are 100% non-refundable in the event of any cancellation or reservation change.

No, we do not provide parking at any of our check in locations, but you can use street parking, pay to park lots or parking garages.

Most Fury tours will require the minor guest’s  natural parent be present at check in to sign them in. Please call 888-976-0899 for specific policy details for your preferred tour.

Fury allows service animals only. A service animal is any dog that has been trained to perform tasks to benefit an individual.  The work performed must be directly related to the individuals disability.  According the ADA service animals for emotional support, therapy, comfort or companionship are not considered service animals.

The guest requiring the service animal must be in possession of the animal at all times. Due to the nature of Fury tours,  guest and service animal  may  be required to remain on the boat for the entirety of the tour . This is to ensure the guest’s safety as well as that of the service animal, Key West wildlife, other guests, captain and crew.

Related Trips You May Also Like

LET'S TURN UP THE HEAT ON SAVINGS!

Sign up to receive an email with a one time offer code to use on select trips.

Commotion On The Ocean Sunset Sail

Key West’s Original Live Music Sunset Sail

• Departs 6:00pm

Save up to $8*

TRIP DETAILS

Dolphin Watch Eco Tour

Founding member of NOAA Dolphin Smart Program

• Departs 9:00am, 12:30pm & 5:00pm

Dolphin Watch Sunset Cruise Combo

Eco Tour • Backcountry Snorkel • Sunset (Available Seasonally)

Double Dip Snorkel Sunset Combo

Snorkel 2 Reef Locations • Sunset (Available Seasonally)

Double Dip Snorkel Trip

Visit Two Living Coral Reef Locations

Fury’s Island Adventure Eco Tour

Remote Sanctuary Reserved For Locals

• Departs 10:00am & 3:30pm
• Food & Beverages

Save up to $13*

Save up to $6*

Glass Bottom Boat & Sunset Cruise

Island Adventure & Sunset Cruise Combo

Eco Tour • Snorkel • Kayak • Paddleboard • Sunset Combo Option

Key West Jet Ski Tours

Brand New SeaDoo Jet Skis

• Departs 8:30am-5:30pm

Key West Parasailing

Tandem + Triple Rides Largest Parasailing Fleet in Key West

• Departs 9:00am-3:00pm, 4:15pm, 5:15pm & 6:15pm

Key West Private Charters

Completely Customizable

Key West Snorkeling

Start Your Day Aboard Key West’s Most Spacious Catamaran

• Departs 9:30am

Save up to $5*

Key West Sunset Cruise

Tranquil Ocean Setting

• Departs 6:45pm

New! Ultimate Adventure H2.0

Key West's Largest & Only State Certified Ocean Waterpark

• Departs 10:00am & 1:00pm

Save up to $16*

Reef & Ritas Snorkeling Trip

Afternoon Adventure Aboard Key West’s Most Spacious Catamaran

• Departs 1:00pm

Rum & Reggae Snorkel Sunset Combo

Reef Adventure by Day, Sunset Magic by Night

• Departs 5:00pm

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• Snorkeling Tours
• Scuba Tours
• Glass Bottom Boat
• Kayaks and Paddleboards

Snorkeling Tour Reservations

Snorkeling Tour 2 ½ Hours

Or reserve by phone: 305-451-6300

Reservations

Thank you for submitting your reservation for John Pennekamp State Park.

City & State*

All Reservations need to be made online, click here to Book Now! For the most up-to-date info call (305) 451-6300 .

The coral reef at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park are among the most beautiful and diverse of all living communities.

Personal or Group in-water guide available upon request for $120 plus tax. Each additional snorkeler (guided) is $70 plus tax. Max. group size is 6 snorkelers per guide.

All of tour boats have at least one vessel equipped to accommodate the boarding of wheelchairs for our guests with special needs.

Please call 305-451-6300 ext. 2 for special group rates and payment information for 18 or more passengers.

For reservations please call (305) 451-6300

Travel Web Design by Wodu.

• 102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5)
• Key Largo, FL 33037
• P.O. Box 1560
• (305) 451-6300
• © Coral Reef Park Company, Inc.

Explore John Pennekamp State Park

• About The Park
• Park Amenities
• Job Opportunities
• Boat Rentals
• Kayak Rentals

Sailaway’s focus is sharing our passion for the marine environment with our guests through reef interpretation with expert guiding. We have a team of qualified marine biologists who give information and entertaining reef presentations, allowing you to fully appreciate the fragile environment and have an understanding of the marine life you will encounter.

Sailaway is the only operator from Port Douglas who has access to the spectacular Coral Cays of Mackay Reef.  We have exclusive use of our reef site which are perfect for snorkelling. There are vast areas of coral gardens to explore at your own pace.  Being shallow and protected, you see beautiful corals, giants clams, turtles and fish life, up close. Ideal for taking underwater photos or watching the marine life in thier natural habitat.

Sailaway VII Custom built Sailing Catamaran

Sailaway VII is a stunning 25m sailing vessel to the Outer Barrier Reef. This is the most sustainable and comfortable way to visit the reef.  Sail along the coastline with views of the Daintree Rainforest, past Snapper Island before heading to the Outer Reef.

Nature activities include snorkelling over the pristine coral reef on our guided snorkel tour, enjoy a glass bottom boat for extra viewing and visit a spectacular Coral Cay.  Enjoy Aqua marine water and stunning views. Our delicious lunch, morning and afternoon teas will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation.

Tour Rates*

Adult: $315.00 Child (4-12 years): $217.00 Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): $957.00

* Environment Management Charges: $8.00 per person.

Included in your cruise

• Courtesy coach transfers from Port Douglas accommodation
• Afternoon tea and coffee, cakes & fresh fruit platter (Using local produce Daintree Tea and Jaques Coffee)
• Superb tropical buffet lunch (including prawns)
• Snorkelling equipment, optical masks, seasonal lycra snorkelling suits, wet suits & flotation devices
• Snorkelling instruction and in-water assistance
• Guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist
• Glass bottom boat viewing and reef interpretation talk
• Explore the pristine Mackay Coral Cay
• 4.5 hours at unspoilt location on the Outer Barrier Reef
• The experience of sailing on board the luxury sailing catamaran Sailaway VII
• Eco Shamba Environmental Initiative $20 to local re-forestation

This is an adventure tour suitable for travellers with good mobility. To participate in snorkelling you must be confident in the water with good swimming ability, as snorkelling can be a strenuous activity.

Pickups from Palm Cove now available daily

Palm Cove bus times: Departs Palm Cove at 7.00am and return departs Port Douglas at 5.15pm Exact pickup times from various hotels will be advised at the time of booking.

Morning Tea

• Freshly brewed Jaques Coffee and Daintree Tea
• Freshly baked Danish Pastries
• Fresh fruit
• Watermelon, Honeydew melon, Rockmelon, Pineapple & Oranges

Buffet lunch

• Medium-rare Peppered Roast Beef slices
• Sliced champagne ham
• Sliced Italian Herb Chicken breast
• New potato salad w/ chopped eggs, spring onions & a sour cream & Parmesan mayo
• Mixed Leaf Salad w/ tomato, capsicum, cucumber & a balsamic & virgin olive oil dressing
• Asian noodle Salad
• Watermelon, honeydew melon, rockmelon, pineapple and oranges
• Freshly baked assorted bread rolls w/ butter portions
• Pesto Mayo, Mustard, Sweet Chilli, Chutney

Afternoon tea

• Honey Nougat slice

Prepared daily by On Deck Catering

What to Bring

• Beach towel
• A friendly smile and your consideration for this precious Marine National Park and World Heritage site
• Booking voucher (if you booked via a tour desk or travel agent)
• At check-in for the Environment Management Charge – see your confirmation document for details
• For onboard purchases of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks/juices
• For underwater camera hire – ensure you select this as an add-on to your booking if you would like to use it

VIP Upgrades

Add these luxury upgrades to your online booking and experience the best of Sailaway's service.

MACKAY CORAL CAY

The Coral Cays are pure white sand surrounded by a large fringing reef system and crystal clear water.

Sailaway is the only operator from Port Douglas who has access to visit Mackay Coral Cays. This exclusivity means we have the area to ourselves to explore without restrictions.

Low Isles is an idyllic Coral Cay island. The reef around Low Isles comprises 150 species of hard corals and is dominated by 15 species of soft corals.

Guests of Sailaway have the opportunity to snorkel in the lagoon of the island with our marine biologist, offering an interesting and informative tour.

Sunset Sailing

Enjoy the thrill of pure sailing. A must do when visiting Port Douglas is to relax with an exhilarating cruise on board this first class sailing catamaran.

Soak up the peace and tranquillity of a tropical sunset over the Coral Sea as you sail along the coast off Far North Queensland.

Sailaway Loyalty Club

Receive 10% discount on your second Sailaway experience - simply contact our friendly reservations team to book. Conditions apply.

Florida’s Coral Reef and surrounding waters are a breathtaking recreational destination that drive the economy of south Florida.

Coastal Protection

Florida’s Coral Reef is a natural buffer for Florida’s shoreline, protecting human life and property by lessening the eroding power of waves. Coral reefs dissipate 97% of wave energy that would otherwise erode beaches.

Florida’s Coral Reef provides a home to hundreds of species of finfish and shellfish, which are a source of seafood for homes, restaurants and our grocery stores.

Biomedical Research

Drugs developed from coral reef organisms are already on the market to combat caner, pain and inflammation.

The future of Florida’s Coral Reef is being threatened

Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, pollution, warming ocean temperatures, ocean acidification and many other threats contribute to reef degradation.

Without continued bold and aggressive action, we may lose critical functions and benefits of the reefs.

But there is hope

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and its partners are working daily to support the reefs’ natural recovery processes through the large-scale cultivation, outplanting and monitoring of genetically diverse, reef-building corals.

Now it’s your turn

Take action and help conserve one of Florida’s most precious natural wonders.

Join us by educating friends and family about how to conserve our national underwater treasure.

Did you know?

Learn about how our partners are making a difference with Florida’s Coral Reef.

St. Lucie Inlet Martin County

The St. Lucie Inlet separates the barrier islands of Hutchinson Island and Jupiter Island. The inlet connects several lagoon and estuarine tidal systems to the Atlantic Ocean and is approximately half a mile from the reef. To the south, you’ll find St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park , a barrier island and 3,500 acres of marine waters that fall within the park boundary. This also includes an impressive Anastasia worm reef that extends nearly five miles along the coast.

This area of the reef is best reached by boat, and ranges from depths of five to 35 feet, making it a haven for snorkelers, divers and fishers looking to encounter the amazing diversity of species found on the reef. Visitors that snorkel and dive here may encounter spotted eagle rays, grouper, angelfish and nurse sharks, to name a few. Fishers can find a bounty of Spanish mackerel, yellowtail snapper and snook. St. Lucie Inlet is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and provides excellent opportunities to spot shorebirds such as great blue herons, brown pelicans, white ibis and the purple plover.

Kristin Jacobs Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area

The Southeast Florida Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area (Coral ECA) covers approximately 105 miles of Florida’s Coral Reef from the northern boundary of Biscayne National Park in Miami-Dade County to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County. This area is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP).

These reefs support a rich and diverse assemblage of stony corals, soft corals, macroalgae, sponges, fishes.

Through its supporting membership on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and the U.S. All Islands Committee , DEP’s Coral Reef Conservation Program leads the implementation of the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI), a team of 68 interagency and non-agency stakeholders contributing to the conservation and management of coral reefs.

The Coral Reef Conservation Program is also charged with coordinating responses to vessel groundings and anchor damage incidents in southeast Florida state waters and developing strategies to prevent coral reef injuries, under the Coral Reef Protection Act .

Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves

Bordering the cultural, economic and financial center of South Florida in Miami, Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves (Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve and Biscayne Bay-Cape Florida Aquatic Preserve) cover less than 70,000 submerged acres of the largest estuary on the coast of southeast Florida.

Established by the Florida Legislature in 1974 and 1975 and managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, this ecologically significant area provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including several imperiled species such as the Florida manatee, smalltooth sawfish, American crocodile and Johnson’s seagrass.

Johnson’s seagrass is the first and only marine plant to be listed as ‘threatened’ on the Endangered Species List and lives in northern Biscayne Bay.

Many fish species found on Florida’s Coral Reef spend their juvenile life stages among the mangroves within the Aquatic Preserves. Mangroves serve as nurseries for fish that are caught recreationally and commercially.

Four Florida State Parks offer access to the preserves, including The Barnacle Historic State Park , Bill Baggs Camp Florida State Park , John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Oleta River State Park .

Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves is also part of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail , a 1,515-mile trail that encompasses every coastal Florida habitat type.

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park can be spotted right from downtown Miami and hosts its own bustling underwater city full of marine life along Florida’s Coral Reef. As the United States’ largest marine park, the National Park Service manages and conserves nearly 173,000 acres — which are 95% underwater. Most park visitors come by boat, and can find a medley of colorful sights and exhilarating movement on the reef. Here, elkhorn corals, sea fans and brain corals create living coral community centers for sea turtles, nurse sharks and over 500 species of reef fish that are diverse in color, shape, size and behavior.

Visitors to Biscayne National Park can discover these wonders in a variety of ways; including fishing, boating, diving, snorkeling, paddling and more.  Guided tours offer visitors an opportunity to explore the reef as well as the coral that inhabit the remains of nearly a century of shipwrecks along the Maritime Heritage Trail .

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is renowned as the country’s first undersea park, encompassing 70 nautical square miles of coral reef, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps managed by DEP’s Florida Park Service. The park, located in Key Largo, was established to protect and preserve a portion of Florida’s Coral Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. The park features a great variety of tropical plants and animals, shore birds and marine life.

Visitors to the park can discover Florida’s Coral Reef by guided glassbottom boat tours which offer a glimpse into this fascinating undersea world from the comfort of the park’s flagship Spirit of Pennekamp . For the more adventurous, guided and unguided snorkeling and SCUBA diving experiences are available to visit the creatures who call the reef home. All tours offered by the park’s official concessionaire operation have received a Blue Star designation for promoting responsible and sustainable practices to support a healthy reef.

Take a virtual tour of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which protects 3,800 square miles of highly diverse and economically valuable marine habitats, is one of fourteen marine protected areas that comprise the National Marine Sanctuary System. Its boundaries encompass a large portion of Florida’s Coral Reef, 1.4 million acres of seagrass, and 1,800 miles of mangrove shoreline supporting more than 6,000 species of marine life. Designated in 1990, the sanctuary is co-managed by NOAA and the State of Florida.

World-class diving, fishing, boating and other water-related activities draw millions of visitors annually. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary provides cutting edge scientific research and conservation efforts, innovative education and citizen science programs, and volunteer opportunities. More than 75,000 people annually visit its Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, a 6,000 square foot interactive learning space for all ages.

Dry Tortugas National Park

At the southernmost point of Florida’s Coral Reef, approximately 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is 100 square miles of open, picturesque blue waters, seven small islands and the historic Fort Jefferson .

One of the park’s greatest and most magnificent treasures lies below the water’s surface – Florida’s Coral Reef.  Among the most vibrant in the Florida Keys, the park’s corals are abundant, representing about 30 species, including elkhorn, staghorn, and pillar coral, all of which are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act .

This rich landscape of living corals furnishes a unique habitat for a variety of colorful marine life, including parrot fish, angel fish, triggerfish, damselfish and others.

On the edge of the swim area at Garden Key , the second largest island in the Dry Tortugas, visitors can glimpse massive, more than 250-year-old coral colonies and excellent examples of both stony and soft corals.

Located just a few yards off the western shore of Loggerhead Key , the park’s largest island, is Little Africa Reef. This remarkable coral formation is aptly named because the corals collectively resemble the continent of Africa when viewed from the sky.

Visitors to Dry Tortugas National Park can experience Florida’s Coral Reef by snorkeling, diving , boating or guided tour .

• SOUTH DAKOTA

Glass bottom boat in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park?! I felt sick! 🐠 Key Largo, Florida Keys travel blog

Well, I can’t say I had the most enjoyable time on the glass bottom boat tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park .

In short, rough waters!

Well, rough enough waters anyway.

I really didn’t think I was one to get seasick.

The “coral reef” that is in the name John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located off shore.

You need to take a boat to get there.

More below about a John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park glass bottom boat tour!

• Key West snorkeling tour to North America's only living coral reef
• Jet ski tour of Key West's backcountry
• Key West dolphin watching tour + reef snorkeling

So the most meaningful thing you can do in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is to go to the coral reef!

There are 2 main tours at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park that will take you out to the coral reef.

One is the John Pennekamp snorkeling tour .

Recommend, if Key Largo is as far south as you’re going to drive in the Florida Keys ! Otherwise, try Bahia Honda State Park for a snorkeling tour or try snorkeling in Key West !

And the other is the John Pennekamp glass bottom boat tour.

So on the John Pennekamp glass bottom boat, once you get to the coral reef, the boat stops.

Because of the “rough” (to me) waters, the boat was bobbing up and down the whole time we were stopped.

When the boat arrives at the coral reef and stops is when the “glass bottom” part of the tour really begins.

So that is when everyone goes indoors and you are looking down through the glass to see if you can find something interesting.

Well, it was during this time that the boat is bobbing up and down above the coral reef that I started to get nauseous and I left the “glass bottom” part of the boat to go outside to the open deck.

The ride to and from were not a problem. I was very happy once the boat started moving again!

The glass bottom boat part is indoors with no air flow and you are constantly looking down. I started to feel a little hot, and I wasn’t sure if I was just making it up in my mind that I was feeling a little sick.

At the start of the tour, the boat staff had basically said if you’re starting to feel sick it’s too late, and the longer you wait the worse you’ll feel!

They even handed out little motion sickness tablets as you got on the boat, free for the taking if you wanted one. (I did not consume the tablets since I didn’t think I needed it!)

Well I really didn’t want to throw up (I didn’t) so I did not wait out this feeling of possible nausea for very long before I decided that I was going to get outside on the open deck. Fresh air and looking out towards the ocean is said to help with seasickness.

There was someone from the boat crew who is on the open deck for those who get sick. I was offered a small peppermint candy as I guess that helps seasickness. The crew member can also go and get ice for you as sucking on ice is another thing that’s said to help seasickness. You can also get a vomit bag if you want one just in case. (The kind they give you on a plane.)

Well, at least you know you’ll be taken care of if you do get seasick. 😜

It seems rolling waves are normal in this part of the Florida Keys.

Because I didn’t stay inside the glass bottom boat part for very long, I can’t say whether you’ll see good things.

Well another reason I convinced myself to leave might have been because I didn’t really have motivation to stay because it didn’t seem like there was much to see. I was inside the glass bottom boat part for around 10 minutes and I was not very impressed.

But again, I don’t know what else was seen the rest of the time.

So I don’t want to necessarily say you shouldn’t do the glass bottom boat tour since I didn’t get the full experience.

It was also still a very nice boat ride since you’ll be able to see the amazing water color with a boat ride in the Florida Keys out to the reef!

If you don’t mind getting in the water, I do recommend the John Pennekamp snorkeling tour. I did that one too, and that would be my favorite John Pennekamp Coral Reef tour out of the 2 tours I did.

I also did the snorkeling tour from Bahia Honda State Park which goes to Looe Key , and I liked that one even better.

If you’ll be heading that far south in the Florida Keys ( Bahia Honda State Park is about an hour from Key West ), then check to see if the Bahia Honda State Park snorkeling tour is going out! (It doesn’t always for various reasons.)

For details on how to book a glass bottom boat tour, you can see the official website of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park tours .

More for your trip to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and beyond

• Best snorkeling in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• Best Bahia Honda State Park snorkeling
• Key Largo to Key West
• 2 hours in Miami Beach
• One day in Everglades National Park
• One day in Key West
• Things to do in the Florida Keys

Birds & Mammals

Enjoy your family adventure while finding Dolphins, Manatee, Birds, Fish and learning about all the wildlife that calls the South Florida Keys home!!

Coral Restoration Foundation Experience

Islamorada Sand Bar Tour

Enjoy the experience & pleasure of spending a relaxing time in the sun on the World Famous Florida Keys Sandbar

Sunset Cruise

Enjoy the most beautiful sunsets for the best seat in the Keys, aboard the all new ReefQuest Tour Boats!

Dog Friendly Company With Pet Sitting Accomodations

Reef Quest understands your pets are part of the family so we offer you to take them along on the cruise.

Snorkeling Adventure 

Join us on a Snorkeling Adventure to some of the most beautiful reefs in the Florida Keys! You also will receive an experienced captain as your tour guide to help you with every aspect of your needs during the water experience! We believe that every trip has that “WOW” moment and it starts at ReefQuest! Book Now

Starting at $95 Per Person

Starting at $85 Per Person

Our Services

We deliver personalized, immersive experiences in nature that provides your family with lasting memories for years to come. A variety of fun and eco-educational activities lets every member of your party “choose their own adventure”, including snorkeling expeditions for fish and coral identification, manatee and sea turtle habitat observations, local flora programs, and island history tours.

Reef Quest Eco Boat Tours

Reef Quest is committed to providing interactive adventures that teach about the diverse ecosystems, habitats, and natural history of Islamorada and the reefs of South Florida.

News & Announcements

OUR TEAM AT REEF QUEST IS DOG FRIENDLY!!!

If you would like to bring your four-legged friend and furry family member with you on your boating adventure, ReefQuest is the place for you and your Family! Being dog friendly is our specialty. All dog breeds and sizes are welcome to join you on your boating adventure. The only requirements are that your dog needs to be both people and other dog friendly with up to date vaccinations.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter and Updates

Mission Statement

To protect and raise awareness for the valuable wildlife and natural habitats of the South Florida Keys region by offering immersive, educational, and fun boat tour adventures.

Call us at 305-405-7738 or email us at [email protected]

What To Expect

Our Location

Other Resources

‘Tourists ask a lot of questions’: Great Barrier Reef guides face up to bleaching tragedy

Tour boat divers have long borne witness to mass bleaching events. Once reluctant to wade into discussions about global heating, they are now opening up

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails , free app or daily news podcast

“You can see it on their faces,” says scuba diving instructor Elliot Peters. “There’s definitely some remorse and sadness.”

Peters works at a resort on Heron Island in the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef and, in recent weeks, he’s had to tell curious guests why so many of the corals around the island are turning bone white.

The reef is in the middle of its fifth mass bleaching event in only eight years – an alarming trend driven by global heating in a year that has seen record global ocean temperatures.

Peters has never seen a mass coral bleaching event up close before, but this summer he’s seen ancient boulder corals that can live for hundreds of years bleaching and showing signs of death.

“If anything it’s motivating me,” he says. “It’s opening the doors to get people talking about climate change and the health of the reef. People are thanking us for telling the truth about what’s going on here.”

The Great Barrier Reef is a major export industry for Australia, with one 2017 report estimating the reef supports 64,000 jobs and contributes $6.4bn to the national economy.

But as the impact of global heating on the reef made global headlines in 2016 and 2017, tensions in the tourism industry started to emerge. One tourism head called stories of catastrophic bleaching a “great white lie”.

“The reef is the most significant natural attraction that this country has to offer,” says Daniel Gschwind, a professor at Griffith University’s tourism institute and the chair of the committee that represents reef tourism to the government’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

“It’s a challenge because as a phenomenon, [global heating] is affecting what we ultimately sell.”

Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads

‘If the reef dies, we die’

Gschwind says for many years, tourism operators were reluctant to talk to guests about the threat of climate breakdown.

The reef has experienced mass bleaching in 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022 and now again in 2024. But for an ecosystem the size of Italy, the effects are not uniform.

What is coral bleaching?

Coral bleaching describes a process where the coral animal expels the algae that live in their tissues and give them their colour and much of their nutrients.

Without their algae, a coral’s white skeleton can be seen through their translucent flesh, giving a bleached appearance.

Mass coral bleaching over large areas, first noticed in the 1980s around the Caribbean, is caused by rising ocean temperatures.

Some corals also display fluorescent colours under stress when they release a pigment that filters light. Sunlight also plays a role in triggering bleaching.

Corals can survive bleaching if temperatures are not too extreme or prolonged.  But extreme marine heatwaves can kill corals outright.

Coral bleaching can also have sub-lethal effects, including increased susceptibility to disease and reduced rates of growth and reproduction.

Scientists say the gaps between bleaching events are becoming too short to allow reefs to recover.

Coral reefs are considered one of the planet’s ecosystems most at risk from global heating. Reefs support fisheries that feed hundreds of millions of people, as well as supporting major tourism industries.

The world’s biggest coral reef system – Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – has suffered seven mass bleaching events since 1998, of which five were in the past decade. 

In any given year, some reefs escape the heat stress, some turn white but then regain their colour, while some corals will die. Bleaching can make corals more susceptible to disease, slow their growth and impede their reproduction.

Government scientists were this week carrying out in-water and aerial surveys to assess the bleaching across the whole reef, but it could be weeks, or even months, before there’s a clear picture of how severe this year has been.

The long-term prognosis for the reef is not good. As global heating continues, the chances of ever more intense heat stress events is rising.

“It’s difficult to communicate a bleaching event accurately,” says Gschwind. “With an event like this one, by the time it’s communicated to a consumer in London or Shanghai the message received could be ‘the reef is not worth visiting any more’. That’s the challenge to the tourism industry and it’s why many operators struggle with this.”

Divers on tourism boats are often the first to raise the alarm, and this year operators have sent more than 5,000 observations to the marine park authority.

“That’s where the industry and operators see their social role. They’re the communicators of this story – operators are the sentinels,” says Gschwind.

“They see what global warming is doing to the natural environment that we all depend on. If the reef dies, then we die. We’re the early warning system for what’s going on on the planet.”

The emotional toll of a bleached reef

Since back-to-back mass bleaching events in 2016 and 2017, the park authority has worked with the tourism industry to establish Master Reef Guides, a growing cohort of more than 120 dive professionals trained by scientists and traditional owners on how to communicate the health of the reef and its threats.

Fiona Merida, a marine biologist and director of reef education and engagement at the park authority, says giving tourism operators detailed information on what was happening at the sites they visited “takes the emotion out of it” and gives them confidence to talk to visitors about bleaching.

But she says some reef guides are themselves suffering “ecological grief” this year at seeing the places they love suffer. Reef guides have established a “buddy check” system where guides can check in on each other’s mental health.

Yolanda Waters is founder of advocacy group Divers for Climate and has been diving in the southern section of the reef in recent weeks.

after newsletter promotion

“It was bleached coral as far as the eye could see,” she says. “I didn’t want to get back into the water. It’s a restorative place for me and to not want to go back in is awful.”

Waters is a former dive instructor and as part of research at the University of Queensland , she has interviewed more than 650 reef visitors in recent years.

“I noticed how difficult these conversations were,” she says. “Tourists ask a lot of questions and it can feel confronting if people have paid $300 to go on to the reef. A big question tourism gets asked is: ‘Is the reef dying? Tell me.’

“The reality is far more complicated, but they want to know from the people who see the reef every day.

“We found [tourists] are actually open to hearing about climate change. In fact the majority weren’t only open to the information, but wanted more. And they wanted to know what they could do.”

“It’s a tricky line: how do we do this in a way that motivates action and does not turn people off? But you have to face the reality – there is still so much to save, and that gets left out a lot.”

‘The time is now’

Tahn Miller has been working as a dive instructor and guide at Wavelength Reef Cruises in Port Douglas in far north Queensland for 15 years.

Miller remembers hearing stories from a decade ago of how some dive guides in other parts of the reef would be told not to mention climate change to guests for fear of perpetuating ideas the natural treasure was either dying or not worth visiting.

But he says there’s been an evolution in the industry, and now far more divers are feeling empowered to talk to visitors about the climate crisis – but only if the visitors want to hear it.

“You have climate sceptics in every group, but I find that’s becoming less and less,” he says. “I tell them I’m not there to change anyone’s minds, but this is what I have witnessed. I try and be honest with them.”

Miller says after the 2016 bleaching, he saw reefs recovering. But his optimism has been eroded in recent years.

There are several tour operators that are also running small reef restoration projections in the areas they visit, including replanting corals.

“Some of the corals I’ve planted – hundreds of them – have already died [this summer],” he says.

“The time is now … we have to make change because if we don’t, we lose massive expanses of reef.”

Back on Heron Island, Peters says he gets stopped by tourists asking him what they can do to help the reef.

“I start by getting them to acknowledge their appreciation for the reef and that we have to do more. I leave them with one or two tips,” he says.

“I say they should ‘use their voice’ and find out about the policies of the people they might vote for. And I ask them to think about where their money is being held – is it in a bank that invests in fossil fuels?”

• Great Barrier Reef
• Climate crisis
• Marine life

Most viewed

THE 5 BEST Moscow Natural History Museums

Natural history museums in moscow.

• Speciality Museums
• Art Galleries
• Art Museums
• History Museums
• Children's Museums
• Science Museums
• Military Museums
• Natural History Museums
• Observatories & Planetariums
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• District South-Western (YuZAO)
• District Central (TsAO)
• District North-Eastern (SVAO)
• Academicheskiy
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. State Darwin Museum

2. Orlov Paleontological Museum

3. K. Timiryazev State Biological Museum

4. Coral Reef Center

5. Pavilion No. 29 "Tsvetovodstvo"

6. Pavilion V. Prirodograd

What travellers are saying.

• State Darwin Museum
• Orlov Paleontological Museum
• K. Timiryazev State Biological Museum
• Coral Reef Center
• Pavilion V. Prirodograd

Life on Willis Island in the Coral Sea, one of the world's most remote weather stations

Welcome to Willis Island: population four.

The tiny atoll is a speck in the Coral Sea — a two-day, 450-kilometre boat journey from Cairns.

For the island's only residents, who work as weather observers for the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), isolation comes with the territory.

"Out here, there's no-one," station officer-in-charge William Tom said.

"It's us and 10,000 birds."

Willis Island is one of the world's most remote weather stations.

It was built in the 1920s to serve as an early warning beacon for cyclones and storms, and has been providing continuous weather observations ever since.

Life in isolation

The island's four weather bureau staff rotate every six months.

All supplies — technical, medical and edible — are brought over by boat during the changeover.

Everything going to plan, the weather observers are unlikely to see another person, or bag of groceries, until the vessel returns to pick them up at the end of their posting.

"You watch [the boat] head over the horizon and walk back up to the station with just the four of you, and it kind of sinks in," Mr Tom said.

"Like, 'Oh wow, this is it.' It definitely hit me in that moment.

"This summer tour means that we've been away for Christmas, and New Years, and will all have our birthdays out here on the island."

The team launches two balloons a day to record the weather.

They grow fresh herbs and vegetables to complement their food stocks and get fresh water from a desalination plant.

For Mr Tom, the job couldn't be further from the career in music he was pursuing before the pandemic struck, which left him looking for a more stable income.

"It's all fairly new to me, but I've jumped in with both feet and said yes to a lot of opportunities and now find myself here," he said.

To stave off loneliness, he keeps in regular contact with family back home and follows the NRL.

"It's always nice to feel connected to the mainland and regular life by being a viewer of a live event that you know people back home are watching," he said.

Tropical paradise and plenty of poo

Life on a tropical island has its perks.

Every day, Mr Tom goes for a walk around the island — a lap that takes about 20 minutes.

"If the weather is good, then I'll go for a quick swim as well, maybe even a snorkel," he said.

"The reef around the island is beautiful, and on a good day you kind of feel like you're holidaying at a beautiful tropical resort."

But there are downsides too.

Sharing the island with an abundant avian population means cleaning up bird poo is a constant job.

Staring down a cyclone

Over the decades, Willis Island has been in the firing line of several tropical cyclones.

Cyclone Yasi in 2011 caused extensive damage to the station's equipment, as well as the island's flora and fauna.

In December 2023, the Bureau of Meteorology team found itself closely monitoring the path of Cyclone Jasper.

"It was pretty exciting, and very rare actually, to have a tropical cyclone form that early in the tour," Mr Tom said.

But their excitement soon mingled with anxiety when the system made a dogleg turn directly for the island.

"We packed up our rooms, packed up everything and put them into the met office just in case — we didn't know what was going to happen," Mr Tom said.

A plan was hatched to evacuate the team onto a nearby navy ship, with the staff choppered one-by-one to safety in treacherous conditions.

"It was just incredible to suddenly be whisked into this world of high action," Mr Tom said.

"It was really like something out of a movie."

After 11 days on the mainland, the team returned to the island, which had suffered only minor damage.

"Luckily, when we came back out, we got to bring some more fresh fruit and food supplies … so that was really nice," Mr Tom said.

"Getting a whole fresh box of tomatoes is just such a treat. When you're out here you don't realise how much you take for granted having a juicy ripe tomato to have on a ham sandwich."

Resisting automation

Willis Island is remarkable not just for its isolation, but the fact that it is now one of the only BOM weather stations that has not moved to automation.

"In the wet season, we're getting cyclones and storms and rain continuously, not to mention the deleterious effects of having 10,000 birds cohabiting on the island," Mr Tom said.

"So to have the gear here, and to keep it running, you really need a staff of people on site 24/7."

The current crop of weather bureau personnel finish their six-month posting this month, and leaving Willis Island will be bittersweet.

"A goldfish grows to suit the size of its bowl — you fill the space," Mr Tom said.

"You get used to not being able to just head over to your folks' place for dinner or catch up with friends for a cup of coffee. It's a different style of life.

"There are hard weeks, certainly, but there's more than enough stuff to keep you busy."

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Meteorologists on tiny remote island choppered to safety in emergency cyclone jasper evacuation.

Just how isolated this weather station is takes some explaining. But that's not what makes it unique

• Emergency Evacuation

The Victory Museum

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

The Victory Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Tue - Tue 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• (0.45 mi) Hotel Sonya on Kutuzovsky
• (0.50 mi) Soho Beach Hotel
• (0.49 mi) Hostels Rus - Park Pobedy
• (3.41 mi) Lotte Hotel Moscow
• (1.80 mi) Novotel Moscow City
• (0.04 mi) Zolotoi Shampur
• (0.79 mi) KT Biro
• (0.39 mi) Restaraunt Na Poklonnoi
• (0.42 mi) Prival
• (0.39 mi) Indeyka
• (0.39 mi) Victory Park
• (0.20 mi) Monument to the to the Countries Members of the Aanti-Hitler Coalition
• (0.21 mi) Monument to the Spaniards Who Died During the Great Patriotic War
• (0.24 mi) Victory Monument
• (0.24 mi) Tragedy of the Nations Monument