As we swam over the reef I suddenly caught a glimpse of the statue’s hand. I never would have expected to see a statue underwater, let alone in a coral reef, but there it was. A large statue of Jesus cemented to the ocean floor, rather unusual I’d say.
John Pennekamp State Park protects the third largest coral reef in the world, part of the National Marine Sanctuary. Off the coast of Key Largo, it’s a relatively quick boat ride to get out to the reefs and get snorkeling.
From the bronze and aptly named Christ of the Abyss statue to the incredibly colorful coral and fish, the snorkeling at Dry Rocks didn’t disappoint. We saw an incredible variety of fish, from snapper to grouper to angelfish and even a barracudda. The most amazing without a doubt though were the fan corals which seemed to be delicately blowing in the current. There’s even a turtle on the reef and two small kids from our boat swore they saw a nurse shark (their Dad was somewhat less sure on their sighting…)
Perhaps the best part of the snorkeling trip was becoming a classmate of the school of fish. Swimming amongst them, we were able to control the movements of the entire school, making these little one inch fish swim around the reef. Words can’t really explain how cool it was, hopefully the video is better.
If you can’t see it on your browser, watch it on Youtube Here!
The reef ranges from very shallow to deep, so there’s plenty of space for all snorkelers. When we arrived at the reef in the mid-afternoon the place was full of snorkelers, but by late in the afternoon we were the only boat left there. The quick story about the statue is that it was placed there in the 1960s after being donated to the Underwater Society of the America’s. It’s a bronze replica of an original Christ of the Abyss located off the coast of Italy.
IF YOU GO: John Pennekamp State Park is a little over an hour from Miami. It’s an easy drive down U.S. 1. You’ll find the State Park at what’s considered the upper keys, just south of Key Largo at Mile marker 102. Entry into the park is per person, when we went it was 4.50 per adult for the first two people and .50 each adult there after. Snorkeling tours leave three times a day and are $29.50 per adult, including the boat ride, but not including snorkeling equipment. All equipment can be rented, but we picked our own gear up before we went. There are showers and changing facitilies at the park as well as lots of picnic areas, beaches and even a snack stand. They also rent kayaks, paddleboards and canoes and sell a glass bottom boat tour for those that don’t want to snorkel.
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The third largest coral reef in the world just of the coast of Florida what can I say. I did not know the reef had that designation. I will have to travel down from Pennsylvania to Florida and tour the reef. It is now on my list of things to see. The pictures and movies are great. The parks name sounds familiar. Was John Pennekemp an editor for the Miami Herald and advocated that the Everglades be designated as a National Park?
Australia, then Belize and then the Florida Keys. Who knew! In fact, it was named after John Pennekamp. He really fought to protect the reef after it was left out of Everglade’s National Park. Soon after it was protected by the State of Florida an adjoining marine sanctuary was designated by the federal government.
I thought Jesus could walk on water?
Very cool video!
Well, the statue is cemented to the ocean floor! Thanks, we thought the video was awesome too!
Definitely the strangest thing I’ve ever seen snorkeling or diving.
Us too… At first I wanted to believe it was treasure from a sunken Spanish war ship…alas no.
Never been to Key Largo, but Key West is also a beautiful and interesting place to visit. I love snorkeling and didn’t realize you could snorkel in such a lovely area right in Florida. Definitely on my snorkeling list now!!
The Keys are really interesting, each has a little bit of a distinct culture! The snorkeling is fabulous, and really acessible!
This is absolutely fascinating!!..I was never in Key West or Key Largo but would love to go there this year. The video is awesome. I have never gone snorkeling but would definitely want to when I get there. This is definitely on my lift of things to do.
Key Largo is a great place to snorkel, but it’s best to try it in more protected water your first time if you’re nervous. You probably can’t see it in the video, but there is a strong current. It’s easy to do though!
Love these cool, blue photos. And very catchy title
I was in the Florida Keys in January. Completely missed this, though.
Thanks! Yea, our underwater camera took rather decent shots considering we couldn’t really see the screen that well! I had never heard about the statue either, but all the locals knew about it!
I love snorkeling and diving, but can’t say I’ve ever seen Jesus while doing so. Would love to go to Key Largo one day.
Go to Key Largo to find religion? Strange bedfellows…
I love snorkeling and you were in Florida- my home state- love it! I’d really like to make it down to the keys and do this dive.
We’re situated down here now. All a bit strange to be in the “tropics” to a thoroughly northern gal!
From the depths of the sea to the Heavens, Jesus can be found anywhere!
You have to admit, it’s a unique location!
This is awesome! I’ll be going to Miami this summer and would love to go snorkeling (especially with Jesus). Thanks for sharing.
p.s. Congrats for making it into US News & World Report. Really cool! You’ll have to share some of your money-making strategies
If you go snorkeling, it’s worth it to drive a little south for the Keys! Thanks for checking the US News article out! We’d be happy to share those strategies, just shoot us an email!
Looks like a pretty cool snorkel… and like they say, you can find Jesus anywhere!
At least off the coast of Italy, Grenada and the Florida Keys!