Cannon beach key largo – As a Key Largo native, I’ve always loved to dive. And there’s one spot that can’t be missed for those who love to go tumbling into the depths.
It is the coral reef of Key Largo, which is among the biggest in the world and one of my favorite places to explore undersea life. Known as “The Hump”, it welcomes divers with its sheer cliffs of colorful corals layered like an onion ring or a cracked eggshell.
It is located just beneath the surface and is visible by scuba divers on either side the deep ocean. In addition to being one of the largest reefs in the world, it also serves as a breeding ground for rays, turtles and schools of fish.
Also known as “The Hump”, this distinctive coral reef system is home to thousands of species of animals such as Moray Eels, Green Sea Turtles, Blacktip Reef Sharks and Manta Rays. It can only be accessed by SCUBA divers and is home to a variety of sea life.
cannon beach key largo
A very popular dive site, “The Hump” is located just outside the Key Largo Exotic Dive Center and welcomes divers with its sheer cliffs of colorful corals layered like an onion ring. The coral reef is accessible by SCUBA divers on either side, the deep ocean.
Divers are prohibited from carrying out any artifacts or endangered species that may be found along the coral reef. It’s also a practice to not touch anything in the water, as it can cause damage and serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.
It boasts phenomenal snorkeling spots, exciting and thrilling SCUBA diving areas along with fascinating night diving adventures. It’s among the top choices of those who love to explore the undersea world.
What’s Behind the Name
Cannon Beach is one of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s two beaches, which means you’ve come to the right place for a taste of northwest Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast.
This beach is named after Cannon Point, a landform that is part of the barrier island on Fort Walton Beach and points north.
The name Cannon Point stems from a large landform that juts into the gulf and is known as a “cannon.” This feature is so named because of the resemblance it bears to a cannon used to fire artillery rounds in battle.
The beach fronting this point is also known as Cannon Beach, and it features a long stretch of white-sand shoreline and calm blue waters.
Located within sight of the dunes that lie behind Fort Walton Beach, these waters are more protected than those at other nearby beaches.
Inviting Water
The thermal waters at Cannon Beach feature stunning rock formations, rippling sands, and the privacy of a secluded beach. There is nothing more relaxing that inviting water to your backyard.
With so many beautiful waterfront homes in the area, it’s no surprise that the public schools are full to capacity each year.
Not only are new homes popping up left and right, the demand for real estate has never been higher.
With so many people clamoring to be part of this world class community, it’s no surprise that so many families from all over the country are relocating to be part of this dynamic culture.
Indulging Activities
Snorkeling Cannon Beach
There are few beach destinations in the world with a better variety of water activities than Cannon Beach.
This is due to its location on the Pacific Coast and its proximity to the coastline of Tillamook State Forest, which not only affords it incredible views, but also offers a wide variety of water-related recreational opportunities for visitors.
Snorkeling
Many people have fond memories of playing in the ocean as kids. Snorkeling is a fun and exciting way to learn more about marine life and enjoy your time at the beach.
So, what are you waiting for? Go grab your snorkel and head out onto the sand before it gets too hot!
Snorkeling can be calming, peaceful, or exhilarating depending upon where you go snorkeling.
But whether you snorkel for recreation or for research, taking the time to snorkel with an understanding guide can be a lot of fun if you are willing to put in a little effort.
Snorkeling is something that anyone can do, but it is important to consider the environment and do your research about the area.
Keep in mind that this is not necessarily a cheap excursion to learn about marine life, but it will make everyone’s experience more memorable.
Glass-Bottom Boating
In the ever-crowded and competitive world of tourism, the scenic town of Cannon Beach, Oregon has been vying for superiority in recent years by making a serious investment in its marine snorkeling program.
Now they are also upgrading their glass-bottom boat ride to make it an even more memorable experience.
The glass bottom boats at Cannon Beach now have a sleek new design with an enclosed space that is made for safety and comfort, as well as a better viewing perspective.
The new design also makes it easier to feel the rocks, so you can be more sure of your footing. The enclosed space will not only offer a safer ride, but it’ll allow the glass bottom boat to go up river a bit more without getting stuck in the sand.
Cannon Beach’s glass bottom boat ride is only one of many upgrades this coastal town has been making in order to make their snorkeling and boating even better.
Kayaking
Catching a glimpse of the beautiful white sand and blue waters off the coast of Florida is one thing, but nothing compares to seeing them up close.
This tour provides you with an opportunity to kayak along Cannon Beach in Key Largo, observing mangroves and various sea life while paddling through shallow water at a leisurely pace.
Your tour begins with a quick training session so that you can master basic kayaking skills and techniques. You will then climb in your kayak and set off to explore the breathtaking marine environment.
Now, you are ready to skip across the water at a speed of up to five miles per hour on this one-and-a-half hour tour. It is truly an experience of a lifetime, and you may never want it to end.
Hiking and Camping
Cannon Beach is a coastal Oregon town with breathtaking beaches, lush forests and wild coastlines.
The park is a natural area that hosts a variety of water sports, forest walks and campsites to accommodate the needs of any nature enthusiast. The best way to explore this natural paradise is through hiking and camping!
Wildlife Watching
Many of us have a longstanding love for animals and nature because of the wide variety that is present in the world.
However, there are many types of animals to be found all around us, from birds to iguanas, not just in nature but also within urban areas. This makes it easy to observe wildlife while you’re at home – all you need is a window!
Interesting Visits
Mangrove Forests
If you’re looking for a little more adventure while visiting Cannon Beach, then don’t miss the following out-of-the-water destinations.
1. John Pennekamp’s Visitor Center and Aquarium
The Visitors Center and Aquarium at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was one of the most important developments in the history of Florida due to its impact on tourism throughout America’s first underwater park.
Established as a National Landmark in 1963, it is unique in that it is owned and operated by the Florida state government, rather than a private concessionaire.
The park was Florida’s first underwater park. The unique, 30,000 gallon salt water aquarium and marine exhibits attracted visitors to the park. Literally overnight, the Visitors Center became one of Florida’s most important tourist attractions.
2. Mangrove Forests
A mangrove forest is a coastal ecosystem characterized by trees that grow in salt and brackish water.
Although, technically, all trees are mangroves, the term normally refers to tropical rainforests having a high salinity content—something that makes them unsuitable for agriculture or human habitation.
3. Dolphins Plus Bayside
If you’re looking for a new way to get in touch with nature, swimming with wild dolphins is the perfect activity.
They are natural, friendly creatures that love interacting with humans. You will have a great time and be able to learn about these remarkable creatures at the same time!
4. Jules Undersea Lodge
If you’ve ever been to an undersea park and wondered why the experience doesn’t compare to staying in a hotel room, undersea lodging might be for you.
At Jules Undersea Lodge, guests stay in a real hotel room for less than half the cost of staying near any beach around.
The lodge is located in Florida’s only underwater park and allows guests to explore sea life from within their luxurious accommodations.
Average Temperature
The average temperature during this period is 62 degrees-90 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature tends to peak in July and August.
During this period, coastal storms are less frequent and generally occur during the afternoon or evenings. In contrast, the region can experience rain showers or winter storms during the winter months of December-January.
Safety and Budget Precautions
We take a look at the top safety and budget precautions for spending your time in Cannon Beach.
You’ll learn about the top things to be aware of and what you can do to avoid being part of the unlucky few who gets hurt or injured. Some of these are going to sound pretty obvious, but that’s because they need to be.
Not only will we cover safety precautions, but you’ll also find some more education-related tips on how to maximize your enjoyment at Cannon Beach while minimizing your costs.
Top Safety and Budget Tips for Cannon Beach
Florida Beaches Are Always Fun to Swim, Snorkel, or Dive Into, but Be Conscious of the Sea’s Predators Like Alligators
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), alligators are not only a very real threat at Florida’s beaches and freshwater lakes; they are growing in numbers as they adapt.
Alligator attacks have been reported in Volusia, Brevard, Orange and Osceola counties. This is just one more reason why it’s so important to be aware of your environment.
Wear a Life Jacket When Boating
If you’re boating on the open waters around Cannon Beach, you must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times.
Lifeguards Are On Duty
During the summer, lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the beach access on the north end of Ecola State Park.
They’re also on duty from June through September at the Cannon Beach City Park in Shelldance and along Ecola Creek between Oswald West and Sunset beaches (north of where Highway 101 crosses).
In addition, there are lifeguards on duty during the summer months at various locations in Seaside and Astoria.
Know the Beach Rules
Pets are not allowed on any public beach in the city of Cannon Beach. In addition, no glass containers or firearms are allowed on any beach, and a permit is required to set up an umbrella on any beach.
There is also a leash law for all dogs in the city of Cannon Beach, and it’s strictly enforced by animal welfare officers. Dogs must always be leashed (with exceptions made for service dogs). The maximum penalty for breaking this rule is $250.
Cannon Beach Reviews: The Good and the Bad
On the list of what makes Cannon Beach a desirable beach destination for visitors, it’s not hard to see why there are so many people who are curious about why it’s so popular among Floridians.
After all, the waves in Cannon Beach aren’t as great as those one could find at some Florida Key beaches like Islamorada or Marathon.
In fact, a friend of mine says that he loves Cannon Beach because it’s calmer than some Florida beaches and that he enjoys it so much.
I personally can understand why someone would enjoy Cannon Beach for the tranquility it offers, but I also like the waves at other beaches.
I think the reason why I’m still visiting Cannon Beach from time to time is that despite what it has to offer in terms of beautiful scenery, it also has something else going for it: affordable lodging accommodations.
Conclusion: Cannon Beach, Key Largo, Florida
Florida Keys is a paradise for anyone looking to relax, but one of the most popular destinations can be exhausting during peak season.
Though Key Largo may be small when compared to other beaches in Florida, its rich history has made it one of the most treasured cities in all of America.
If you’re traveling with kids, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is an excellent place for them to explore and learn about marine life. Be sure to check out the best beaches in Key Largo and the Island divers shop.
