The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park comprises the offshore reef area from the vicinity of Angelfish Creek to near Molasses Reef. The area has been established for the protection of the coral reef formation and its associated marine life. Regulations for the preserve are available at the park headquarters on the southwest side of Largo Sound.
Several small-craft facilities are at the town of Key Largo, about 1 mile southwestward of the south end of El Radabob Key. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, a pump-out station, and a mobile lift are available; hull, engine and electrical repairs can be made.
Navigation:
Click the “Map View” button above to see a chart of this harbor.
Largo Sound, between El Radabob Key (locally known as Julia Island) and Key Largo, is about 1.8 miles long and 0.8 mile wide, and is entered southward of El Radabob Key. General depths in the sound are from 1 to 6 feet. A dredged channel leads from Hawk Channel through South Sound Creek thence 0.3 mile into the sound. The channel is well marked by lights and daybeacons. In 1986, the centerline controlling depth was 5½ feet, and in 1983, a reported depth of 4 feet could be carried to the headquarters of the Florida Board of Parks on the south side of the sound. Mariners are advised to stay well to the center of the channel as the sides are composed of coral rock, and the bends are sharp. The entrance is difficult and narrow, and fills with southerly winds.
Marvin D. Adams (Key Largo) Waterway, another dredged channel, enters the west side of Largo Sound from Blackwater Sound. The waterway is marked at each end by a light. In 1986, the centerline controlling depth was 3½ feet. The waterway is crossed by 32-foot twin fixed highway spans of U.S. Route 1 and an overhead pipeline. The spans each have a clearance of 14 feet.
