A Visitors Guide to Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is one of the most spectacular places to visit in the Keys and surrounding waters of the Gulf of Mexico and makes for an easy day excursion from Miami or a mini road trip from Marathon or Key West.

Whether you want to discover the white-sand beaches, hike the nature trails, or explore the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico by boat, Bahia Honda Key has something special for everyone staying at a Keys vacation home rental.

We understand planning a vacation can be overwhelming - that’s why we put together this helpful resource so you can enjoy every minute of your stay with no worries. Read on for all the key info about what awaits in this beautiful corner of paradise!

About Bahia Honda State Park

Photo Credit: Simon Dannhauer

• Website: bahiahondapark.com
• Address: 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL
• Mile Marker: MM 37
• Cost: $8 per vehicle or $2.50 for pedestrians/cyclists
• Hours: 8:00 AM till dusk, year-round.

Nestled on the west end of the island chain that makes up the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is a hidden gem that is definitely worth discovering.

The park boasts some of the clearest waters in the Keys, which is a perfect backdrop for snorkeling or diving experiences. If you're more of a landlubber, a stroll along the park's nature trails will show you an array of unique plants and animals that are native to the area.

The park also provides a perfect venue for camping and picnicking with its facilities catering to all outdoor enthusiasts. Bahia Honda State Park is a perfect getaway for those who want to experience The Keys’ nature at its finest.

Activities at Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is a picture-perfect destination for any adventure seeker. Whether you're looking to explore the stunning beaches, hike through the trails, or try your hand at some water sports, Bahia Honda State Park has it all.
 

Hit the Beautiful Beaches

Photo Credit: Simon Dannhauer

Visiting Bahia Honda State Park in Florida is a great way to relax and enjoy some sandy beaches. The park has three notable beaches; Sandspur, Loggerhead, and Calusa Beach. Visiting a Bahia Honda beach is a must-do when visiting the park.

Sandspur Beach

Sandspur Beach is the most popular beach at the park, with white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. It's the perfect place to lounge and sunbathe, with plenty of space for picnics. Snorkeling is popular here as well. The beach has amazing coral reefs and a sandbar just offshore.

Loggerhead Beach

Loggerhead Beach is quieter than Sandspur, but it's still a great spot to enjoy some peace and quiet. The waters are gentle rolling waves. The beach comprises mostly small rocks and pebbles, giving it a unique texture.

Calusa Beach

Calusa Beach is the most secluded beach of the three. It boasts soft white sand, and there are shallow waters perfect for shore fishing or wading in. On the northern tip of Calusa Beach, you can find some large rocks perfect for climbing and exploring.

Snorkel Through the Underwater Landscape

Photo Credit: Maridav

Bahia Honda State Park is a popular snorkeling destination in the Florida Keys. With clear, calm waters and plenty of colorful fish and reefs to explore, it's the perfect spot for a day of fun! The park has designated areas for snorkeling that are easily accessible from shore. A beach house on site also rents snorkeling gear for a reasonable rate and offers lessons and guided tours of the reefs if you're new to snorkeling.

If you want to experience the best snorkeling, this park has to offer, the best spot is Sandspur Beach. This area is known for its crystal clear waters and abundance of sea life. Here, you can find everything from colorful coral to giant turtles and even barracudas! The area is also great for swimming and relaxing in the sun.

Snorkel Tours

Snorkeling tours are a great option for beginners, especially if you want to explore Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary underwater.

One of the essential prerequisites for this excursion is an aptitude for swimming. The crew provides a "how to snorkel" class during the boat ride, but you need to be able to swim beforehand.

The tour operators supply safety vests, and must be worn at all times while in water as per USCG regulations. You can either rent out masks, fins, and snorkels or bring your own set with you; however, the rental facility requires a security deposit if you rent theirs!

Wetsuits are suggested when temperatures dip under 78°F. Don’t worry; wetsuits can be rented onboard if you find the water too cool for your liking. To ensure maximum comfort on this journey, make sure that besides your bathing suit and towel – sunscreen & perhaps a dry change of clothes should also accompany you!

Enjoy Watersports

Photo Credit: lunamarina

Bahia Honda State Park in Florida is a great place to enjoy various watersports! Take note, although watersports, such as parasailing, water skiing, and jet skiing, are not available at Bahia Honda State Park due to the large number of boats that travel through the area, these are readily available outside the park.

Here are some of the best ways to experience watersports in the park.

Kayaking

You can rent a kayak here and explore the beautiful, crystal-clear waters of the park. While out on one of these kayak rentals, you'll be able to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and birds. You can also launch your kayak from the on-site boat ramp.

Scuba Diving

This state park is a fantastic option for beginner scuba divers. Calm and clear waters offer great visibility. The park boasts diverse marine life, such as colorful tropical fish, sponges, and even sea turtles. With the guidance of experienced diving instructors, you can learn the basics of scuba diving while soaking up the beauty of this natural wonderland.

Boating

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects the waters near Bahia Honda State Park, so visitors are encouraged to follow all regulations regarding boat speeds and activities.
Rent a boat here if you're looking to explore the area by water. Boat slips are also available if you’d like to keep your boat there overnight. Check out the website for current rules and rates regarding the boat ramps.

Day Tours

Day tours that stop at Bahia Honda State Park offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and wildlife encounters. Visitors can explore the park’s stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming or snorkeling. The tours include stops at local attractions like Aquarium Encounters, where you can interact with marine life, and the Dolphin Research Center, where you’ll learn about these incredible animals and their conservation efforts. It’s a fantastic way to experience the best of the Florida Keys' natural wonders and wildlife.

Go Fishing at Bahia Honda State Park

Photo Credit: SR Productions

Tarpon fishing in Bahia Honda State Park is one of the best in Florida! During tarpon season, you can take advantage of charter boats and guides for hire to help with your adventure.

Before you head out, make sure you obtain a saltwater fishing license to follow all the regulations concerning size, number, method of capture, and season. Your charter captain will inform you of everything you need to know before you head out on the water.

Spearfishing, as well as possession of spearfishing equipment and the collection of tropical fish, are all prohibited inside the park. Collecting live shells and Queen conchs within the park is also strictly forbidden to preserve the local ecosystem. Staying mindful of these regulations will make sure your fishing experience is one to remember!

Hike the Trails

Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos

Bahia Honda State Park in Florida is the perfect spot for a hiking adventure! With trails ranging from easy to challenging, there's something for everyone. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Old Bahia Honda Bridge, sandy beaches, and mangrove swamps as you explore.

The Silver Palm Trail winds through hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods. It's the perfect trail for beginning hikers, with easy terrain and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the observation decks along the way!

The Old Bahia Honda Bridge Trail is just the ticket for those looking for great photo ops. This short trail offers stunning views of the old bridge and passes through beach dunes and mangrove swamps. Hiking boots or supportive sneakers will be helpful on this one - it's mostly sandy terrain with some rocky spots.

Have a Picnic or BBQ

Photo Credit: Marina Bakush

If you’re spending a few hours or more at Bahia Honda State Park, you should definitely pack a picnic lunch or plan to use one of the on-site grills to whip up your own delicious lunch. After a fun-filled morning of snorkeling or hiking, you’ll appreciate having a bite to eat.

Pavilions and picnic tables are available for guest use, so you don’t need to bring a blanket (unless you want to!).

Nestled in the concession center, you'll find the snack bar with a decent selection of tasty treats. From pizza to deli sandwiches, salads to ice cream, and beyond, they offer a little something for everyone if you decide to forego packing your own lunch and snacks.

Check Out the Bahia Honda State Park Gift Shop

Come and explore the gift shop at the main concession building - from souvenirs to snorkeling equipment, t-shirts to sportswear; they have it all! Take a piece of Bahia Honda State Park home with you as an everlasting memory of your Florida Keys vacation.

Getting to Bahia Honda State Park from Marathon

Getting from Marathon to Bahia Honda State Park is easy and can be done in about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The best way to get there is by car, as no public transportation options are available.

To drive from Marathon to Bahia Honda State Park, get on US-1 S (Overseas Hwy) for 15 miles. Take a left on Old Bahia Honda Bridge; the park will be on your left, on the ocean side.

The Best Time to Visit

When deciding when is the best time to visit Bahia Honda State Park, there are a few factors to consider.

The Florida climate is generally warm and sunny year-round, so you can enjoy the park regardless of the season. However, summer tends to be more crowded due to vacationing families and college students. If you're looking for a quieter experience, try visiting in late spring or early fall when the weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are fewer.

In addition to the weather, Bahia Honda State Park also offers a variety of activities that are best enjoyed at certain times. For example, snorkeling and kayaking in the crystal-clear waters around the park are best done between March and June when the water temperature is most comfortable for swimming. If you're looking for exercise, bike trails are open year-round but may be crowded during the winter holidays.

How Long to Spend at Bahia Honda State Park

You can have a great time exploring Bahia Honda State Park in Florida, no matter how much time you have to spend there.

If you only have an hour or two, you can make the most of it by taking a stroll on one of the beach trails or kayaking in the waters off the park's beaches. If you're looking for a longer stay, there are plenty of activities to partake in to create a fun-filled day trip from Miami or Marathon.

The sunsets at Bahia Honda State Park can be truly remarkable, so if you have the wiggle room into your schedule to hang out until the park closes, you should!

Tips for Visiting Bahia Honda State Park

Visiting Bahia Honda State Park is a great way to get out and enjoy some of the most beautiful views in the Florida Keys. Here are some tips for making your visit to Bahia Honda State Park an enjoyable experience.

Restrooms & Other Facilities

There are modern restrooms located throughout the park, so you won’t have to worry about finding a restroom when you need one. The park also offers outdoor showers, picnic shelters, and a gift shop.

Food

Visitors can bring their own food or purchase snacks at the concession stand. To ensure that wildlife remains protected and comfortable around humans, it's important to dispose of any refuse properly in designated areas.

Biodegradable Sunscreen

Protect your skin and help the environment by bringing along some biodegradable sunscreen when you visit the park. This type of sunscreen helps to prevent toxic chemicals from entering nearby ecosystems, so make sure to apply it generously!

Leave No Trace

When visiting Bahia Honda State Park, it’s important to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. This includes packing out any trash or other items that you bring in, respecting wildlife habitat, and staying on designated trails.

Respecting Local Wildlife & Ecosystems

Bahia Honda State Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and diverse ecosystems. To ensure that these are preserved for future generations, respecting them is important. This includes refraining from disturbing or collecting any wildlife, plants, or rocks you may encounter while exploring the park.

Fishing Regulations

Fishing in the park can provide a truly unique catch! Using bottom fishing techniques on either side of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge off the old sea walls, you can snag snapper and grouper.

For those preferring fly-fishing, head for one of the shallow sand flats located toward the Atlantic shore - here, anglers seek out bonefish, permit, or barracuda.

Make sure to read up on all local regulations before heading out; even 400 feet beyond its boundaries' limits are imposed by law concerning size restrictions and seasons as well spearfishing is completely prohibited within designated areas. If you plan to fish at Bahia Honda State Park, read up on local regulations beforehand.

Stay and Play in Paradise

Bahia Honda State Park is truly a natural paradise. It's one of those places that will take your breath away and make you quickly fall in love with it – especially if you're an outdoor enthusiast.

This park makes the perfect day trip to explore the natural areas of The Keys. Want to stay close to the action? Look no further than Coco Plum Vacation Rentals for beachside options with endless ocean views!