Bahia Honda

About a 45 minute drive up the keys from Key west is the Bahia Honda Park. In the keys, most of the snorkeling activities require a boat transport to the coral reefs where the best viewing occurs. Bahia Honda does have some great viewing close to the beach.

There is a small admission charge per person...and they have a small store where you can purchase a diving flag. I recommend you get this without a doubt...the cost is either 20 or 25 dollars depending upon which model you choose...and not only provides a great safety marker, when you return home it makes a great room decoration for the child. Each time you go out snorkeling on a boat the boat displays a red flag with a line diagonally through it and indicates to all in the water (primarily other boaters) that there are divers or snorkelers in the water. When you purchase the flag your group simply ties the floating buoy to their arm and drag the flag with them...this gives boaters (who will come into the areas snorkelers are located) and those on the beach a constant monitoring point for your group. The beach is reasonably shallow for quite some distance so the swimmers go out a healthy distance.

There are a few parking lots and a couple of beaches, we went to the furthest beach and parked and then snorkeled down both beaches and walked back to the car. Also one of the beaches has an island out in the ocean which is accessible by walking (yes the water is that shallow).

The calmer the water the better your view for snorkeling ...the water since you are so close to the beach gets very murky when the weather related surf is up, so pick a day when the weather is very clear and calm.

Beautiful. We rented a car from Key West and went up there armed with snorkels and lots of food and wine. Try and get on the site near the north of the island, as it's more peaceful there, and you can step out of your tent onto the rocky beach. Make sure you heed the advice of the rangers and keep all food hidden in your tent or car! We got many visits from racoons during the night. They managed to open our cool box, eat their way through a bag of nachos, (including the bag), and even chewed through our candles before they started fighting over the rubbish bag. Funny, but slightly unnerving at the same time!

If you like beautiful beaches, and I mean white sand and blue water, you have to go to this place. It's a 45-minute drive from Key West. Swim, dive, walk, stay the night at the campground (with an ocean view!!)… everything is possible!

CAMPING: The park has three camping areas providing a total of 80 campsites. We've never stayed on one of the camping sites, but we did see it when we were driving by in our car. It looks nice and has an amazing view. Restrooms and hot showers are easily accessible.

FISHING: Tarpon fishing in the area rates among the best in the state. Charter boats and guides are generally available for hire during tarpon season. It can be quite expensive.

SWIMMING: Bahia Honda has some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys. The water and beach is amazing. Look at my pictures and you’ll know what I mean!

SNACK BAR: There is also a snack bar located in the main building where you can order from different menus, including ones with pizza, deli sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and more.

OPENING HOURS: The park is open daily from 8am until sunset. All park buildings, including the Concession Building, are open 8am to 5pm.

It has plenty of places to get away from other people. If you like blue water and white sand (and, not to forget, great views), make Bahia Honda your next stop on the journey to Key West.