Snorkeling at Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key
Snorkeling at Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key
Bahia Honda State Park is one of the best snorkeling destinations in the Florida Keys. Located just a short drive from Big Pine Key, the park offers clear waters, abundant marine life, and easy access to some of the most beautiful underwater sights in the region. Its natural beauty and calm conditions make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
Adventure Guide to Snorkeling at Bahia Honda State Park
Sandspur Beach
- This beach features shallow waters with easy entry, making it a top spot for families and beginners.
- Snorkelers often see colorful reef fish, stingrays, and small coral clusters close to shore.
- The area has soft sand and lush surroundings, creating an inviting atmosphere for swimming and snorkeling.
Looe Key Snorkeling Excursion
- While not within the park itself, Bahia Honda offers boat tours to Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, a premier reef destination about 12 miles offshore.
- The reef is home to an incredible variety of marine life, including parrotfish, barracudas, and the occasional reef shark.
- These guided trips provide all necessary equipment and are great for those who want to experience a more dynamic underwater environment.
Old Bahia Honda Bridge Area
- Near the historic bridge, snorkelers encounter schools of tropical fish and even the occasional sea turtle.
- The deeper waters around the bridge attract larger fish and offer a different experience than the beaches.
- This area has stronger currents at times, so beginners should choose calmer days for the best experience.
Local Insights
- Bahia Honda State Park was originally part of Henry Flagler’s railroad system, and remnants of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge remain a notable landmark.
- The park's waters are home to starfish, queen conch, and even the elusive seahorse, which can sometimes be seen in the seagrass beds.
Visitor Tips
- Best time to visit: Early morning for calm waters and fewer crowds. Weekdays are less busy.
- What to bring: Reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear (or rent on-site), water shoes, and an underwater camera.
- Getting there: From Big Pine Key, take US-1 south for about 12 minutes (8 miles) to the park entrance.
Adventure Map
Reviews
João Pedro Ascensãoin the last week
Beautiful beaches, peaceful and quiet! You have public toilets and showers just next to the beach. Great place to relax and take some photos!
Csilla Ba month ago
What a magical place. Beautiful, untouched nature. Multiple beaches to swim and snorkel. Great place to bike as well, the views are magnificent.
Most people miss the Sandspur beach for swimming as it is away from the main buildings on the island. A day trip is not enough to appreciate the beauty of this place.
Oh, don’t forget the ice cream at the store. Delicious and huge portions.
Hiram Marcos3 months ago
Bathrooms clean. Surprisingly bugs were not super invasive in the Bathrooms also.
As always keys water and the beach on the park amazing. Fishing there is always action too. We camped so it was nice to not have to leave the park. Also Nov weather is just right
Trisha Zaruba3 months ago
Gorgeous Park!! The waters are so clear and cold! Not very many waves and the facilities are all clean and nice. The concession and gift shop offer good food and convenient items you may need. I saw they offer rentals too. Definitely worth the trip there!
Brienne Hennessya month ago
Lovely and low key state park with beach area and simple trails, plus the highest point to see beautiful views of the ocean. The old historic train bridge and the information signs along the trail were really interesting. We went late morning and only about a 10 minute wait to enter the park. Didn’t get a chance to check out the main area of paid activities but enjoyed our time, lots for the 3 yr old to run around and explore, and a cute gift shop with coffee, drinks, ice cream, snacks.
