Florida is known for its beaches, there's no denying that. While many travelers are perfectly happy with sunbathing and the occasional shallow-water-wading, there are many Sunshine State beaches that offer so much more. With marine life that often traverses the miles between the Caribbean and Florida, anything from snorkeling to clear-boat-kayaking can result in an incredible experience.
There's one beach, located within a state park, that offers all of that and so much more. Its crystal-clear waters are pristine and some of the clearest in the state, and its protected lands are home to a tremendous amount of wildlife. From tide pools to the occasional shark-siting while snorkeling, this Florida beach has it all for visitors.
Visiting Bahia Honda State Park: Snorkeling, Kayaking, Tide Pools, And More
Bahia Honda State Park is a true gem along Florida's shores. At the start of the Florida Keys, visitors can find this park, and its parking lot, very easily, which makes it easily accessible for those who might not be familiar with Key West as a whole.
- Directions: The park can be found at mile marker 37 in the Florida Keys.
Despite its seemingly small size, this park does encompass a total area of 500 acres. This means there's plenty of space for visitors to spread out, whether they're soaking up the sun, beachcombing, or simply just hiking along its shores. Those interested in doing other recreational beach activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, or taking a nature tour can do so at the beach's concession service stand. This is also where visitors can find the beach gift shop which is home to some unique Florida Keys souvenirs. This park also offers some of the best birding in the state, as well as camping.
Snorkeling Tours At Bahia Honda State Park
Wanting to snorkel but are unsure of where to start? Don't worry - there's a tour for that! Visitors to the beach can sign up for snorkel tours at the concession service stand and be led through its waters by a professional guide. Tours happen daily and bring snorkelers to the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. This is where one can find the most impressive reef in the Florida Keys, with notable features such as Elkhorn and Star coral.
- Fun Fact: Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary has become one of the most popular and impressive sites for snorkelers around the world who visit the Florida Keys.
Tours depart at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM and include one and a half hours of snorkeling fun.
- Tour Prices: $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children under the age of 18 years old
- Equipment Rental Prices: $2 for masks, $2 for fins, $8.95 for snorkels (with tour), a safety vest is provided free of charge
Kayaking At Bahia Honda State Park
Kayaking is another popular activity at this beach and visitors don't necessarily need to bring their own equipment. At the concession service stand, beach-goers can rent both single and double-seated kayaks. For both of the sit-on-top kayaks, prices are as follows:
- Single: $12/hour or $36/half-day rental
- Double: $18/hour or $54/half-day rental
This is a great way for visitors to the park to explore the surrounding waters, especially if they're hoping for a chance of observing its wildlife. The shores off the coast of this state park are so clear that one can see straight to the bottom, which makes for an incredible experience for those wanting to see its marine life, as well. Those interested can kayak the 30 minutes to Little Bahia Honda island, which features rocky shores that occasionally feature shallow tide pools. This is a great way to see marine life without leaving the beach, and the kayak trip out to the island is beautiful and tranquil when the water is calm.
The Historic Railroad Bridge
One of the first features that visitors will notice when visiting Bahia Honda State Park is the 'bridge' that seemingly just ends in the middle of the water. This was once known as a railroad built by Henry Flagler, which began construction in 1908. The goal was to connect a train through Key West; however, the channel's depth made the project nearly impossible. The sheer amount of materials and money needed to complete the railway proved challenging, and it took four years in total for it to be finished.
This is what made Bahia Honda a popular rest stop for those traveling by train - until a hurricane struck the keys in 1935. The hurricane swept the train off the railroad tracks and caused significant damage to its structure, and it was never rebuilt. While it was used as a regular road for cars in 1938, it remains today a historic landmark for those visiting the park.
For those wanting to visit one of Florida's best beaches and get a real view of the state's most incredible wildlife, Bahia Honda State Park is the place to go.