Bahia Honda

Bahia Honda SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/BahiaHonda https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia_Honda_Key Bahia Honda (meaning deep bay, in Spanish) is an island in the lower Florida Keys. U.S. 1 (the Overseas Highway) crosses the key at approximately mile markers 36-38.5, between Ohio Key and Spanish Harbor Key 12 miles (19 km) west of Marathon, close to the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge. The island is virtually uninhabited, being home to the 524-acre (212-hectare) Bahia Honda State Park. The channel at the island's west end is one of the deepest natural channels in the Florida Keys.

HISTORY Bahia Honda Key is home to one of Florida’s southernmost state parks. The channel between the old and new Bahia Honda bridges is one of the deepest natural channels in the Florida Keys. The subtropical climate has created a natural environment found nowhere else in the continental U.S. Many plants and animals in the park are rare and unusual, including marine plant and animal species of Caribbean origin. The park has one of the largest remaining stands of the threatened silver palms. Specimens of the silver palm and the yellow satinwood, found in the park, have been certified as national champion trees. The rare, small-flowered lily thorn may also be found in the park. The geological formation of Bahia Honda is Key Largo limestone. It is derived from a pre-historic coral reef similar to the present-day living reefs off the Keys. Because of a drop-in sea level several thousand years ago, portions of this ancient reef emerged from the sea, forming islands. Bahia Honda is the southernmost key where the formation is exposed. In more modern times, the park was part of Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railway holdings. The railroad remains were converted into what is known today as U.S. Highway 1. The Old Bahia Honda Bridge serves as a reminder of Flagler’s dream. A section of the old bridge offers visitors a panoramic view of the island and surrounding waters. Since the initial acquisition of the first 13 acres of the park in 1961, Bahia Honda has become well-known as a recreational treasure. BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK 36850 Overseas Highway Big Pine Key, FL 33043 305-872-2353 PARK GUIDELINES Please remember these tips and guidelines, and enjoy your visit: • • • • • • • • • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. An entrance fee is required. The collection, destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or park property is prohibited. Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and well-behaved at all times. Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. Use diverdown flags. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas only. For camping or cabin reservations, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or visit ReserveAmerica.com. Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station at 305-872-2352 OR 711 (Florida Relay Service). FloridaStateParks.org Visit us online at Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK Experience the breathtaking views offered by the Florida Keys EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Bahia Honda is unique among other islands in the Keys because it has extensive sandy beaches and deep waters close enough offshore to provide exceptional swimming and snorkeling. The park encompasses 524 acres, including one small island on the southwest end of the park. Bahia Honda State Park Directions The park is located on Bahia Honda Key, 12 miles south of Marathon. The entrance is located between Mile Markers 36 and 37, oceanside of U.S. Highway #1. M .1 U.S Boating: Two boat ramps and a 19-slip marina are available at the park. Camping: There are three camping areas, with a total of 80 campsites. Lodging: Three duplex cabins on stilts (5 units) are furnished with accommodations for up to a maximum of six people per cabin. One unit, Cabin #2, is wheelchair accessible, has a lift and can accommodate up to four people. Kayaking: Ocean kayaks are available for rent at the concession. Gulf of Mexico Bicycling: Cruise the park’s more than 3.5 miles of surface road. Bayside Sites 73-80 Silver Palm Nature Trail Cabins 1-6 st e Key W Concession/Dive Shop: Snacks, souvenirs, snorkeling equipment rentals and tickets for the snorkel boat tours may be obtained at the concession. Call 305-872-3210. Snorkeling: Bring your mask and snorkel to explore the park’s waters. Remember: a diverdown flag is required and never touch marine life. n ho t ara Ranger Station Atlantic Ocean Sandspur Sites 49-72 Buttonwood Sites 1-48 N W Old Bahia Honda Bridge E Butterfly Garden Trail S Fishing: Anglers will find several good areas for fishing from shore or fly fishing. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida. Swimming: For water enthusiasts, Bahia Honda has the largest natural sand beach in the Florida Keys, with water deep enough to swim in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Picnicking: Pavilions with picnic tables are provided at Calusa and Sandspur Beaches. Please make sure to properly dispose of all trash. Nature Center: Visit the Sand and Sea Nature Center, located on the Gulf side of the old bridge, for park information. Beach Access Concessions Boat Ramp Nature Center Boat Tours Picnicking Cabins Restrooms Campfire Circle S

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c