Manager's Message
The feeling of autumn is in the air, the humidity and the temperature are a
little lower. A variety of migrating birds are passing through the park such as;
raptors, warblers and shorebirds. Some species of these migrating birds will
stay for the winter.
Camping and Cabins: Our Sandspur Campground, which is located on the ocean side
of the island, will be closed until October 26th for dune restoration and
repairs. The park staff is in the process of making Cabin #2 ADA compliant so it
is accessible to all park visitors. We are also working to make the entire park
more accessible in the future. Please be patient as we work towards this goal.
Interpretive Happenings: Ranger Linda Spencer staffed an information booth at
the Birding and Wildlife Festival Kid’s Day on October 1st at Curry Hammock
State Park in Marathon. Ranger Maria Puentes is developing another puppet show
about Miami Blue Butterflies.
I would like to thank the summer volunteers and the park staff for their hard
work throughout the hot and busy summer. We were very lucky to find volunteers
willing to withstand the rigors of a Florida Keys summer and we hope to see them
again next year.
Sea Turtle News: The Hawksbill sea turtles have returned once again to nest on
our beaches. We have one confirmed Hawksbill nest on Calusa Beach. There are
several more sea turtle nests due to hatch in the coming weeks. We will be
watching them very closely to see if they are hawksbills. In 2000, we had the
first confirmed Hawksbill nest ever found at the park. It is very rare to find
Hawksbills nesting in Florida, the majority of the nests are Loggerhead.
In certain parts of the world, Hawksbill turtles are still hunted for their
beautiful shell. The shell is used to make tortoiseshell jewelry and ornaments.
Because of this, Hawksbill sea turtles are listed internationally as critically
endangered. Very little is known about this species. It feeds on a variety of
invertebrates but its diet mainly consists of sponges. Hawksbills are found
mostly in tropical oceans. They tend to nest on isolated beaches in heavy
vegetation or rocky areas that larger species of sea turtles cannot nest in. In
the past, a few Hawksbill nests have also been found in Palm Beach and Martin
Counties, Canaveral National Seashore and south of Port Everglades.
Be sure to come by the Sand and Sea Nature Center when you visit the park. We
have an excellent sea life collection/display, a small marine aquarium and
several environmental activities to explore. Or, cool off in the AC and watch a
nature video! A park ranger or volunteer will be available to answer your
questions.
- Steve Eibl, Park Manager
Welcome to Bahia Honda State Park
Henry Flagler's railroad to Key West turned the remote island of Bahia Honda Key
into a tropical destination. Today, the island is home to one of Florida's
southernmost state parks, known for beautiful beaches, magnificent sunsets, and
excellent snorkeling. Visitors can picnic on the beach and take a swim, or
simply relax and enjoy the balmy sea breezes that caress the shores year-round.
Anglers can fish from shore or bring a boat and launch at the boat ramp. The
park's concession rents kayaks and snorkeling gear and offers boat trips to the
reef for snorkeling excursions. Bahia Honda is an excellent place to see wading
birds and shorebirds. The nature center can introduce nature lovers to the
island's unique plants and animals. Full-facility campsites and vacation cabins
are available. Located 12 miles south of Marathon.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Bahia Honda State Park, please call 305-872-2353.
Book Your Vacation Spot Now!
Reserve America - Reserve your cabin or campsite today!
Get more information on making a reservation.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Bahia Honda is located 12 mile south of Marathon on US1.Park Fees
Admission
$1.50 - Pedestrian/bicyclist fee
$3.50 - Single-occupant vehicle
$6.00 - Double-occupant vehicle
$0.50 - Each additional occupant up to 8 people
$1.50 - Each additional occupant over 8 people
$10.00-Boat Ramp
Campsites
$31.49 (includes taxes)
Cabins
$136.30 (includes taxes)
Pavilions
Full-Day $53.75 (includes taxes)
Half-Day $32.25 (includes taxes)
Does not cover regular day use fees, parking
spaces are not guaranteed if day use parking
is full.
Bahia Honda State Park
36850 Overseas Hwy.
Big Pine Key, Florida 33043
Phone: 305-872-2353
Fax: Contact Park for Number |
