Snorkeling at Bahia Honda Key, Florida – Deep Bay Island

For those seeking some underwater adventure, snorkeling at Bahia Honda State Park offers tranquil waters right off Overseas Highway under the Florida sun.

Just off highway 1 on the way to Key West, Bahia Honda State Park may not be the most assuming place in the Florida Keys. But it definitely packs a punch for travelers seeking adventure. This 526 acre state park offers a wide variety of activities, including bird watching, kayaking, and boating, for visitors. But the best of all, Bahia Honda State Park is one of the most attractive spots for snorkeling in the Florida Keys. The tranquil waters is perfect for snorkelers of all levels, including children. Not to mention, it is the launching pad for trips to Looe Key, which possesses arguably the most impressive reefs in all of Florida.

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Bahia Honda State Park Travel Profile:

Closest Airport: Key West International Airport (35 miles away)

• Key West is approximately 35 miles southwest of Bahia Honda State Park, about a 45 minute drive. You will drive through the beautiful Highway 1 to the park, and there will be plenty of lodging on the way as well.

Closest Major City: Miami

Transportation Methods: Car via Highway 1

Duration from Nearest Airport: 45 minutes

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Introduction

The park is very accessible whether you are coming in from Miami, which is 3 hours north, or Key West, which is 45 minutes south. Getting into the park from the highway is a breeze as there is a direct exit. It costs $8 per vehicle to enter the state park, and there are campgrounds and cabins if you wish to stay overnight. You can rent snorkeling gear at the park, which speaks to how popular the activity is here.

Snorkeling in Bahia Honda Key

There are two general areas folks can snorkel in Bahia Honda State Park. The most well known snorkeling destination among the two at Bahia Honda is Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area.

Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area

Most consider Looe Key to be the most spectacular reef in all of the Florida Keys. The area is technically not part of Bahia Honda – it is an ocean preserve about eight miles southwest of Bahia Honda, so you have to take a private boat out to the area. The boat ride is about 45 minutes, and a group trip will cost around $50, but well worth it.

The depths of Looe Key vary from 5 to 70 feet, so it is suitable for snorkelers of all experience levels. Scuba divers love the area as well, so you will encounter participants of all kinds. It is truly one of the most famous diving areas in all of Florida, so be sure to circle it on your maps. Notable Marine Life: parrots, surgeonfish, barracudas, grunts, butterflyfish, and angelfish

Bahia Honda State Park Beach

You can also enjoy snorkeling in Bahia Honda State Park along its numerous beaches. The beach is a great choice for those who are snorkeling with children. The beach is relatively calm and the marine life, while not as enchanting as those in Looe Key, can be fascinating for beginning snorkelers. Notable Marine Life: Starfish, lobster, conch

Final Word:

If you are taking a weekend out to the Florida Keys, definitely allocate some time to go snorkeling in Bahia Honda Key. There are trips that provide an hour and half of snorkeling to Looe Key, which means it will take around 2-3 hours total. For one of the most impressive reefs in the country, that is well worth the trip. Even if you have visited some impressive underwater destinations, such as the Caribbean or Dry Tortugas, Looe Key stands shoulder-to-shoulder with them. Do not miss your chance to explore one of the greatest snorkeling hidden gems in the United States.

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Snorkeling in Bahia Honda Key Rating: 5/5 Snorkels – A Must!