Because of a dropin sea level several thousand years ago, portions of this ancient reef emerged from the sea, forming islands. Nearby, you will find bahia honda state park and recreation area at mile marker 37. Bahia honda state park is well known as a great place to camp in the florida keys. The 10 best florida keys reefs with photos tripadvisor. Bahia honda state park, florida keys beach, beaches in the keys. Where can i find these patch reefs that i keep reading about. If theres no wind, rent a paddleboard and head to the vibrant patch reefs in hawk channel. Some reefs are composed of concrete reefballs of varying sizes, bridge rubble, and old boats and retired military hardware cleaned in accordance with florida law. Unless you can find a small patch reef there probably wont be a huge amount to see, even a mile out. The best marathon key snorkeling based on popularity are considered to be sombrero beach, sombrero reef, bahia honda state park, newfound harbor reefs, and coffins patch. Snorkeling the patch reef captain b will take you to the patch reefs off newfound harbor. The tide chart above shows the height and times of high tide and low tide for bahia honda key bridge, florida the red flashing dot shows the tide time right now.
One of the sunshine states southernmost parks, the remote island of bahia honda key offers visitors an idyllic haven of stunning beaches and brilliant sunsets, perfect for a day of fantastic key west snorkeling. With depths of 10 to 40 feet, this area is frequented by advanced and novice divers alike. The park is situated along both the gulf of mexico and the atlantic ocean, with beautiful beaches on both sides. Swim off the dock in the reef protected, calm water. We made our way to bahia honda as part of a miami to key west road trip we didnt know before visiting the florida keys that they are not exactly known for their beaches due to the coral reefs we hunted for the best beaches in key largo. Sep 18, 2019 bahia honda state park is home to some of the most popular campsites in the country, just steps away from some of the best snorkeling spots in the florida keys, but you dont have to spend the night to enjoy them.
Great area to dive with experience and beginner divers the reef was tremendous and the people at horizon divers were a great added help on the dive. Click on a location on the map to see its description and coordinates, or scroll down to the list to see all the details. Sofia paper geology and hydrogeology of the florida keys. Florida keys artificial reefs islamorada sport fishing. With its white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife, bahia honda key frequently makes the list of most beautiful beaches in america. Florida keys fishing spots with gps coordinates for the best fishing in the florida keys. The charming, oceanfront house directly on the beach. Bahia honda state park big pine key 2020 all you need to. Pennekamp and bahia honda parks both very poor shore snorkeling spots. Bahia honda state park is a great place to learn the ins and outs of this underwater activity. Below is a list of artificial reefs found on the boating and angling guides to the lower keys, middle keys, and upper keys. We provide over 500 fishing spots in the florida keys for key largo to key west. The geological formation of bahia honda is key largo limestone.
The water is very shallow in this expanse of patch reefs that cover about a halfsquaremile. Todays and tonights weather forecast, weather conditions and doppler radar from the weather channel and. Very private, like being on your own tropical island. Biologists then created a plan to restore these hurricanedamaged habitats.
They also form the perfect reef and wreck fishing spots, avid sport fishermen seek out. Hop on a boat to coffins patch, four nautical miles off key colony. Most beaches down here are made of coral and uncomfortable to walk on. Im continually baffled as to why anyone would choose a cramped private park over a state park with large sites and scenic views. I considered the patch reefs and the bridges our best options, but i spend so much time on the flats that i dont always feel dialedin with these other types of fishing. This reef is a great place to get up close to many different things that reefs in the key largo area has to offer. There may be some, but i dont know that area all that well. The locations below are primarily artificial reefs and shipwrecks. For water lovers, the options are plentiful at john pennekamp coral reef.
Patch reef fishing angling adventures florida keys. The yellow shading corresponds to daylight hours between sunrise and sunset at bahia honda key bridge. The shallow water makes swimming here easy for beginners, and sea life is abundant. Bahia honda and the keys east of it represent an uplifted coral reef.
While sand is a rarity on these islands, formed atop ancient coral reefs, bahia honda has twoandahalf miles of beach. For a detailed dive site description and printable snorkel. At this time the sandspur campground and sandspur beach remain closed. The florida reef consists of two ridges separated from the florida keys by the hawk channel. Click here to see more pictures and learn about snorkeling bahia honda. For a long term stay it makes sense, but other than that i just dont get it. Bahia honda is also one of our favorite spots to snorkel from shore. We cover in the lower keys from bahia honda to dry tortugas from longitude 81 09. You can reach these patch reefs by short boat ride, although alligator reef is much farther. Closest to the keys is a sand ridge called white bank, covered by large beds of sea grass, with patch reefs scattered across it. They can be reached by phone 3053958730, email, or online. Fabulous snorkeling and diving at nearby patch reefs, looe key, and little palm island.
Tide times and tide chart for bahia honda key bridge. May, 2017 florida keys offshore nearshore patch reef saltwater fishing for mutons, yellowtails, snapper, cero, mangroves and more. Patch reef fishing angling adventures florida keys fishing. Natural, unspoiled beaches in florida visit florida. Fantastic snorkeling spots in big pine key and floridas. Aug 14, 2018 its easy to see why bahia honda state parks campsites are some of the most soughtafter in the florida parks systemtheyre mere feet away from some of the best snorkeling spots in the keys. Tips on fishing floridas inshore patch reefs outdoors guy. The historic bahia honda and seven mile bridges are often named by tarpon addicts as having some of the best fishing in the keys.
Top 10 marathon, fl fishing charters for 2020 fishingbooker. There are several wonderful little patch reefs that are about halfway between the key. Snorkeling at bahia honda state park at looe key reef. Bahia honda reef 30ft dive site, usa diving florida. My wife likes to fish but is scared to go out more than about 5 miles. It is contained between the islands of the florida keys and a line of reefs south and east of the island chain. Coral you will see are brain coral, fire coral, fans, sea rods, soft corals and finger sponge. The ultimate bahia honda state park guide for first timers. The keys fishing spots includes islamorada, marathon, upperlower matecumbe, duck key, big pine key, bahia honda and key west for your boats gps and mobile devices. The location lends itself to breathtaking sunsets and typically has prevailing breezes off of the water. Top snorkeling spots in the florida keys kraken aquatics. The united states bahia honda great summer 2020 availability.
The water is crystal clear and often times you will see hundreds of fish feeding off the chum right behind the bo. Bahia honda state park is a must stop along the overseas highway in the florida keys. Technically the park has 3 anchorages, south, north and between the bridges, but none of the anchorages has windwave protection from more than one direction. Snorkeling florida keys find the exceptional areas. After the storm passed, biologists determined which park ecosystems had suffered significant damage and how that would affect native plant species. Best activities playing in paradise the lower florida keys offer a wide variety of activities and attractions, including native animal life, serene beaches, tropical treats, and exciting water sports. Other inshore and offshore patch reefs in the surrounding area remain open. Today we are going snorkeling out of bahia honda state park to looe key national marine sanctuary, looe key reef, in the florida keys is an. After a blissful day of sunning, swimming and snorkeling, enjoy a refreshing ice cream on the beach.
Bahia honda anchorages, florida keys, stuff to know. See best activities bahia honda state park modal box best activities read more. We have successfully found the best beaches in the florida keys at bahia honda state park. May 03, 2019 located in florida keys, the snorkeling in marathon key offers more than a halfdozen beautiful snorkel dive spots. Fishing here can be as productive in 10 feet of water as it can be in 1,000. Bahia honda state park is a state park with an open public beach. Bring a mask and finsthe snorkeling there is wonderful. From offshore coral reefs teeming with tropical fish to nearshore adventures. Bahia honda reef bridge spans and concrete, 32 deep gps coordinates. It is also famous as one of the few really nice beaches in the keys. For a detailed dive site description and printable snorkel dive map, just select a marathon key snorkeling dive below. Looe key marine sanctuary is part of the great florida reef, the only coral reef in the continental usa, and the third largest barrier reef system after the great.
Loggerhead beach, at the south end of the park, is well protected. This reef is a great place to get up close to many different things that reefs in. The patch reef is about halfway between the keys and the barrier reef, bringing the opportunity to marvel at many different. Florida keys park and beaches have watersports and is an official state park of the florida state and florida keys. Of course it is no comparison to the clear waters and abundant marine life of the offshore reefs, but still great for a quick and easy snorkel with plenty to see. On the atlantic side you have the benefit of offshore fishing the patch reefs and artificial. Its home to numerous species and is great for catching lots of fish all year long. The depth field is the depth of water in feet to the bottom in reef area, while relief is the height that the materials rise above the bottom in feet, if available. Best snorkel trip in the florida keys looe key national.
The keys have the third longest barrier reef in the world, and the only tropical. Its easy to see why bahia honda state parks campsites are some of the most soughtafter in the florida parks systemtheyre mere feet away from some of the best snorkeling spots in the keys. Fishing pier ohiobahia honda channel fishing bridge. The lower keys monroe county gps coordinates reefs. Although we were not able to stay at bahia honda state park, we visited it for the day. The elaborate network of patch reefs and reef systems it looks out onto means. Bahia honda state park is home to some of the most popular campsites in the country, just steps away from some of the best snorkeling spots in the florida keys, but you dont have to spend the night to enjoy them. Feb 03, 2020 if theres no wind, rent a paddleboard and head to the vibrant patch reefs in hawk channel. Bahia honda state park is a wonderful place to spend the day, whether you just want relaxation or are looking for a bit more action this little park is a jewel amongst jewels in the florida keys. Aug 20, 2018 snorkeling at bahia honda state park at looe key reef. Marathon fishing excels whether youre bridge or pier fishing, on the marathon hump, tarpon flats fishing, or offshore wreck or reef fishing. Its located eight nautical miles from bahia honda state park and the easiest way.
Bahia honda state park, florida camping reservations. Friends of bahia honda state park, big pine key, florida. Bahia honda state park this week we took a trip to the florida keys. Best 10 snorkeling spots in florida keys globo surf. Troop 180 florida, including the dry tortugas and fort. Coconut palms, 150foot dock, mooring whips for a flats boa. Best location in the keys, 150foot dock, coconut palms on the beautiful beach big pine key vacation rentals. Hop on a boat to coffins patch, four nautical miles off key colony beach. The coffins patch is composed of different patches of reefs and is. Great florida keys beaches and activities for all of the public. Voted one of the best beaches for many years, bahia honda has pristine sandy beaches, areas to wade fish for bonefish, kayaking, a consession stand and a swim area. If youre going snorkeling in bahia honda, start from the bay side and. Its easy to see why bahia honda state parks campsites are some of the most.
We are a non profit citizen support organization, working in cooperation with park management, to help fund improvements and. So i asked the advice of andrew tipler, a local charter captain, and he felt the bridges were better than. That was in 1992, nearly 500 years after the first spanish explorers sailed past and gave it its name deep bay. The holes and pockets that florida keys coral reefs and wrecks have, create the perfect hiding spots for fish to ambush their prey. Log a dive or post a picture at bahia honda reef 30ft. I kayaked around the shoreline a number of times, but never much further out. Once again, we snagged our site at bahia honda state park a few weeks ago using tims reservation website. We didnt make it up there but wished wed made the effort. The tantalizing aquamarine ocean water of bahia honda is another. Long key reefs bridge spans and concrete, 24 deep gps coordinates. The sanctuary, established in 1981, is about eight nautical miles from bahia honda, and days snorkeling there can offer amazing sights, from sturgeons and parrot fish to angelfish, barracuda, sharks, turtles and butterfly fish.
It is a narrow patch of land, no more than 30 feet wide on average, but the sand is soft and bone white. Its easy to see why bahia honda state parks campsites are some of the. Fantastic snorkeling spots in big pine key and floridas lower keys. Sometimes this is with a paying customer, other times with a friend, and sometimes im by myself. Troop 180 florida, including the dry tortugas and fort jefferson 2016. So ive been hearing a lot about the keys reef dying at an alarming rate the last. The shallow water makes swimming here easy for beginners, and sea life is. Bahia honda is home to many rare natural communities and imperiled native plants. Just a few minutes from our dock in marathon is one of the most beautiful coral reefs on the planet. The friends of bahia honda state park is a notforprofit, grass roots group of volunteers dedicated to the preservation, beautification, and support of bahia honda state park. Camping near bahia honda state park is easy with hipcamp, where private landowners offer oneofakind camping experiences. Further out to sea on the edge of the florida straits is the second ridge forming the outer reefs, covered by reefs and hard banks. The gps global positioning system, dgps differential gps, lor loran c or uk unknown entries in the gps field indicates which format the original coordinates were obtained.
For anyone interested in a fantastic tarpon sightfishing experience, bahia honda has some great space available during the first and third weeks of june, arguably some of the best fishing of the migratory tarpon season. The 10 best snorkeling spots in the florida keys coastal. The 10 best snorkeling spots in the florida keys coastal living. It is contained between the islands of the florida keys and a. Attention bahia honda state park has reopened for dayuse at calusa beach and loggerhead beach, camping at the buttonwood and bayside campgrounds, and all cabins. Bahia honda is noted as one of the best beaches in south florida.
Hawk channel of the florida keys hawk channel runs from biscayne national park to key west. Kayaking and snorkeling key largo forum tripadvisor. Boulder coral, pillar coral, lobsters, eels, and jacks are some of the species divers can find along the group of six patch reefs that make up coffins patch, 3. The elaborate network of patch reefs and reef systems it looks out onto means that youre almost guaranteed to land something special. Artificial reefs are manmade habitats that serve to increase reef fish habitat and enhance fishing and diving opportunities. As the reef ages and gets encrusted with algaes, barnacles, and corals, small fish colonize the reef, thus attracting larger predatory fish such as grouper and amberjack. The best keys snorkeling is by far the middle keys. Explore a historic shipwreck with your own eyes as you dive in our colorful, clear underwater paradise. On the other hand, i am glad not everyone wants to stay here because then our chance of getting a site would be even worse. In 1908, the florida east coast railway company built two large twostory dormitories there to house workers building the bahia honda bridge. It is derived from a prehistoric coral reef similar to the presentday living reefs off the keys.
Our goal is to ensure that you have the best experience here at john pennekamp coral reef state park while. Bahia honda state park, florida keys beach, beaches in the. Florida keys offshore nearshore patch reef saltwater fishing for mutons, yellowtails, snapper, cero, mangroves and more. Heres a list of some of the popular florida keys fishing spots ranging from the north end of marathon key heading south towards key west. You also have a good selection of wrecks and other artificial reefs when marathon fishing.
In 1890 bahia honda key was the southern terminus for miamidade county which stretched as far north as present day st. The depth field is the depth of water in feet to the bottom in reef area, while relief is the height that the wreck rises above the bottom. D enlarged area bahia honda demonstrates the loss of the nearshore patch reef yellow and the persistence of coral in the reef crest zone blue. If you are out snorkeling, diving, fishing, paddling, or boating and see anything that may be unusual or out of the ordinary including lionfish in the waters around the keys, please record the location, date, and time, and contact the marine ecosystem event response and assessment meera project. Pinfish traps provided us with fresh live bait most days and a bit of chumming will bring in ballyhoo around the inshore reefs. Bahia honda meaning deep bay, in spanish, locally pronounced. These pockets also create cover where fish can hide from predators on the prowl. The park has become a hot spot for ecotours on land and sea. Bahia honda state park is well known for its beautiful beaches, camping and snorkeling in the middle florida keys. Bahia honda restoration efforts florida state parks. A strong spatial gradient to coral loss in the florida keys. I am in my second week at bahia honda and not having any luck with keepable fish. With an array of lovely beaches, tropical sunsets, campsites, shallowwater reefs, a nature center, hiking trails, and more, bahia honda state park is an exciting place to explore.
Sore arms and smiles i like to sight fish the flats in my kayak, and do so as often as possible. The old bahia honda bridge is a great place for tarpon fishing and there is a campground on the park premesis. We work closely with bahia honda state park management and the florida state park service to help accomplish these goals. Ml10 bahia honda reef 1 spearfishing ok in this area. At manatee springs, they filmed a variety of interesting freshwater fish day and night. Head to the seagrass beds just off of bay side beach to view creatures like starfish, queen conch, lobster and small fish.
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