Both the Bahia Honda anchorage and Bahia Honda Florida State Park, are accessible for cruising size craft only from Hawk Channel. Small craft can reach these waters from the inside route by passing under a low, fixed bridge, but larger vessels must enter through a gap in the old Pine Island – Bahia Honda Key Bridge, from the Hawk Channel.
While Captain Jim is quite correct about the strong currents which plague this anchor down spot, we still see people dropping the hook here all the time. The “State Park marina” is small, but it does feature a sheltered harbor.

Dont risk anchoring here, pay a few bucks and tie up dockside at the State Park marina. The tide rips between both bridges and you will flip direction every time the tide changes. The current is so strong under the old abandoned bridge that you need to be on a plane in a power boat at peak ebb tide to pass under it ! The north bridge has little vertical clearnace and the abandoned railroad bridge has concrete piers every 100′, so if your anchor slips you will be sanded with concrete.
jim

Hello,
I have anchored here, while the currents are strong, the holding is very good and our all chain rode kept us dug in well along with a few other boats during 30-40 knot squalls from the south one night. we didn’t drag and I didn’t see anyone else that did.
And the state park is very nice for hiking, swimming, sunbathing, bathrooms, showers, snack bar, gift shop etc. they have a tour boat that goes out to the reefs and other amenities. I look forward to returning.
Cap Jules
S/V Nemesis
Dinner Key Marina
Miami

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Listing For The Bahia Honda Anchorage