Bahia Honda State Park

11 miles west of Marathon

(305) 872-3210

Imagine water, water, everywhere as you sail eastward in Hawk’s Channel along the Keys’ island chain. At Big Spanish Channel you take a turn to the north and see an opening in what used to be a section of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway. Today, this section is more often called Bahia Honda Rail Bridge. It may very well be one of the most unique entrances to anchor ever.

As you turn ever so slightly to the right, you see that Bahia Honda’s uniqueness continues. Amid a lush landscape, beautiful palm fronds wave you a welcome in the gentle breeze. Between you and the landscape is a gorgeous white sand beach. It seems the only difference between here and Michener’s Shangri-La is the notice of a row of covered pavillions boasting concrete floors and BBQ grills. Even so, it is all picturesque.

This is Bahia Honda State Park. With lots of land for long walks and bike rides, Bahia Honda also has a marina, ship’s store, ample changing and bathroom facilities, outdoor freshwater showers (hot showers are available in the camping areas), and the wonderfully unique anchorage that sits front and center of its main beach. All the Park employees are very friendly, cordial, very helpful, and anchoring is free of charge.

There are other lovely beaches on both Oceanside and Bayside of the Park. The water, during calm weather, is very clear for snorkeling. For safety reasons, it is not permissible to dinghy directly to the beaches. Instead, dinghy tie-up is free at the marina where it is then a short and enjoyable walk to any of the beaches.

So…what’s not to love about Bahia Honda?

Anyone who has been there will tell you: Anchoring can be problematic. The problems are: 1) the Bahia Honda anchorage is located in between two bridges (the old railroad bridge and US1); and 2) the bottom is mostly rocky so holding is questionable.

However, with the know-how, one can anchor at Bahia Honda and have a gloriously trouble-free and extended visit. First, keep in mind:

- There is no protection from the North or South.

- The best anchoring areas run parallel to the swimming buoys where plenty of sand and grass provide a good bottom for holding.

- Fluke style anchors don’t usually hold well here because they are designed to let go in a blow and then reset. The often swift current and rocky bottom can hinder the flukes from taking hold quickly enough to avoid danger.

Time and again while anchored at Bahia Honda, I have witnessed couples struggling to get a good hold with their anchors. I wait as they try and try again. By the sixth time or so, I’ll get on the radio and ask the Captain if he’d like a few local knowledge tips. By then he’s more than ready to listen to the other things to keep in mind:

– Let out no more than 30 ft. of rode to set the anchor.

– Face the current if it is swifter than the wind direction.

– Back down slowly, slowly, until firm resistance is felt.

– Rev up (e.g., 3000 RPMs on my 22 HP Yanmar) until the bow snatches downward and whips in a very quick, narrow arc.

When the snatch and arc occurs, you have found excellent holding and are dug in. Let out the remainder of your rode and let the boat fall back on its own. I find it prudent to then set the MOB (the sooner the additional confirmation you’re not moving, the sooner all can relax).

Now you have a bit of insight on what it takes to have a safe and stress-free visit at one of the most beautiful anchorages in all of the Florida Keys. Hopefully, if not already, Bahia Honda will be at (or very near) the top of your list of anchorages to enjoy while cruising the Florida Keys.

Photographs link: s/v September Sea at Bahia Honda Anchorage

Charmaine Smith Ladd, bringing you “The Low Down from Down Low.” www.SeptemberSea.com