Bahia Honda

[GeneF]

We will be heading to Bahia Honda State Park near the Florida Keys and just wondering if anyone had been there and had any heads up on do's and don'ts.

I believe the park is about 40 miles from Key West.

I know it will be hot there in May but somehow I found a site that was open for five days.  Everything else was booked.

We are taking the ferry out to the Dry Tortugas for a day trip.  Any other have to do's?


Thanks

[wavery]

We will be heading to Bahia Honda State Park near the Florida Keys and just wondering if anyone had been there and had any heads up on do's and don'ts.

I believe the park is about 40 miles from Key West.

I know it will be hot there in May but somehow I found a site that was open for five days.  Everything else was booked.

We are taking the ferry out to the Dry Tortugas for a day trip.  Any other have to do's?


Thanks

You'll love it there. The snorkeling at the Dry Tortuga's is fantastic. If you don't have your own snorkeling gear, head to Costco right away. You'll hate yourself if you don't.

I am a snorkeling conasuer. I sailed around the World (twice) on my own yacht for 14 years. I spent way toooooo much time snorkeling and diving in the best spots in the World.....if you need advise, let me know.

[MotherNature]

We will be going at the end of June when school lets out.  We've never been to Bahia Honda before.  We bought 2 snorkeling kits at Target (figuring one of us could go with one of the boys on each trip within the park; we need to conserve $) they were about $23 each.

We also planned to take one of the park-sponsored trips to Looe Key (and rent 2 extra snorkel rigs for that particular excursion).  Gene mentioned going to Dry Tortugas; the site http://teens4oceans.org/underwater-cams.htm has underwater cameras at both Bahia Honda and Dry Tortugas (these links don't always work with Mac-based machines).

We plan to eat out once each around Bahia Honda Key (DH & I's preference) and Key West (by request of our teen boys who want to go to the Hard Rock Cafe (why the one in Philly isn't good enough they can't seem to answer) and Margaritaville (though they have repeatedly been reminded that they are not old enough to have Margaritas)) we think they want to go to Key West just because it's "Key West"...that's ok with us, we'll let them pick a destination for a day but we don't want anyone to be disappointed, hungry (they seem to require an extremely large meal about every 2 hours), or go bankrupt either...  If anyone has any recommendations for bbq, fried chicken, and/or shrimp restaurants in either of these areas, they would be much appreciated - any and all advice about the area would be appreciated!

[wavery]

We will be going at the end of June when school lets out.  We've never been to Bahia Honda before.  We bought 2 snorkeling kits at Target (figuring one of us could go with one of the boys on each trip within the park; we need to conserve $) they were about $23 each.

We also planned to take one of the park-sponsored trips to Looe Key (and rent 2 extra snorkel rigs for that particular excursion).  Gene mentioned going to Dry Tortugas; the site http://teens4oceans.org/underwater-cams.htm has underwater cameras at both Bahia Honda and Dry Tortugas (these links don't always work with Mac-based machines).

We plan to eat out once each around Bahia Honda Key (DH & I's preference) and Key West (by request of our teen boys who want to go to the Hard Rock Cafe (why the one in Philly isn't good enough they can't seem to answer) and Margaritaville (though they have repeatedly been reminded that they are not old enough to have Margaritas)) we think they want to go to Key West just because it's "Key West"...that's ok with us, we'll let them pick a destination for a day but we don't want anyone to be disappointed, hungry (they seem to require an extremely large meal about every 2 hours), or go bankrupt either...  If anyone has any recommendations for bbq, fried chicken, and/or shrimp restaurants in either of these areas, they would be much appreciated - any and all advice about the area would be appreciated!

I sure hope that the "Dry" Tortugas don't become the "Oily" Tortugas.

[Hoagie]

We will be going at the end of June when school lets out.  We've never been to Bahia Honda before.  We bought 2 snorkeling kits at Target (figuring one of us could go with one of the boys on each trip within the park; we need to conserve $) they were about $23 each.

We also planned to take one of the park-sponsored trips to Looe Key (and rent 2 extra snorkel rigs for that particular excursion).  Gene mentioned going to Dry Tortugas; the site http://teens4oceans.org/underwater-cams.htm has underwater cameras at both Bahia Honda and Dry Tortugas (these links don't always work with Mac-based machines).

We plan to eat out once each around Bahia Honda Key (DH & I's preference) and Key West (by request of our teen boys who want to go to the Hard Rock Cafe (why the one in Philly isn't good enough they can't seem to answer) and Margaritaville (though they have repeatedly been reminded that they are not old enough to have Margaritas)) we think they want to go to Key West just because it's "Key West"...that's ok with us, we'll let them pick a destination for a day but we don't want anyone to be disappointed, hungry (they seem to require an extremely large meal about every 2 hours), or go bankrupt either...  If anyone has any recommendations for bbq, fried chicken, and/or shrimp restaurants in either of these areas, they would be much appreciated - any and all advice about the area would be appreciated!

We spent about a week on Key West two summers ago. We took the float plane trip out to Dry Tortugas; really enjoyed it. The ferry trip is a much longer trip with not enough (IMHO) time at the fort to really explore it. We had more time at the fort with less of our day taken up. And the pilot timed it so that we were there when the ferry wasn't so we didn't have to "share" the fort with a few hundred other people. Again, JMHO, and of course, the float plane trip is more expensive. But it was great. The pilot showed us some great sites from the air including some shipwrecks and a beautiful privately owned isle that looks like something from a James Bond movie.

There are so many great places to eat in Key West that we never went to any of the "touristy" places like Hard Rock and Margaritaville. It has been our experience that every one of these places is like every other one. I would definitely say stop in at each one. I bet the boys want to get the pins that Hard Rock puts out for each location. They make a great collection. But not our first choice for somewhere to eat.

Red Fish, Blue Fish was good. Also the Iguana Cafe. Jack Flats we enjoyed. Never made it there but the Conch Republic Seafood was always busy. Crabby Dicks' was okay. Blue Heaven was a favorite.

If at all possible, try to spend at least one sunset at Mallory Square. The view of the sun going down is breath taking. The square fills with street performers and vendors and you can get some great mojitos off the carts.

[MotherNature]

Thanks so much - I will definitely write those restaurant names down.  Also thanks for the Mallory Square recommendation; we were curious about that too and will definitely try to get there!  Thanks again!

[tplife]

We visit the keys every couple of years while staying near the Everglades.  If you visit in the summer months you won't be sleeping unless you have an air conditioner.  I think Bahia Honda has only 30-amp service.  In '08 we stayed at the Sunshine Key RV park, but we also like Fiesta Key RV Park on Greyhound Key.  Bahia Honda:  DO READ the tiny sign that says "no alcohol".  The south end of the key is the nicest part, and a bit more private (less folks).  I agree with Hoagie, the float plane is THE WAY to visit the 'Tortugas, on the ferry you miss one of the highlights:  looking down on the wrecks from above.  I wouldn't worry about buying scuba gear, EVERYBODY rents it at reasonable prices.  Our resident snorkeling "expert" forgot to tell you to buy a weight belt, but then he probably already sent you one telepathically. Don't discount snorkeling off Sombrero Reef either, it's a short boat ride from Marathon Key to the lighthouse where you snorkel the reef, which looks the same as the 'Tortugas.  The restaurants you list on Key West are tourist traps, just like MALLORY SQUARE, something "new" added to take the tourist $ and feed the Key West homeless.  Avoid it and spend your time on Duval street supporting the local businesses instead.  VISIT the Hemingway Museum and pet the 7-toed cats, descendents of Earnest's own felines!  The Truman Summer White House rates a visit, as well as the Fisher's Gold (The Atocha) Museum.  TAKE the conch train tour if this is your first time.  Margaritaville is a stinky old dive but it was the first Buffett property, so it remains.  NOTHING like Margaritaville in Las Vegas or Orlando (new one is in Oahu).  See Key West where the locals go - Hogs Breath Inn, or the Half Shell Raw Bar.  If you insist on a "trap", visit Sloppy Joe's.  Minors can sit at the bar in Florida, they simply can't consume alcohol.  Eat oysters, conch and turtle!  On your way back (or in) stop at Sid & Roxie's Green Turtle Inn at Islamorada for green turtle chowder, the very best anywhere!

[GeneF]

Thanks for all of the replies and  the what and what not to do's.

Just keeping our fingers crossed that the oil stays away from the Keys and the rest of Florida.

DW and I have only been in Florida for about six months but we have been enjoying the great beaches here and hopefully they will not be messed up with oil

[tlhdoc]

Gene have a great trip.  You don't need snorkeling gear if you are taking the ferry over.  They supply it along with lunch.  You might want to get a disposable underwater camera for the trip.  I will want to see pictures of you and your DW underwater.  Oh and you can take the coconut bra along to key west.  You will fit right in.:U

[GeneF]

Oh and you can take the coconut bra along to key west.  You will fit right in.:U

Darn Tracy, I think DW sold it in a yard sale just before we came down here.   Guess I will have to go topless.  

Thanks for the camera idea.