I have long heard of the beauty of Bahia Honda, the glorious beaches, the array of colors and of course all backdropped by the end of the Flagger Railroad bridge, the scene of so many famous sunset photos.   The entire Key of Bahia Honda is a State Park and is unihabitated, so the only way to stay is to camp and it’s virtually impossible to get a camping spot unless you plan ahead a long time.  However, fortune was with us and we were somehow able to grab one night when a cancellation popped up.  We planned the rest of our Keys trip around this elusive date and off we went!

As we arrived at the end of the Seven Mile Bridge and came into Bahia Honda we were greeted with exactly what we expected…. beauty everywhere!  We were so enraptured that we drove right by the park entrance and out of the Key and had to pull a U-turn and go back!   We were so excited as we entered the park and came up to the Ranger Station.  However, as we rolled our window down we were greeted with a stench like no other… Rotton Eggs!  It seemed to be everywhere and permeated our nostrils…. what the hell was that smell???

We were soon educated by the friendly Ranger who showed us a sign and told us:

“The smell is the Sea Grass.  We don’t clean it up here.  Did you know the sea grass often spotted on our beaches is a vital part of the park’s ecosystem?”

He continued,

  • It provides food for the shorebirds
  • It prevents beach erosion
  • It fertilizes the plants that grow near and on the beach.

When I could gathered my wits I looked at him and said, “So, you mean to tell me that you let your beaches stink for people who drive thousands of miles to see this beautiful places because the animals don’t mind the stench while they’re feeding on it?”

He didn’t think I was very funny.

Listen, this place is beautiful.  It’s also right next to Looe Key which has the best snorkeling in the Keys in our opinion.  But imagine looking at the most beautiful painting in the world while someone smears Poop on your lip because the smell is good for the painting.  I doubt you would stay long….

Here’s our message to Bahia Honda…. Clean up your freaking beaches!  This place is disgusting.  I’m sure you can figure a better way to coexist with the animals then making the people want to throw up!