Bahia Honda Key

Bahia Honda is an island in the lower Florida Keys.U.S. 1 (the Overseas Highway) crosses the key at approximately mile markers 36-38.5, between Ohio Key and Spanish Harbor Key 12mi west of Marathon, close to the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge.The island is virtually uninhabited, being home to the 524acre Bahia Honda State Park. Founded in 1961, the park occupies most of the island. The channel at the island's west end is one of the deepest natural channels in the Florida Keys.FaunaMarine life is quite plentiful in the waters surrounding the island. Just off the beach snorkelers can spot many species of small reef fish, as well as rays, barracuda, and even the occasional small nurse shark.The only known natural colony of the now rare Miami blue butterfly was discovered in the park in 1999. The butterfly had been thought to have become extinct as a result of Hurricane Andrew in 1992.FloraSeveral rare plants, including yellow satinwood, Florida silver palm, Key thatch palm, and the endangered small-flowered lily-thorn are found in the park.