Bahia Honda State Park shoreline

Bahia Honda State Park

Big Pine Key

The best natural beach in the Keys. Very different rules here: most collecting is restricted and corals are fully protected.

Photo: Daniel Di Palma · CC BY-SA 4.0

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74/100
GoodHigh confidence

1.5 ft of tide swing with the low in daylight, 16 mph E wind pushing onshore, 2.0 ft seas, 0.23 in of rain expected.

Best window 12:46 PM – 3:16 PM

BeachNut estimate

Conditions

Weather
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Air
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Water
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Rain (24h)
0.00 in

Live weather and marine data from Open-Meteo; tide predictions from NOAA CO-OPS station Bahia Honda Key, Bahia Honda Channel.

Where it is

Big Pine Key

Tides

  • Low

    2:16 PM

    0.081 ft

  • High

    8:41 PM

    0.798 ft

  • Low

    1:02 AM

    0.402 ft

  • High

    7:50 AM

    1.635 ft

  • Low

    3:34 PM

    0.024 ft

  • High

    10:23 PM

    0.746 ft

  • Low

    2:03 AM

    0.429 ft

  • High

    9:04 AM

    1.704 ft

What people find here

  • ShellsFair

    Collecting is heavily restricted here.

    BeachNut estimate
  • Shark teethPoor
    BeachNut estimate
  • FossilsFair
    BeachNut estimate
  • Sea glassPoor
    BeachNut estimate
  • Sea beansGood

    Drift seeds arrive on southeast wind.

    BeachNut estimate
  • Sand dollarsFair
    BeachNut estimate
  • Tidepool lifeVery good

    Shallow protected water, photograph rather than collect.

    BeachNut estimate

Search guidance

Snorkel and photograph rather than collectCheck the tide line for sea beans after a strong southeast windLeave all coral, live shell and sponge in place

Rules and ethics

  • No live shelling

    Florida law prohibits taking live shellfish, including live queen and horse conch, in many areas. Check every shell for a living animal and return it to the water.

    Official sourceVerified 7/27/2026Source

  • State park collecting limits

    Florida State Parks limit removal of natural material. Take only unoccupied loose shells and leave plants, driftwood and wildlife in place.

    Official sourceVerified 7/27/2026Source

  • Coral and sponge are fully protected

    Taking coral, sea fans or sponge is prohibited throughout the Florida Keys, alive or dead. Photograph and leave in place.

    Official sourceVerified 7/27/2026Source

  • Sea turtle nesting season

    From May through October, nesting is active. Fill in holes, flatten sand castles, remove gear at night and keep white lights off the beach.

    Official sourceVerified 7/27/2026Source

  • Dogs are not permitted on the beach

    Leashed dogs are allowed only in designated areas outside the beach itself.

    Official sourceVerified 7/27/2026Source

Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before collecting.

Access points

  • Bahia Honda State Park main access

    Two paved lots · 8:00 a.m. until sundown · Included with admission · Paved path and beach wheelchair access

Practical info

Parking
Two paved lots
Restrooms
Yes
Dogs
Not allowed
Fee
Included with admission