The channel between the old and new Bahia Honda bridges is one of the deepest natural channels in the Florida Keys. Bahia Honda is unique among other islands in the Keys because it has extensive sandy beaches and deep waters close enough offshore to provide exceptional swimming and snorkeling. The park, which encompasses 524 acres, includes one small island offshore on the southwest end of the park. The subtropical climate throughout the Florida Keys has created a natural environment found nowhere else in the continental U.S. Many plants in the park are rare and unusual, including marine plant and animal species of Caribbean origin. Trees in the community include the yellow satinwood, gumbo limbo and silver palm. The park has one of the largest remaining stands of the threatened silver palms in the United States. A specimen of the silver palm and the yellow satinwood have been certified as national champion trees. Also found on the park grounds is the endangered small-flowered lily-thorn. These, and other natural wonders, may be viewed along the nature trail that follows the shore of a tidal lagoon at the far end of Sandspur Beach.

• Go snorkeling in the channels of the Florida Keys.