These are two "gravel pits", one on either side of the Bahia Honda new bridge. They were dug for fill material to make the embankment ramps that lead up to the bridge, circa 1972. In 1972 they were muddy, low visibility, almost lifeless pits, and they are almos the same now. Problem is poor water exchange/circulation. Each pit has a narrow, shallow mouth leading to bay. Mouth is only 10 feet or so, and pit itself is deeper (when dug they were about 42 feet deep in center. have filled in now with time). The constricted mouth of the pit creates poor water exchange and is why they remain almost lifeless, compared with water on other side of pit. You used to be able to drive all the way out to the end. Camped there in a van many a night back in 70's. Was kind of nice, all alone, but times change. I would not recommed this place as a dive, other than for kids who need to gain a little experience. Nothing much to see. Much better as a kayak launch. Two years ago when my 13 year old was not quite 11, we dove it. Someone had removed the guard rail that blocks vehicles from driving out to the water's edge. So I drove up to water, unloaded gear for my boys and I, then drove back to parking area and it worked out fine. This hole will always be marginal and with low visibility due to mud bottom and poor water circulation. Good place for low time divers to get a dive in when diving everywhere else is too rough, but that's it. Hope this helps. Will in Sarasota. Have fun. Dive safe.
