The Blue Hole on Big Pine Key: Everything You Need to Know to Visit

There are a few things in the Florida Keys that people know about but they aren’t quite sure what it is or if it’s something to check out, and the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key is just that. The Blue Hole is this kind of weird, off the beaten path remnant from the quarrying days of the railroad, and today it’s rather a haven for wildlife. On first glance you might not be impressed or interested, but it’s actually pretty cool and it’s worth stopping at.

Have you made the drive out to the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key? We’ve got all the info you need for planning a little visit and seeing what wildlife is hanging out here. I think you’ll enjoy the trip. If you have any questions about visiting the Blue Hole or the Key Deer Refuge, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a wonderful trip in the Florida Keys.

Why Visit the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key?

For me, as a wildlife photographer, I love visiting the Blue Hole because you just never know what you’re going to see when you’re here. This pond is the largest freshwater body in the Florida Keys, and as such has a unique little ecosystem going on. It’s not a spring, but the Blue Hole is actually a pit left from when the stone of Big Pine Key was being quarried for building the railroad (similar to the quarry you’ll see at Windley Key Fossil State Park). The pit filled in with rainwater and flowing saltwater over time, and now it’s a predominently fresh body of water, with a lean towards the brackish depending on what’s happening with the tides and storms. It’s very unique.

The thing that keeps bringing us back to the Blue Hole each time we cross Big Pine Key is the wildlife. A part of the National Key Deer Refuge, the Blue Hole tends to attract the little deer and it’s a pretty consistent place to see them. Beyond the Key Deer though, there’s something else that you’ll find in the Blue Hole that you won’t likely see anywhere else in the Florida Keys: alligators. Yes, there are at least two resident alligators in the Blue Hole, and you’ll only find them here, as there aren’t any other freshwater ponds like this in the Keys.

In addition to the gators, you’ve also got lots of cool birds to watch for here, and iguanas too. If you’re a birder, keep an eye out for the white crowned pigeon (it’s big!), green herons, great blue herons, egrets, osprey and even the occasional roseate spoonbill. Also, if you keep your ears open, listen for the kingfishers when you’re at the Blue Hole, because they’re fast fliers and if you hear one you may get to see one too!

Tips for Visiting the Blue Hole

When you’re doing the Florida Keys road trip and nearing the end, you’ll reach Big Pine Key just after the Seven Mile Bridge. When you get to this point you know you’re nearly to Key West. Because so many people just want to get to their destination, they just skip over Big Pine Key, but you’re not going to do that! From the Overseas Highway you’ll turn onto Key Deer Blvd and drive about two miles, watching for deer the whole way. It’ll take maybe ten minutes to get here.

Once you’re at the Blue Hole, there’s a short trail that goes around half of the pond. In total it’s a .3 mile walk and is really easy and level. You’ll have several lookouts to be able to watch for wildlife in and around the Blue Hole, so take your time stopping at the different openings as you explore. Remember, there are alligators here so stay on the trail and be mindful when you’re near the water’s edge. Gators don’t want anything to do with you, but if you’re walking around snacking and not paying attention, you may have an encounter you don’t plan on.

Because the Blue Hole can’t be fully circumnavigated on foot, it’s not a long visit. You can set aside a little more than a half hour to be able to do the trail and a little wildlife watching. If you’re here for the birdwatching and wildlife photography you’ll need more time, as you’ll want to sit and let the atmosphere settle so you can observe the Blue Hole in peace.

NOTE: the Key Deer have become very accustomed to humans and they’re quite bold. They may come up to you directly and will absolutely try to get any snacks you have. KEEP THEM WILD. Do not feed the wildlife of any sort, no matter how persuasive the Key Deer are.

Being Prepared for Big Pine Key’s Blue Hole

Whether you’re just visiting the Blue Hole for a quick peek to see the alligators or if you plan on spending a fair amount of time here, you’ll want to bring two things any time of year: water and bug spray. It’s rare that I recommend using bug spray, but due to the standing water at the Blue Hole there does tend to be more mosquito presence here than other places in the Florida Keys. I don’t think it’s bad, but it’s not void of the bugs. The best way to avoid them is to use your preferred bug spray when you first arrive and then keep moving while you’re visiting. The mosquitoes at the Blue Hole are much worse in the summer months than any other time of year, but even in winter you may see them.

And bring water, especially on hot days. The trail around the Blue Hole is short and doesn’t go off on rogue spurs, so you won’t be getting lost, but if you’re enjoying your visit and the wildlife, you’ll want to stay hydrated. It’s pretty hot and stagnant here, so be prepared and smart. I always bring my big camera with me when I walk around the Blue Hole. The wildlife is so cool, and it’s really quite unique that you can see alligators here. There are lots of great wildlife photography opportunities all around, so keep your eyes peeled and enjoy getting photos of the many birds and reptiles all around the Blue Hole.

Parking at the Blue Hole

There are two parking areas at the Blue Hole. When you arrive to Big Pine Key from the north, you’ll be making a right onto Key Deer Blvd and driving SLOWLY and CAUTIOUSLY towards the Blue Hole. As you arrive you can either park at the main area, which usually has ample spots available, or you can veer left and park at the smaller parking area on the southwest side of the pond. Be sure you’re not parking in a way that blocks traffic or driveways, and if you’re driving a convertible be sure it’s CLOSED when you get out to walk around the Blue Hole. The birds, iguanas and Key Deer will find any and everything edible in your car, so don’t leave it open!