Cayo Costa State Park

Tired of crowded beaches with a backdrop of houses and condos? Want to experience a primitive barrier island? Then you might want to consider visiting Cayo Costa, located directly south of Boca Grande and west of Pine Island. It is accessible only by ferry or private boat. Cayo Costa, 2426 acres on one of Florida’s largest unspoiled barrier islands, offers nine miles of beautiful beaches and acres of pine forest, oak-palm hammocks and mangrove swamps, making it a Gulf Coast paradise. Visitors can see manatees, dolphins, an assortment of birds, feral hogs and sea turtles during nesting season. On the island, you can swim or snorkel in the surf, enjoy the sun and picnic in the shade. Shelling and beachcombing bring awesome results. The nature trails that crisscross the island provide opportunities for hiking and off-road bicycling. Saltwater anglers might catch flounder, snook, trout, redfish, snapper, whiting, sheepshead and tarpon. An amphitheater provides educational programs about the island’s ecology and history. There are kayak, paddleboard and bike rentals available. Volunteers and park rangers can answer questions and concerns. 

 For overnight stays, the park offers primitive cabins and tent camping that can be reserved through Reserve America (800•326•3521) up to 11 months in advance. Primitive is the right adjective as cabins are one-room wooden structures with 3 sets of bunk beds, picnic table and a fire circle just outside.  There is no electric or water. Restroom facilities have flushable toilets and cold water rinse-off showers. Potable water is available at the restrooms. You must bring everything from food, cooking utensils, water, chairs, lanterns, bedding, and don’t forget the bug spray and sunscreen. There is a small camp store selling snacks, cold drinks, ice and firewood. A free tram transports you and your gear from dockside to camping areas from 10am to 4pm. Pets are not permitted in cabins or the cabin area. 

 There is limited bayside docking for day visitors and overnight boat camping. No electric or water hook-up is available at the dock but there are restrooms nearby. 

 Captiva Cruises offers ferry service to the park from locations in Punta Gorda, Pine Island, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. King Fisher Fleet offers service from Punta Gorda and Tropic Star from Pine Island. Reservations are required. The park is open from 8am until sundown, 365 days a year. Admission fee: $2. The Ranger Station is open until 4pm daily. Phone 964•0375.