Welcome to Cayo Costa, Florida
Cayo Costa, located along the Gulf of Mexico just west of Fort Myers, is one of the largest barrier islands in Florida. A location that is only accessible by boat or kayak is among the most relaxing Florida Beaches with good reason. If you do not have your own boat, you can book your passage on the ferry through the park's concessionaire, Captiva Cruises. You can hitch a ride and enjoy the quiet comfort of one of the best secluded beaches in Florida Gulf Coast.
Cayo Costa Beach Picture Gallery Copyright © 2024 Gabriela Branisteanu
The island is approximately 7 miles long and has nearly 9.5 miles of pristine beach perfect for shelling, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, hiking and sunbathing. The north end of the island is the widest at a mile wide. The island is located four miles east of Pine Island and six miles north of Captiva Island. The main State Park area is at the north end of the island.
Cayo Costa State Park is a unique island with a rich history of old Florida. For 4,000 or more years before the arrival of Europeans in Florida, a succession of Native American fishing cultures lived and worked in the Charlotte Harbor area. Several of their shell mounds are located on Cayo Costa, which means 'Key by the Coast' or barrier island. In the early 1800s, Spanish fishermen from Cuba established 'fishing ranchos' on islands along Florida's west coast.
The park is one of Florida’s most underdeveloped islands where visitors are rewarded with acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks, mangrove swamps, nature trails, and shady picnic areas. It’s full of wildlife and natural wonders such as wind-shaped trees and dunes. On this unique barrier island, visitors enjoy the nearly 6 miles of trails that wind their way through three distinct ecosystems.
The highlight of Cayo Costa is the 8-plus miles of undeveloped, natural beaches. Even during the busiest season, it is not hard to find peace and quiet. Many of our visitors come to Cayo Costa State Park just for the shelling along the Gulf beach. Cayo Costa and nearby Sanibel Island are world renowned for their shelling opportunities. Collectors can find a multitude of shells, including clam, scallop, oyster and olives. Fishing is also very popular on the island and offers you a chance to hook into snook, redfish, pompano, tarpon and many other species.
If you want to catch a glimpse of manatees, sea turtles, and porpoises, this is the place to find them offshore. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the nature trails that meander through the beautiful barrier island. Along the way you can see many species of birds, including several rare and endangered, that visit our island in the spring and fall during their migratory journeys.
Experience the thrill of paddling through the crystal-clear waters and encountering various species of wildlife. Kayak rentals are available through the gift shop.
Hundreds of nesting sea turtles come to the island during the summer months to lay their eggs. You may see a ranger in the earlier morning hours patrolling the beach to mark these nests. Park rangers do this to ensure the future of the species.
Visitors can enjoy a day trip to the park or camp overnight at a tent site or rent a primitive cabin. This barrier island park is a Gulf Coast paradise. A night on Cayo Costa is like the best parts of being shipwrecked on a desert island, except you have flush toilets and showers.
Cayo Costa State Park is a unique island with a rich history of old Florida. For 4,000 or more years before the arrival of Europeans in Florida, a succession of Native American fishing cultures lived and worked in the Charlotte Harbor area. Several of their shell mounds are located on Cayo Costa, which means 'Key by the Coast' or barrier island. In the early 1800s, Spanish fishermen from Cuba established 'fishing ranchos' on islands along Florida's west coast.
The park is one of Florida’s most underdeveloped islands where visitors are rewarded with acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks, mangrove swamps, nature trails, and shady picnic areas. It’s full of wildlife and natural wonders such as wind-shaped trees and dunes. On this unique barrier island, visitors enjoy the nearly 6 miles of trails that wind their way through three distinct ecosystems.
The highlight of Cayo Costa is the 8-plus miles of undeveloped, natural beaches. Even during the busiest season, it is not hard to find peace and quiet. Many of our visitors come to Cayo Costa State Park just for the shelling along the Gulf beach. Cayo Costa and nearby Sanibel Island are world renowned for their shelling opportunities. Collectors can find a multitude of shells, including clam, scallop, oyster and olives. Fishing is also very popular on the island and offers you a chance to hook into snook, redfish, pompano, tarpon and many other species.
If you want to catch a glimpse of manatees, sea turtles, and porpoises, this is the place to find them offshore. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the nature trails that meander through the beautiful barrier island. Along the way you can see many species of birds, including several rare and endangered, that visit our island in the spring and fall during their migratory journeys.
Experience the thrill of paddling through the crystal-clear waters and encountering various species of wildlife. Kayak rentals are available through the gift shop.
Hundreds of nesting sea turtles come to the island during the summer months to lay their eggs. You may see a ranger in the earlier morning hours patrolling the beach to mark these nests. Park rangers do this to ensure the future of the species.
Visitors can enjoy a day trip to the park or camp overnight at a tent site or rent a primitive cabin. This barrier island park is a Gulf Coast paradise. A night on Cayo Costa is like the best parts of being shipwrecked on a desert island, except you have flush toilets and showers.
Copyright © 2024 Gabriela Branisteanu
Pompano Beach, Florida
E-mail us at: gabriela@mysunnyflorida.com
TERMS OF USE ACCESSIBILITY
Pompano Beach, Florida
E-mail us at: gabriela@mysunnyflorida.com
TERMS OF USE ACCESSIBILITY