Cayo Costa State Park is sited four nautical miles west of Pine Island (26.685789, -82.245381), Cayo Costa FL 33922.
Vibe
A secluded, unspoiled Gulf Coast island with nine miles of stunning beaches. You can get to Cayo Costa only by boat or kayak—and it’s worth the trip. A former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians, the island’s undeveloped shoreline is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, and bird-watching. Come to reconnect with nature or your loved ones.
See, feel
Trees sculpted by the winds. White sand and shell strewn beaches. Sandbars jutting out into impossibly turquoise, gin-clear waters. Cayo Costa is the definition of a natural wonderland, with innumerable shorebirds and sea life like manatees, dolphins and sea turtles. Here, you’re likely to see a few boats or kayaks pulled onto the sand or anchored just offshore, and perhaps a fisherman or a family hunting for shells. The sounds are the melody of the surf and birdsong. The waters are usually calm, but can be affected by tides, winds or offshore systems.
On or near the beach
Swimming and soaking up the sun are always popular, but Cayo Costa promises a wealth of other things to do. Fish in the surf for flounder, snook, and tarpon; paddle the shores for blow-your-mind wildlife viewing; or search for a multitude of shells that include clam, scallop, oyster and olives. Snorkeling delivers a fascinating way to explore the underwater world, as does Scuba. Part of the Great American Birding Trail, Cayo Costa beaches are a haven for shorebirds like American Oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, and Snowy Plovers, while its skies are a favorite with Ospreys, Bald Eagles and Frigate Birds. Check out more about Cayo Costa’s experiences.
Accessibility
The bathroom facilities are accessible.
Facilities
Cayo Costa offers bathrooms, but no electricity or drinking water. Please bring everything you need and take everything with you. The Ranger Station is open until 4 p.m. daily. Here’s help for planning your visit.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards; swim at your own risk.
Parking
Just pull your vessel up onto the sand or put down your anchor.
