- Attraction: Cayo Costa State Park
- Location: Island South of Boca Grande, Boca Grande, FL 33921
- Industry: State Park
- Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/CayoCosta
What if you could step foot on a Florida island that looks exactly like it did 250 years ago?
Cayo Costa State Park offers visitors a chance to experience 9 miles of pristine, untouched beaches that are only accessible by boat – making this 2,436-acre barrier island one of Florida’s most secluded treasures.
This former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians has remained virtually unchanged since European settlers first arrived, creating an authentic time capsule experience just off the coast of Southwest Florida.
Paradise truly awaits at this magnificent piece of untouched Florida, where wind-shaped trees, pristine dunes, and endless beaches create the perfect setting for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Unlike crowded mainland beaches, Cayo Costa rewards adventurous visitors with solitude and natural beauty that’s become increasingly rare in the Sunshine State.
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Keep Exploring →Incredible Beach & Water Activities
World-Class Shelling: You’ll discover some of Florida’s best shelling opportunities along Cayo Costa’s expansive coastline.
Collectors can find a multitude of shells, including clam, scallop, oyster, and olives scattered across the beaches. The southern tip offers the most secluded shelling experience with the softest sand and amazing shell variety, while different areas of the beach yield specific treasures – go right for olives and left for sand dollars and whelks.
Early morning visits give campers the first pick of freshly washed-up shells, especially after storms when the best specimens appear.
Pristine Swimming Waters: The water here is warm and easy to enter, with gentle waves that make swimming comfortable for all skill levels.
The soft, white sandy shore stretches along the coast with gentle waves making it ideal for families with children. Visitors consistently rave about the crystal-clear, turquoise waters and impossibly soft sand that rivals any tropical destination.
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Discover MoreOutstanding Fishing Opportunities: Surf fishing can yield impressive catches of flounder, snook, trout, redfish, snapper, whiting, sheepshead, and tarpon.
There’s an excellent estuary just south of the camping area that provides fantastic fishing experiences. You’ll need a valid Florida fishing license, but the variety and quality of fish make it well worth the investment.
Wildlife Viewing Paradise: Paddle to the cove and then head to the right about halfway to discover manatees in their natural habitat. You might spot manatees, porpoises, and sea turtles offshore, while numerous shorebirds populate the beaches and mangroves.
Part of the Great American Birding Trail, the beaches serve as a haven for shorebirds like American Oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, and Snowy Plovers, while Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and Frigate Birds soar overhead.
Island Exploration & Atmosphere
Historic Trails & Natural Beauty: The park features more than six miles of biking and hiking trails that wind through acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks, and mangrove swamps.
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Keep Exploring →Today you can explore nine recorded historic sites, including remnants of two fishing villages, a homestead, three U.S. military and maritime-related sites, and two cemeteries.
The Quarantine Trail leads northward to the site of the former U.S. Quarantine Station, while you can also visit the island’s historic cemetery in the interior.
Untouched Island Setting: The further south you walk on the beach, the more secluded it becomes, with the north side featuring a picturesque palm tree forest scattered with interesting driftwood. You can walk on the beach for hours without seeing another person, creating a true sense of isolation and tranquility.
Wind-sculpted trees, bleached driftwood, and sandbars jutting into impossibly turquoise waters define this natural wonderland.
Camping Under the Stars: The campsites feature a windblock of trees so you can’t directly see the beach, but you can hear the waves, with only a three-minute walk to the remote shoreline. For stargazing enthusiasts, the lack of light pollution makes Cayo Costa perfect for meteor shower viewing and nighttime beach walks.
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Discover MoreThe park offers 12 primitive camping cabins and 30 tent sites, each with its own picnic table and fire pit.
Other Considerations
Transportation & Access: The ferry departs from Jug Creek Marina at 16498 Tortuga St in Bokeelia, FL, requiring advance reservations.
Ferry tickets can be purchased in advance through authorized services, with half-day and full-day options available. Admission to the park requires a $2 per person fee, payable through an honor box or by purchasing single-use day passes online.
You’ll need to bring cash since they don’t accept credit cards on the island.
Essential Planning Tips: Bring a picnic lunch and drinks as there are no food concessions available on the island. Pack plenty of DEET bug spray and sunscreen for each day of your visit. Ice and firewood are available for purchase at the camp store, making extended stays more comfortable.
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Keep Exploring →Avoid bringing large coolers that don’t roll over sand, as the walk to the beach can be challenging with heavy gear.
Best Times to Visit: Peak season runs from November to April when weather is dry and comfortable with mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities. For the most comfortable camping experience, visit during spring or autumn when temperatures are more forgiving.
Winter visits during dry season mean fewer bugs, though you’ll still want bug spray for dawn and dusk.
Hurricane Recovery Status: As of November 2024, Cayo Costa State Park has sustained significant hurricane damage making the docks unusable, with no overnight stays or camping currently available.
Captiva Cruises is currently operating limited ferries to the south end of the island for beach experiences on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am to noon.
Cayo Costa State Park
📍 Island South of Boca Grande, Boca Grande, FL 33921
