Activities at Cayo Costa State Park
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BeachesThe island is approximately seven miles long and has nearly nine and one-half miles of pristine beach on the Gulf of Mexico. This beach is perfect for shelling, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, and sunbathing. |
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BicyclingEnjoy a leisurely bike ride on our trails, which meander through our beautiful barrier island. Bicycles are available at the ranger station for half or full day rental. |
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BoatingOur bayside docks offer ten boat slips where boaters may camp onboard their boats with our bayside restroom facilities conveniently located for their use. |
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CabinsCabins are available on Cayo Costa. Each cabin sleeps up to six people. Each cabin is furnished with three bunk beds and a table. The cabins are very primitive and do not have electricity or any other amenities. They are centrally located to bathrooms and showers. There are grills available for cooking. Each cabin is conveniently located to the beach area and nature trails. Tent camping sites are available for up to 8 people per site. There is a picnic table and a ground grill provided at each site. The sites are centrally located to bathrooms and showers and conveniently located to the beach area and nature trails. Cayo Costa has modern restroom facilities, conveniently located in the camping areas, equipped with flushable toilets and cold water rinse-off showers. Potable water is also available at the restrooms. Access to the island is by Ferry Service from several Charter Boat Services. Visitors must carry in all food and drinks, as there are no facilities on the island. All items must be taken off the island upon departure. For more information on camping in our park simply click on the Reserve America link. Clicking on the park map or selecting one of the camping area links just below the park map will allow you to see a map of the individual campsite locations. Select any campsite icon to see a detailed description of the individual campsite and what it has to offer.
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Campfire CircleThree fire circles, located in the camping area, offer campers a place to relax and enjoy a taste of the Real Florida. |
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Canoeing & KayakingKayak rentals are available through Tropic Star of Pine Island Call (239) 283-0015 for more information. |
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ConcessionsTropicStar, our state concessionaire ferry service, makes several trips daily to the Park. Kayaks and canoes are also available for rental through TropicStar. For more information on the ferry service visit their website at Tropic Star Cruises. The ranger station houses our gift shop where you may purchase a souvenir of your visit. There is also ice available for sale by the scoop. And, our rangers are a source of valuable information on the island’s history, natural and cultural resources. |
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FacilitiesBathroom facilities are available and ADA accesible. Facilities are also available at the bayside/boat slips and conveniently located for boat camper use.
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Fishing
Surf fishing can yield catches of flounder, snook, trout, redfish, snapper, whiting, sheepshead and tarpon. |
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Interpretive ProgramsLocated in the day-use area, our amphitheater provides a centralized location for our interpretive programs. These programs, given by our rangers, cover a wide variety of topics including the history of the island and interpretation of the natural resources found on the island. These programs are scheduled for Fridays at 1:30 PM. On Saturday nights from October through May, there are slideshow programs for our overnight visitors. |
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Nature TrailsEnjoy a leisurely walk on our nature trails, which meander through our 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. Some of these species use our island’s natural resources for their nesting activities. |
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PavilionsPavilions are available for rent or on a first come first serve basis. Please call the park for more information. |
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Pet CampingTent camping sites are available for up to 8 people per site. There is a picnic table and a ground grill provided at each site. The sites are centrally located to bathrooms and showers and
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PetsPets are allowed in this park, however, not on the beaches or in the cabin area. They must be well-behaved and kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash at all times. Pets must not be left unattended, nor taken into restroom facilities or onto playground equipment. Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as required by law. |
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PicnickingA picnic pavilion, restroom facility, tables and grills are available on the island. |
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ScubaScuba diving can be done off of the beaches |
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ShowersCayo Costa has modern restroom facilities, conveniently located in the camping areas, equipped with flushable toilets and cold water rinse-off showers. Potable water is also available at the restrooms. |
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SnorkelingSnorkel in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You must provide you own equipment. |
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SwimmingEnjoy swimming and snorkeling in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Our 9 miles of beautiful beaches are excellent for sunbathing and collecting shells, contributing to the overall wonderful experience. |
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Wildlife ViewingManatees, porpoises, and a multitude of shorebirds are just a few of the wildlife you may observe during your visit. Sea turtle nesting season begins in May and continues until September. These nests are protected by law and easily recognized by the wooden stakes used to mark them. |
