Testimonials for Cayo Costa State Park
- "What a beautiful place. We stayed in a cabin. There were 3 adults and 2 kids. We will be returning, and I hope to set up to volunteer there and keep this park for current and future visitors to share. The staff are friendly and informative with a great sense of humor. This is paradise. A life experience for both adults and children. A definite glorious break from our crowded busy daily lives. Wildlife, vegetation, and beaches that are worth more than its weight in gold 1000 times!!! We did not encounter any problems whatsoever. A place you should put on your list of things to do in your life. And we plan on doing it a few times a year. Thank you to everyone who works hard to keep it "paradise"."
March 5, 2004
Cheryl Mee - Cape Coral, FL - "A couple of friends and I went for spring break (college crowd) and it was the best I’ve ever had. The weather was great mid-march, the day hikes were beautiful and the beach was awesome. Watch out for the racoons though, they outsmarted us every night!"
January 21, 2004
- Raleigh, NC - "The rangers and maintenance people at Cayo Costa are some of the most helpful, professional and reasonable parks keepers we have ever met. They made our 5 day stay comfortable and safe. Please pass on to them, (Rick, Mike J.R., Charlie, and others) our deep appreciation. If all parks were run with the same enthusiasm and attitude of service of this camp you would not have a vacant site at any time. We again thank them."
December 3, 2003
Phillip C. Stephens - , - Cayo Costa SP is heaven on earth! With all the development up and down the coast, it's wonderful to find a place that's truly the "real Florida"
We were a bit concerned about having to haul our camping gear in case the rangers didn't show up, but the rangers are true professionals and run the transport service from (and to) the ferry to the camping area like a well-oiled machine.
We were only able to stay two nights, but are looking forward to our next, much longer stay!
Debbie Krumreich - Pinellas Park, FL - Cayo Costa is our favorite place!!! Cliff and I have made two visits so far(2004 and 2006) and actually like the post-hurricane island better because it's more native. You can't beat the scenery, especially out on the Point at any time of day. Staff is knowledgable and has a great sense of humor. We enjoy the relative comfort of the cabins and the wonderful quiet time after the day tourists leave. This is THE place to catch a tan or if you're skilled, a delicious sheepshead fish! We actually saw the legendary alligator this time and have pictures to prove it. Yeah!!! Also, dolphins frolicked so close to the point I thought sure one was going to beach itself. CC is a treasure. Thanks to all who help it remain so.
Kathy Franklin - Arvada, CO - I started going to the island when I was about 8 years old (1968) with my parents and extended family. We would rent about half of the cabins and stay for a week at least (sometimes longer) It was always the best vacation. I was back again in 2001 with my sisters and we were going to stay for only the day,(We ended up staying the night again in one of the cabins we stayed a children), again it was the best. We are now planning another big trip for the families, so our children will see the pleasure we had enjoyed most of our lives. Thank you so much for keeping the island the way it was...
Shannon Hosler - Jacksonville, Florida - We had high expectations and they were far exceeded in terms of a wonderful escape. We are kaykers/canoers and so had a wonderful time paddling around the leeward side of the island and exploring other nearby islands. Only complaint was some loud partiers up late at night but the rangers dealt with that. The rangers and staff are so friendly and helpful! By far the best part was sharing the sunsets with the dolphins cruising by the beach every night. And next time we will bring more stuff and a bigger tent as you dont have to ever carry your gear very far.
Kip, Kathi Cleaver - Acton, MA - I came across Cayo Coasta on a web site and wanted to know where it was and saw that it was just 3 hours north of where I live. It seemed very interesting and have been wanting to go camping for sometime. Made plans with friends and all of them could not go..I was determined and went on my own! I WAS SO HAPPY I DID...what a beautiful place....sandy bike trails lead you these secluded beaches and I can't tell you the last time I fell asleep at the beach for 3 hours, danced on the beach listining to my IPOD(no one to stare and poke fun at me..LOL)...so quite...so peaceful and beautiful...just to think I did not know about it until recently! Overnite camping in one of the Cabins can not be any easier with the Ferry service and Friendly Rangers driving you to your campsite.....Needless to say I went 2 weeks ago and I'm going again next week with my friends and if they can't make it....I'm still going!
Armando Gonzalez - Miami, Florida - When I have the chance to get away, I tend to seek out the places where "there are no people". I am not a fan of crowds of tourists or a sea of beach umbrellas. I guess that's how I stumbled upon the Cayo Costa website. I planned a week away for just myself, sight unseen. It sounded like the perfect place and it surpassed my expectations. I flew in from New York and managed, through public transportation, to make it to Tropic Star ferry. Since I flew, I had to pack efficiently. I tented in a great little "alcove" under the palm trees. My list making paid off and I had brought everything I needed, except an extra layer of clothing for the cold January nights on the island. The days were beautiful. I spent my time walking the trails and the deserted beaches until it was time for the breathtaking sunsets. My happy hour every night was spent in front of a sunset. A campfire at night (gather wood during the day),for cooking dinner and for warmth, and a good book was the perfect ending of a perfect day. Of course my family was concerned about my decision to spend a week on a "treacherous" deserted island by myself, but if you plan ahead knowing there are no stores, no electricity and cold showers, you will have an amazing experience. The staff at the Ranger Station was great, as was the staff of Tropic Star and Pine Island Taxi. I enjoyed this trip so much that I convinced two of my friends to come back with me in November. I am so excited to be returning to Cayo Costa! I hope they fall in love with it like I did. As far as pros and cons; I can only think of what was good about the island; an infinite supply of shells, deserted beaches, peace and quiet (weekends were a little bit more active...try to go during the week for total privacy)sunshine and sunsets.Since I have no problem with "roughing it" there are no cons. However, if you prefer the luxury of a hotel room, please stay away because I don't think I can bear to read another negative review from unprepared whiners!
Joanne Palombo - Stanfordville, New York
