Beach at Cayo Costa

Cayo Costa State Park

Encounter a staggering nine miles of untouched beaches

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Ranger Station is open until 4 p.m. daily.

Fees

$2 per person. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required.

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Location

4 Nautical Miles West of Pine Island (26.685789, -82.245381)
Cayo Costa FL 33922

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Contact Info

941-964-0375

Welcome to Cayo Costa State Park

Cayo Costa State Park protects the Charlotte Harbor Estuary and provides visitors with a majestic piece of untouched Florida.

An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. This especially rings true for Cayo Costa Island. Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians features nine miles of undeveloped shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, birdwatching and exploration along with several walking and bicycling trails through the island’s interior. Shorebirds are numerous and one might spot manatees, porpoises and sea turtles offshore.

This is coastal Florida at its best! Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations. Visitors are reminded that camping is allowed only in designated sites in the campground on Cayo Costa.

Plan Your Visit

Park Manager, Stump Pass Beach Costa State Park
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Manager's Message

Cayo Costa State Park is a unique island with a rich history of Old Florida. The park offers over 9 miles of beautiful beach along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can swim, fish, collect shells and walk the numerous trails. Please remember that the park is accessible only by boat.
Cayo Costa VS
Service

Captiva Cruises

Captiva Cruises is the Official State Park Concessionaire for Cayo Costa State Park, Gasparilla Island State Park, Don Pedro Island State Park, Stump Pass Beach State Park, Jug Creek Cottages and oversees all transportation and concessions.
A kayak sitting by the water's edge.
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Activities abound at Cayo Costa

Enjoy a variety of activities at Cayo Costa. Whether it's on the water, land or somewhere in between, Cayo Costa has something for everyone to enjoy.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Boating
Boating
Camping
Camping
Camping Boat
Camping Boat
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Shelling
Shelling
Swimming
Swimming
Tours
Tours
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Beach
Beach
Cabins
Cabins
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Shower Station
Shower Station

Cayo Costa State Park Photo Gallery

Tent Camping at Cayo Costa
Beach with driftwood
Shoreline of Beach
Shaded trail at Cayo Costa
View of the Milky way
A dolphin jumping out of the water.
Birds walking along the shore of the beach.
A bike in the middle of a sandy bike trail.
A sunset over the beach, with the orange sun peaking through the trees.
Bird at the shore
An underwater view of a sea turtle underwater.
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Sea Turtles at Cayo Costa

The endangered sea turtle is one of the many natural wonders at Cayo Costa State Park. Park staff and volunteers work hard to ensure the survival of these amazing creatures.
A view of the sunset between the trees at Cayo Costa.
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Culture of Cayo Costa

Visiting this remote barrier island is like stepping into a time machine to the past. Experience the subtropical wilderness and expansive beaches on this secluded little island.

People Make the Parks

Bill Nash, smiling at the camera, wearing his ranger uniform.

Staff Spotlight

Tucked away among the beautiful barrier islands, Bill Nash has found his own slice of paradise at Cayo Costa State Park.
Dennis, standing by a truck, smiling at the camera.

Volunteer Spotlight

Dennis Romig has been a volunteer for over a decade and loves doing what he can to help others appreciate Cayo Costa as much as he does.
The Friends group smiling for a group photo.

Friends of Cayo Costa

Friends of Cayo Costa is a committee of the Barrier Island Parks Society with the goal to preserve, protect, and promote the pristine barrier island.

This Park is Recognized by:

Green Lodging

Park Map

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Giel walking toward the beach on a boardwalk

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