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Hurricane Ian Update

Cayo Costa State Park is closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian.

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Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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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.

See all fees
 

Location

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

Get directions

Contact Info

941-964-0375

Park Menu

  • Hours and Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History

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.

Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

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 9 miles of undeveloped shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, bird-watching. Shorebirds are numerous, and one might spot manatees, porpoises and sea turtles offshore.

Plan Your Visit

Bryon Maxwell, Park Manger
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Manager's Message

Cayo Costa State Park is closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian.
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.
Cayo Costa VS
Service

Captiva Cruises

Captiva Cruises is the official state park concessionaire for Cayo Costa, Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro Island and Stump Pass Beach state parks and Jug Creek Cottages, and it oversees all transportation and concessions.
A view of the solar panels.
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Solar Power at Cayo Costa

Cayo Costa State Park has made huge strides to reduce its use of diesel fuel with the installation of a solar power system.
Shorebirds in Anastasia State Park.
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Sharing the Beach with Nesting Wildlife

There are over 100 miles of beaches protected by Florida State Parks, and they’re also important refuges for nesting wildlife. If you plan on heading to the beach, check out these practical tips for making the beach safer for wildlife and their nests.
Annual Pass displayed over water and sky.
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Florida State Parks Annual Pass

Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year.

Experiences

Boating
Boating
Fishing
Fishing
Paddling
Paddling
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving
Shelling
Shelling
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Swimming
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Beach
Beach
Pets
Pets
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

Cayo Costa State Park Photo Gallery

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 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

Samantha Spooner, environmental specialist at Cayo Costa State Park.

Staff Spotlight

Samantha is a self-proclaimed "water bug" who spends her time enjoying the coastal environment at Cayo Costa State Park.
Dennis, standing by a truck, smiling at the camera.

Volunteer Spotlight

Dennis 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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This secluded island at the mouth of Tampa Bay holds rich American history and stunning natural beauty. Although this park is primarily a wildlife refuge, it can be a personal refuge - a place to relax and collect shells along secluded, pristine beaches.

4905 34th St. South, #5000
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Honeymoon Island State Park

The white sand beaches and diverse nature trails of Honeymoon Island State Park make this barrier island an ideal place to get away from it all. One of Florida’s best-loved state parks, Honeymoon Island has more than four miles of beach to explore along with a three-mile trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests.

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Gasparilla Island State Park

Gasparilla Island State Park

Separated from the mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, this island is part of a chain of Gulf Coast barrier islands. The centerpiece of Gasparilla is the restored Port Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890.

880 Belcher Road
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Florida State Parks

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Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:
(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:
FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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