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

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 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

Bryon Maxwell, Park Manger
Learn

Manager's Message

Cayo Costa State Park is a unique island with a rich history of old Florida. Accessible only by boat, the park offers over 9 miles of beautiful beach along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
A kayak sitting by the water's edge.
Learn

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.
Learn

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.
Learn

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.
Learn

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

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

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Beach
Beach
Cabins
Cabins
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Pets
Pets
Recycling
Recycling
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.
Learn

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.
Learn

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

More Places You Might Like

See all parks
Giel walking toward the beach on a boardwalk

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.

#1 Causeway Blvd.
Dunedin FL 34698

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
Boca Grande FL 33921

Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Framed in forests of mangrove trees, the shell mounds and ridges of Mound Key rise more than 30 feet above the waters of Estero Bay.

C/O Koreshan State Park
3800 Corkscrew Road
Estero FL 33928