Experiences
Boating
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park’s boat launch offers multiple opportunities for adventures on the water. Vessels enter Water Turkey Bay and cruise through the Cocohatchee River. Vessels can choose to travel north through the bay channels up to Estero Bay; east, continuing along the Cocohatchee River or head west into the Gulf of America through Wiggins Pass.
Fishing
Fishing covers a wide area around the park. You can fish from a vessel in the Gulf of America, Water Turkey Bay and the Cocohatchee River except within 200 feet of the park beach along the Gulf. The entire northern end of the beach at the park, to the double red flags in the middle of parking area five, is closed to water entry. Anglers must remain completely on dry land. Fishing can occur from the shoreline along Wiggins Pass or wade-fish in Water Turkey Bay.
Fishing is prohibited in the swimming areas of the park.
All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Geo-Seeking
Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed.
Hiking
The beach at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is the most used, non-designated trail winding over a mile north to Wiggins Pass. Beach wheelchairs are available, located at the north ends of parking areas one and three, for those with needs that might not allow them to walk on the beach. Stroll along the beach observing shorebirds, finding your perfect shell or experience dolphins cruising through the gulf.
Paddling
Launch your own kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard at the boat launch! Visitors can explore Water Turkey Bay, journey alongside the mangrove swamp, under bridges and through Wiggins Pass into the Gulf of America. Paddleboards are permitted on the beach. Whichever paddle adventure you choose will showcase wildlife and beautiful waterways.
Picnicking
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a beautiful destination for a lunch or sunset picnic. Pack a basket, cooler or bag with premade or store-bought goodies. Don’t forget to pack up your trash and pack it out of the park.
Picnic facilities, grills and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Swimming
Swim in the clear, warm water of the Gulf of America. We want to ensure visitors enjoy the experience in a safe manner. Dangerous currents and riptides can occur in Wiggins Pass. Therefore, swimming is permitted from the southern boundary of the park to the double red flags located on the beach in the middle of parking area five.
Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to its visitors.
The park offers:
- Portable restrooms.
- Parking.
- Beach wheelchairs are available in parking areas one and three. There is no charge, but they are available as first-come, first-serve.
- An electric beach wheelchair is available to visitors. There is no charge, but they are available as first-come, first-serve. The wheelchair is available at 8 a.m. and must be returned to the shop by the official park closing time. To utilize the beach wheelchair, please visit the office or call the office at 239-409-0637 to check availability.
Beach
Enjoy a stroll along one of the most pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park offers some of the best shelling opportunities on the Gulf Coast. Live shelling is prohibited.
Visitors are reminded to pay close attention to the Warning Flag Signs posted at each parking area entrance and on the beaches. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach.
Beach Warning Flags Signage
- Double red flags mean absolutely no swimming because of high winds and undertow currents.
- Red flag means high surf and/or strong currents. Swim with extreme caution.
- Yellow flag means swim with caution and stay close to the shore.
- Green flag means that the water is safe for swimming.
- Purple flag means that marine pests are present.
Please use caution, lifeguards are not provided.
Boat Ramp
The boat ramp accesses Water Turkey Bay, which leads into the Cocohatchee River. From the river, vessels can enter the Gulf of Mexico going west, continue onto the Cocohatchee River going east, or north through the channels to Estero Bay. The boat launch also offers a beautiful mangrove canopy entry into Water Turkey Bay for kayaks, paddleboards and canoes.
No vessels are permitted to anchor within 100 feet of the shoreline. Vessels, including jet skis, are prohibited from anchoring on the shoreline.
There is a boat ramp fee of $5 in addition to the park entry fee.
Concession and Restaurant
Forgot your beach chair or umbrella? Nature Recreation Management Concessionaire will be restoring services within Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park upon reopening. Located in parking area two near the beach access and the boat launch, services will be provided daily, weather dependent. Services available will include beach tents and chairs, pre-packaged food and watercraft.
Pets
Pets are allowed throughout the paved areas of the park, but they are NOT permitted on the beach. A dog’s natural instinct to hunt, chase and dig can endanger shorebirds, sea turtles and their nests. To protect wildlife on the beach, pets are to be kept on a 6-foot, hand-held leash at all times. Pets must not be left unattended, especially in a vehicle as temperatures inside vehicles can be dangerously high. Do not forget your baggies! All visitors must pick up after their pets.
It is important to follow these directions for the safety of our visitors, their pets, and our wildlife.
Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as required by law.
Florida State Parks Pet Policy.
