Experiences & Amenities

Docks available for day use only are located on the bay side via a channel from the Intracoastal Waterway. Look for the signs leading the way to the park and the docks.

The closest channel marker number is 35 Green.

Fishing is available on both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico and can yield catches of flounder, snook, trout, redfish, snapper, whiting, sheepshead and tarpon.

• 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 website, Fishing in Florida.

Enjoy a leisurely walk on nature trails that meander through the island's 11 distinct natural communities. Along the way you can see the island's protected plant species, including giant leather fern, spreading air plant and coontie.

Paddling rentals are available at the park through park concessionaire SUP Englewood.

For questions regarding paddling at Don Pedro Island State Park, please call the administration office at 941-265-2925, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding major holidays.

A first-come, first-served picnic pavilion plus a restroom facility, tables and grills are available on the island.

Scuba diving can be enjoyed along the beaches. You must provide your own equipment.

For everyone's safety, the following rules must be observed:

• All persons participating in scuba diving activities do so at their own risk.
• Each diver must dive within the limits of their certification.
• A dive party must consist of at least two divers.
• A diver-down flag must be displayed.
• Fossils and artifacts must not be disturbed or removed. Aquatic plants must not be trampled or disturbed.
• Do not carve or otherwise deface rocks or any other surfaces.
• Keep a minimum distance of 50 feet between you and manatees at all times.
• Dives must be completed one hour before sunset.
• Spearfishing is not permitted within state park boundaries.

Snorkel in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You must provide your own equipment.

The park offers sunbathing and swimming on its beautiful Gulf beaches. Keep in mind, Don Pedro Island State Park is located on Little Gasparilla Island and is accessible only by private boat.

Don Pedro Island State Park Land Base, which is accessible by vehicle, does not offer swimming.

Some of the protected animal species that may be seen along the island are the West Indian manatee, gopher tortoise, Southern bald eagle, least tern, royal tern, sandwich tern and the American oystercatcher.