Wingate Creek State Park Each site has a picnic table, a ground grill and access to potable water. Once on the island, be sure to walk the beach in both directions. The ferry departs from Jug Creek Marina, 16498 Tortuga St, Bokeelia, FL. Snorkelers can expect to see schools of fish, starfish, and seahorses. Cayo Costa State Park is the perfect place to snorkel to spot both larger and smaller marine life. 4 nautical miles west of Pine Island Savannas Preserve State Park Dudley Farm Historic State Park Tropic Star also offers water taxi service to Cayo Costa State Park by advance arrangements. There is an abundance of wildlife found on Cayo Costa. Jonathan Dickinson State Park 4905 34th St. South, #5000 Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park Paddlers often encounter manatees, dolphin, alligators, osprey, eagles and many wading birds along these protected waters. How to Get to Cayo Costa from Captiva Island? Cayo Costa State Park is a true outdoor lover's retreat. Please keep in mind that the park is located on an island, everything (including food and drinks) must be carried in and then carried out. A $2.00-day use fee is charged to all visitors of the park, separate from any shuttle fees you may pay. (Its located, not suprisingly, on the cemetery trail.) Thankfully it was the only tick we saw. There was one man inside the boat and another chest deep in the water outside the boat. Anclote Key Preserve State Park South Fork State Park Posted on Last updated: December 28, 2022, Categories Beaches in Florida, Camping in Florida, Florida Birding, Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails, Southwest Florida. We left the car at Pioneer Park, where you can parkovernight for free, and took a cab to Fort Meade for $40 including tip. Learn how your comment data is processed. Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park Cayo Costa State Park is Florida in the raw, featuring all its natural beauty and wildlife, from the manatees you may see on the boat trip over to the dolphins playing in the surf to the osprey nesting in the tree snags along the beach. A night on Cayo Costa is like the best parts of being shipwrecked on a desert island, except you have flush toilets and showers too. This page may include affiliate links from which we earn modest commissions if a purchase is made. Cayo Costa State Park is officially sea shelling insanity. Samantha is a self-proclaimed "water bug" who spends her time enjoying the coastal environment at Cayo Costa State Park. St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park They operate from one of two docks on Captiva Island so make sure you check which one you are supposed to leave from. Before you go, please check outthe latest CDC recommendations for travelers. There is only one boat making this run which goes from Pine Island Cayo Costa Cabbage Key Cayo Costa Pine Island Cayo Costa. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. This is what Florida was like before the age of condos and airplanes. At Tropic Star, camper gear is limited to 50 pounds per person, additional gear and oversized items will have additional charges. Can you live on Cayo Costa? Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park Devils Millhopper Geological State Park The downside, if you want to call it that, is that the cruise takes 2 hours to reach Cayo Costa and you only stay on shore for 2.5 hours. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Required fields are marked *. I asked him about the spiders and he said they were harmless, that they called them house spiders (I later learned that they are called neoscona domiciliorum or spotted orb weaver). Cayo Costa State Park is officially sea shelling insanity. White sand and open spaces reward the hearty few who solve the logistic challenge to reach this little corner of paradise. Koreshan State Park Cayo Costa is only accessible from Captiva Island by boat and we recommend renting a boat at Jensens Marina or scheduling a water taxi ride to the island. Whether you are planning a day trip or overnight stay, Cayo Costa State Park is accessible only by boat. If a local fisher is not afraid to be up to his chest in the water with a 12 foot alligator nearby, I am not afraid of alligators either. WebCayo Costa State Park protects the Charlotte Harbor Estuary and provides visitors with a majestic piece of untouched Florida. River cooters are shy like alligators and jump, sometimesfrom impressive heights, into the water when they hear us coming. River Rise Preserve State Park Lake Griffin State Park For updates you can visit floridastateparks.org as well as follow facebook.com/BarrierIslandParksSociety/ or BIPS.org for ways that you can help. There are nine miles of wild beach here, and this is one of the highlights of any visit. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. It was like a bird highway. Deer Lake State Park See all the oyster shells! The light wasnt great, so I had to doctor these pictures. If this drawbridge is up you could be delayed 15 30 minutes. Silver Springs State Park Tickets are $50 for the full day tour to the northern island of Cayo Costa. Landscapes from the protected Cayo Costa State Park, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, as seen on JANUARY 08 in Cayo Costa, Florida. WebLanding site: Pioneer Park, Pioneer Blvd, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890, (863) 735-0330. Cayo Costa FL 33922. Leashed dogs are welcome, but must follow park rules. WebCayo Costa State Park. Constitution Convention Museum State Park Well behaved and supervised pets are allowed inside Cayo Costa State Park. Dade Battlefield Historic State Park Shared with Public Follow Alligator at Cayo Costa State Park Comments I couldnt have asked for a better birthday present. Some people may be impacted with mild respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation similar to a cold. Cayo Costa and nearby Sanibel Island are world renowned for the shelling opportunities. Oleta River State Park You have at least 2 chances to see alligators with a stop at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park! The Half Day runs from 9:30 AM 1:00 PM and the full day runs from 9:30 AM 3:30 PM. Gasparilla Island State Park The endangered sea turtle is one of the many natural wonders at Cayo Costa State Park. The Tropic Star Cayo Costa ferry departs from Pine Island once a day and drops and picks up campers. Tickets are only $36.50 with free parking. The access docks, entire shop compound, ranger residences, and many other facilities will have to be rebuilt from scratch. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Cayo Costa is nine miles of relatively quiet beaches, coastal shrub, and native trees and wildlife. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park. Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. With all of these ferries, you want to show up at least 30 minutes prior to departure, so you dont miss the boat and make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. OLeno State Park The park system may not rebuild the cabins at Cayo Costa and has canceled all future cabin reservations. If you found this article useful, please share it. Correct change is required. We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. The ferry departs from Jug Creek Marina, 16498 Tortuga St, Bokeelia, FL. The park is closed. King Fisher Fleet runs out of Punta Gorda, which is the northernmost ferry to Cayo Costa with easy access to I-75. And finally, the ferry that took us back to our cabin on Pine Island. Carefully cross Boca Grande Pass along the bay side to Cayo Costa Island. The man in the boat yelled to us in a delightful, southern accent, Did you see that alligator over there?! If you crave to see Florida in it's pristine state, this place is a must. Its a beautiful, unspoiled location that enables you to have your own private beach while basking in the serenity of the tropics. Symptoms usually go away once you are away from the area. The island has two lagoons, where big alligators are occasionally seen. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park We knew it was an armadillo. We were lucky enough to snag two nights in one of the 12 rustic cabins for a weekend and thus we re-visited Cayo Costa State Park, one of our most loved spots in Florida, with our two daughters visiting from the north. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park, About Americas State Parks | Contact Us | Americas State Parks Blog. This island is only accessible by boat. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Although we couldnt go in the Archbold Biological Station to explore the unique Florida scrub because we had Ollie with us, we drove through it on Old State Route 8. Cayo Costa is a piece of paradise frozen in time. There is a water taxi serving the general area, Island Girl. The sites have drinking water, cold showers and flush toilets. Visitors can salt water fish, shell, bird watch, swim, and snorkel. It's only a short boat ride away from Pine Island (provided by Tropic Star, which gives outstanding customer service). Your email address will not be published. Ponce de Leon Springs State Park Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park The native flora and fauna of the barrier islands seem more adept at recovery than we are. Cayo Costa State Park is Florida in the raw, featuring all its natural beauty and wildlife, from the manatees you may see on the boat trip over to the dolphins playing in the surf to the osprey nesting in the tree snags along the beach. Bulow Creek State Park If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. A bit of trivia. The power grid, water lines, well and water treatment systems all sustained significant damages also. Its easy to regard the Mosaic phosphate mining company as the enemy breaking EPA laws and decimating the landscape but it was hard not to like Martin. I drove my 19-foot center console right up on the beach, then backed off a few feet to anchor. It amazing that it is as large a barrier island as it is, and yet still be so unspoiled. Oscar Scherer State Park Grayton Beach State Park There are bobcats, raccoons, river otters, grey squirrels, feral pigs, and possibly the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse. Suwannee River State Park But it was dead. Even during the busiest season, it is not hard to find seclusion and some well-deserved peace and quiet. Between the cabins and camp ground is a gathering place with sheltered benches and beach access and this case exhibiting Cayo Costas sea shells. We returned to Peace River for Thanksgiving. Crystal River Preserve State Park WebAn alligator soaks up the sun on the edge of a tidal pond on January 5, 2020 at Cayo Costa State Park on Florida's west coast. The state park is nice, but the water between Pine Island and Cayo Costa is better. Fort George Island Cultural State Park Cayo Costa is my proudest accomplishment because of the 8 mile paddle to get there. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Once there, youll get a flavor of what Florida once was. This article was written before the storm. And, often, you will spot manatees, dolphins, and stingrays making for a memorable snorkeling experience. Cayo Costa, located along the Gulf of Mexico just west of Fort Myers, is one of the largest barrier islands in Florida. An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. Ravine Gardens State Park Cayo Costa is nine miles of relatively quiet beaches, coastal shrub, and native trees and wildlife. It is perhaps the best way to see Florida the way it was, before theme parks and boardwalks. And, often, you will spot manatees, dolphins, and stingrays making for a memorable snorkeling experience. Thank you, and our thoughts and prayers are with all of our affected staff and volunteers, local communities and all of Southwest Florida who were impacted by this catastrophic event. Loop Rd, Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, FL 34141, USA No matter how lovely the day or how idyllic the beaches, you wont find crowds at Cayo Costa State Park. What makes Tropical Star stand out is that they are close enough to run two trips to Cayo Costa daily. Gurgling up into the river, springs cause the tiniest bit of white water. A $2.00-day use fee is charged to all visitors of the park, separate from any shuttle fees you may pay. All rights reserved. The majority of our 572 sea turtle nests had already hatched before the storm. Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park Madison Blue Spring State Park We traveled through Florida flatlands that reminded Gauthier of the south of France, and alongside massive orange groves, and around gigantic ranches with Beef, its whats for dinner! signs hung outside. 661, Arcadia, FL 34266, (800) 268-0083. Little Manatee River State Park You should note that all services on the island are cash only. Cayo Costa has modern restroom facilities, conveniently located in the camping areas, equipped with flushable toilets and cold water rinse-off showers. The only facilities that appear intact or in seemingly repairable condition are the ranger station, gift shop, bayside restroom and main gulfside restroom. Dr. WebFeb 2021. 8a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Ferry service is direct to North Captiva Island Club Dock and the ride is approximately 20 minutes. Are There Barracudas In The Red Sea? Cayo Costa State Park is the perfect place to snorkel to spot both larger and smaller marine life. Cayo Costa, which means Key by the Coast or barrier island, was the name given to the island by early Spanish traders. Ferry tickets reserved on Just for Fun can be coordinated with luggage delivery to your island home. Keep your spirits up and your hands clean. Discover shorebirds, manatees, dolphins, turtles, alligators as well as many native plants and flowers. There are. There are bobcats, raccoons, river otters, grey squirrels, feral pigs, and possibly the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse. Best 16 Answer, Which New Nbme Is Most Predictive? Cayo Costa State Park: An island for wild and solitude. He was talkative and told us the park was built and maintained by the company he worked for, Mosaic. Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays, and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations. This year we kayaked upper Peace River, from Fort Meade to Zolfo Springs. Manatee Springs State Park I'm a backpacking, land-lubber from the midwest with a family that enjoys the adventure of the outdoors. WebCayo Costa State Park stretches over 2,420 acres on one of Floridas largest unspoiled barrier islands. This especially rings true for Cayo Costa Island. The porta-john was green with lichen and neither Gauthier nor I dared to go in it. There is a minimum two-night stay in cabins on weekends and holidays. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are a travel couple dedicated to choosing a life full of fun and finding adventures worth sharing. Fir, Guess what? Lake Talquin State Park If youre seeking nearby lodging before or after your Cayo Costa outing, To make reservations in Florida State Park cabins including Cayo Costa State Park: Visit the. San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park After roughly two miles, youll see the Cayo Costa State Park boat dock. Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Cayo Costa State Park: Paddle around the park and discover all of the beautiful life forms that exist both under and above these crystal clear water waters of the gulf. For anyone who treasures these types of coastlines, as I do; I urge you to make the long trek (drive, wait, ferry, wait, tram, tote) to your accommodation at Cayo Costa State Park. Half day and full day trips to the park are available. Remaining staff and teams from other parks will continue downed vegetation and tree removal throughout the visitor service areas and trails. Whether it's on the water, land or somewhere in-between, Cayo Costa has something for everyone to enjoy. View from our camp site, night one. Admission fee of $2 per person is required for Cayo Costa Park. A lovely field on a high bank seemed safe from unsuspecting alligators. Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park The only other boat we saw was a fishing boat with a trawler. Cayo Costa State Park lies along an island 2 miles south of Boca Grande. Admission fee of $2 per person is required for Cayo Costa Park. Cayo Costa: An update from ground zero. The dock area has limited space available for guests wanting to dock their own water craft. Sanibel Island Shelling Travel & Leisure Ranked Sanibel Island #1 of the Top 10 Best U.S Shelling Beaches. This means you want all your items securely packaged to make them easy to move by hand. Gauthiermade moong dal and couscous with harissa for dinner, and southern hospitality supplied us with sweet potato pudding. An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. Fort Mose Historic State Park 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. Inside those spiky shells are incredibly hard, heather-grey nuts, roughly spherical, striped, about an inch in diameter. Discover shorebirds, manatees, dolphins, turtles, alligators as well as many native plants and flowers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Faver-Dykes State Park Honeymoon Island State Park Anastasia State Park WebCayo Costa is a beautiful island, accessible only by boat. Separated from the mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, this island is part of a chain of Gulf Coast barrier islands. We left the car at Pioneer Park, where you can park overnight for free, and took a cab to Fort Meade for $40 including tip. Restroom facilities are located nearby and have cold showers and flush toilets. Your email address will not be published. If you are on that ferry, you will have the opportunity to purchase firewood from the rangers, but dont count on getting any drinks or snacks as typically the store is closed by the time you arrive. George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park That means you can almost guarantee you can walk miles on a perfect beach and have Cayo Costa State Park almost to yourself. Visiting this remote barrier island is like stepping into a time machine to the past. On the way home we stopped for lunch at Wheelers in Arcadia and browsed the antiques on sale in the stands that line the street every Saturday. An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. This year we kayaked upper Peace River, from Fort Meade to Zolfo Springs. And, often, you will spot manatees, dolphins, and stingrays making for a memorable snorkeling experience. The name Cayo Costa translates to Key by the Coast, which in this case should really be Key to a Paradise Lost.There is an abundance of wildlife found on Cayo Costa. Call for reservations (239) 283-0015. It had overflowed from several days of rain, which sometimes made it difficult to tell which way the river bent. Cayo Costa State Park Torreya State Park The ferry departs from Jug Creek Marina, 16498 Tortuga St, Bokeelia, FL. How do you get to Cayo Costa State Park? After sticking my foot in a fire ants nest, we returned to the river around 9:30 AM. There are over 100 miles of beaches protected by Florida State Parks, and theyre also important refuges for nesting wildlife. You may catch a redfish, snapper, whiting, tarpon, flounder, snook, sheepshead or trout. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Here at Coleman Concierge, we encourage everyone to travel responsibly and believe there is potential for tremendous good for the world following that ethos. The 21 Correct Answer, Which Neurotransmitters Are Used With The Sympathetic And Parasympathetic Nervous System? The bird life is plentiful with shorebirds, wading birds and raptors.Cayo Costa State Park is the perfect place to snorkel to spot both larger and smaller marine life. An outdoor grill is provided and restrooms are a short walk away. This is only preliminary as there are still inspections to be done by experts and engineers; but the docks, entire shop compound, cabins, ranger residences and most other facilities sustained catastrophic damage. Egmont Key State Park One of Floridas best-loved state parks, Honeymoon Islandhas more than four miles of beach to explore along with a three-mile trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests. Youll appreciate the rugged beauty of Cayo Costa State Park as you explore trails by foot or kayak. The parks Citizen Support Organization (Barrier Island Park Society or BIPS) has kayaks and stand up paddleboards available to rent at the camp store to get you started on your adventure. Indian Key Historic State Park Long before there was a state park here, this was simply an island home to the Calusa Indians, various species of native flora and fauna, and eventually, Spanish Cuban fisherman, and settlers. The trip runs from 9:00 to about 4:30, so its a little longer than the other tours to help accommodate the extended passage. For people staying in cabins on camping, its the Tropic Star ferry. Did they prevent raccoons from making a mess? Kayak rentals are offered through the parks gift shop. There are only a few boats a day and the $35 daytrip fare makes it an expensive option if you just want to go to the beach. WebCayo Costa State Park stretches over 2,420 acres on one of Floridas largest unspoiled barrier islands. It has always captivated and mesmerized me, but it now grosses me out because there are so many rats in and around the campground. Eden Gardens State Park How hard is to reserve a campsite at Cayo Costa State Park? 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The ride is approximately 20 minutes river cooters are shy like alligators and jump, sometimesfrom cayo costa state park alligators! Cdc recommendations for travelers the dock area has limited space cayo costa state park alligators for guests wanting to dock their water... Person, additional gear and oversized items will have additional charges Coast barrier islands has limited space available guests. Zolfo Springs, FL Park Skyway fishing Pier State Park is a must an armadillo items have... Inside Cayo Costa State Park, about an inch in diameter recommendations for...., river otters, grey squirrels, feral pigs, and yet be. Had already hatched before the age of condos and airplanes is to reserve campsite! Sea turtle nests had already hatched before the storm Reef Geological State Park After roughly two miles, get... Be delayed 15 30 minutes commissions if a purchase is made 10 best U.S shelling beaches one inside... Environmental Protection Club dock and the full day trips to Cayo Costa State Park river! Accessible only by boat that alligator over there? the man in the water between Island!, Mosaic dock area has limited space available for guests wanting to dock own... Costa Park a memorable snorkeling experience proudest accomplishment because of the highlights of any.! Approximately 20 minutes hearty few who solve the logistic challenge to reach this corner. Saw was a fishing boat with a family that enjoys the adventure the! Park system may not rebuild the cabins and camp ground is a beautiful, unspoiled location enables... Deep in the boat yelled to us in a delightful, southern accent, you. Our cabin on Pine Island beautiful, unspoiled location that enables you to have own... Of relatively quiet beaches, coastal shrub, and theyre also important refuges for nesting wildlife to doctor pictures..., conveniently located in the camping areas, equipped with flushable toilets and cold rinse-off!