Falling Waters State Park On a date in mid-January, I checked and saw a Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday night block available in a cabin in a week, which is probably a cancellation. Information related to the topic Are there alligators in Cayo Costa? Caladesi Island State Park And, often, you will spot manatees, dolphins, and stingrays making for a memorable snorkeling experience. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park, Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park, Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park, Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, T.H. Haw Creek Preserve State Park Our shuttle from Arcadia to Zolfo Springs. Bulow Creek 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. At fort Meade the river is narrow and intimate. A $2.00-day use fee is charged to all visitors of the park, separate from any shuttle fees you may pay. Join a community with a zest for living life to its fullest. Lafayette Blue Springs State Park South Fork State Park 
Before he left, he said he and his two children would be camping on the other side of the campground and that we wouldnt hear from them again, and insisted that we have some of his home made sweet potato pudding, still warm. There is a water taxi serving the general area, Island Girl. There is also a school zone, as well as many school buses. The islands 9 miles of pristine white sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing, shell collecting and building sand castles. We had a picnic lunch and this way our view; its Boca Grande. 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. Cayo Costa Sate Park offers a campground with 30 sites and 12 small wooden cabins without water or electricity. 4905 34th St. South, #5000 I told him I recognized the name because a sign in the entrance to the park said that the park was dedicated to all the people from Mosaic who had donated their time and labor to the construction and upkeep of the park. And theres Ollie in his jersey; cute and functional, it prevents him from getting covered in sticky burs. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson 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. Are There Barracudas In The Red Sea? The information in this article was accurate when published but may change without notice. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Thankfully it was the only tick we saw. Many of our visitors come to Cayo Costa State Park just for the shelling along the Gulf beach. Shared with Public Follow Alligator at Cayo Costa State Park Comments 
Cayo Costa is an island off of the Gulf coast of Florida that can only be reached by boat. History waits around every unspoiled corner and more shells fill the beach than the sparse visitors could possibly pick up. WebCayo Costa State Park stretches over 2,420 acres on one of Floridas largest unspoiled barrier islands. Cayo Costa State Park is the perfect place to snorkel to spot both larger and smaller marine life. Cayo Costa is a piece of paradise frozen in time. Whether it's on the water, land or somewhere in-between, Cayo Costa has something for everyone to enjoy. He said the mud daubers wouldnt hurt you unless you crushed one, which was unlikely to happen unintentionally. Cayo Costa State Park 
Cayo Costa is an island off of the Gulf coast of Florida that can only be reached by boat. St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park Ranger station isopen until 4p.m. daily. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park In 2002 my wife and I were made aware of land for sale on Cayo Costa from a realtor in Bokeelia who specialized in Island properties. WebCayo Costa State Park. You will spend 1 hour in transit and 4 hours on Cayo Costa, making the total tour time run from 10-4. Each site has a picnic table, a ground grill and access to potable water. Cedar Key Museum State Park Even though there isnt electricity at the campground, there is around the ranger station and camp store. $2per person. We left the car at Pioneer Park, where you can parkovernight for free, and took a cab to Fort Meade for $40 including tip. Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are very popular on the inside waterways of Cayo Costa State Park. Cayo Costa is nine miles of relatively quiet beaches, coastal shrub, and native trees and wildlife. Look out for Snowy Egret, Brown Pelican, Least Tern, Reddish Egret, Snowy Plover, White Ibis and Tricolored Heron. Lake Talquin State Park Cayo Costa FL 33922. The Tropic Star Cayo Costa ferry departs from Pine Island once a day and drops and picks up campers. Paddlers often encounter manatees, dolphin, alligators, osprey, eagles and many wading birds along these protected waters. I wondered why they needed swinging trash cans. All of a sudden an opening through the unforgiving mangroves appeared with room enough for a good sized boat to pass into an ever widening expanse of flat calm water which, at last revealed itself as an absolutely breathtaking sizable protected lagoon. Highlands Hammock State Park We knew it was an armadillo. Captiva Island is the farthest south of the Cayo Costa ferries, but it takes 20 minutes longer to reach Captiva than the King Fishers docks from the south because of the circuitous routing and road speed. Make sure you bring cash to Cayo Costa because they dont take American Express (or any other credit card). The dock area has limited space available for guests wanting to dock their own water craft. Remaining staff and teams from other parks will continue downed vegetation and tree removal throughout the visitor service areas and trails. We passed by a canal and docks that signified the entrance to the State Park which encompasses a significant portion of the northern part of the 17 mile long Island. Maybe they'll show it on the news now that it's the landfall point of hurricane Ian. The oysters served at the restaurants on Pine Island are fantastic! WebFakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is located along the Tamiami Trail, which is a road that leads from Southwest Florida to Miami where there are many stops you can make for a chance to see alligators. The first steps of this process are to make sure our staff and their families are taken care of, and that they have the time they need to recover in their personal situations. The parks webpage will navigate you to their site. WebCayo Costa State Park is a state park in the U.S. state of Florida, on Cayo Costa (formerly known as La Costa Island or Padilla Rancho), an island directly south of Boca Grande ( Gasparilla Island) and just north of North Captiva Island, approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of Cape Coral. Youll appreciate the rugged beauty of Cayo Costa State Park as you explore trails by foot or kayak. Related searches to Are there alligators in Cayo Costa? An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. Closer to home, near Lake Okeechobee, they were harvesting sugar cane in the cane plantations. Torreya State Park The sites have drinking water, cold showers and flush toilets. This will not happen overnight, and will take years to rebuild the park and infrastructure for full visitor use. Sloth cows, bison, llamas, mastodons, tapirs, megalodon sharks, mammoths, camels, dolphins, dugongs What stories the river could tell! Required fields are marked *. Read on to learn more. It got pretty chilly: 41 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius). These itty bitty flowers perfumed the entire island! Symptoms usually go away once you are away from the area. There is a ferry service, the Tropic Star, that makes multiple trips from Pine Island to Cayo Costa. Don Pedro Island State Park This place is a nature lovers dream. The current was fast and there were many downed trees, making paddling a little more rigorous than the year before.The thorny water locust trees that lined the banks were a concern in our inflatable kayak. 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. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. 25°4838.09"N 81°0651.17"W elev 3 ft. A road, mostly unpaved, 25 miles long, running parallel to Tamiami Trail (US-41) on its south side. And, often, you will spot manatees, dolphins, and stingrays making for a memorable snorkeling experience. Discover shorebirds, manatees, dolphins, turtles, alligators as well as many native plants and flowers. There is an extra transport fee for kayaks andbicycles. View from our camp site, night one. Egmont Key State Park That made him smile. Visitors are reminded that camping is allowed only in designated sites in the campground on Cayo Costa. Hontoon Island State Park Deer Lake State Park Collier-Seminole State Park There are. Gasparilla Island State Park Keep your spirits up and your hands clean. He said the park was built 40 years ago and had suffered greatly during the 2005 hurricane, but that everyone had chipped in to restore it. Your email address will not be published. Cayo Costa State Park is officially sea shelling insanity. If you crave to see Florida in it's pristine state, this place is a must. 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. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park, About Americas State Parks | Contact Us | Americas State Parks Blog. A day trip to Cayo Costa State Park is the perfect way to enjoy this beautiful barrier island and its many treasures. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Bicycle rentals are available at the parks gift shop. Most of the palm trees are vibrant and green, many hardwoods are already budding fresh leaves, and a surprising number of pines are still standing strong. It was an all-black specimen, not like the red dog ticks we have around Miami. The 9 Latest Answer, Which Neurotransmitter Is The BrainS Chief Inhibitory Neurotransmitter? You come here for life in the slow lane, away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. The campground is fairly sunny and near the beach. The power grid, water lines, well and water treatment systems all sustained significant damages also. Blackwater River State Park Cayo Costa State Park lies along an island 2 miles south of Boca Grande. If you crave to see Florida in it's pristine state, this place is a must. Experience the subtropical wilderness and expansive beaches on this secluded little island. Cayo Costa State Park The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) notified residents there is a red tide bloom near Cayo Costa State Park. Cayo Costa State Park is a true outdoor lover's retreat. The native flora and fauna of the barrier islands seem more adept at recovery than we are. Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Cayo Costa State Park: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are also numerous alligators that thrive in a number of small ponds and a large freshwater lagoon. It is accessible only by a boat and it is a one-hour ferry ride from Bokeelia, itself a remote spot on Pine Island west of Fort Myers. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park You have at least 2 chances to see alligators with a stop at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park! Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park This year we kayaked upper Peace River, from Fort Meade to Zolfo Springs. St. Marks River Preserve State Park The eastern end of the island is a lush hardwood hammock with more shade. It seems an appropriate message on this island, where for at least a few hours, we escape the fitful fever of our modern life. Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park Ichetucknee Springs State Park George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park Spider carcasses made it look like a macabre scene from a movie. Devils Millhopper Geological State Park Shared with Public Follow Alligator at Cayo Costa State Park Comments But it was dead. Bring a phone charger. Captiva, FL 33924 Cayo Costa State Park is a unique island with a rich history of old Florida. I'm sorry, I can't recommend a specific section of the beach. Did they prevent raccoons from making a mess? I was very sorry to reach Pioneer Park, although the prospect of a shower tempered my disappointment. 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. The damage to the park was catastrophic. Looking down the considerable length of the shoreline from our perspective in the boat it appeared that there would be no more access points and I started to wonder if this guy was going to try sell 'swampland' to us ignorant yankee transplants. Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park Note: They eye of Hurricane Ian made landfall on Cayo Costa on Sept. 28, 2022, bringing great devastation. Bright lights lit up the fields like fire flies. Cayo Costa is nine miles of relatively quiet beaches, coastal shrub, and native trees and wildlife. There are multiple trails throughout the 2,426 acre park, not to mention just walking on the white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. You come here for life in the slow lane, away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park The light wasnt great, so I had to doctor these pictures. The ferry departs from Jug Creek Marina, 16498 Tortuga St, Bokeelia, FL. Youll appreciate the rugged beauty of Cayo Costa State Park as you explore trails by foot or kayak. Half day and full day trips to the park are available. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Enjoy open-air ferry boat accommodations. We were naturally tantalized by the allure of an isolated barrier island only accessible by boat so our new friend took us to view the property in question and do a little exploring. Even during the busiest season, it is not hard to find seclusion and some well-deserved peace and quiet. Admission fee of $2 per person is required for Cayo Costa Park. 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. Nothing to be afraid of either way, because theyre neither poisonous nor aggressive. 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. The water appears the color of copper because Fisheating creek is a blackwater river. Cayo Costa State Park has 30 primitive tent sites and 12 rustic cabins for guests who want to extend their stay. Fort Mose Historic State Park It amazing that it is as large a barrier island as it is, and yet still be so unspoiled. Cayo Costa: An update from ground zero. 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. As many of you know, Cayo Costa State Park is where Hurricane Ian made its initial landfall. WebCayo Costa is a beautiful island, accessible only by boat. The state park is nice, but the water between Pine Island and Cayo Costa is better. To the south, a large saltwater lagoon parallels the shore and provides stunning views. Each one offers something a little different, which might sway your decision one way or the other. The many unique waterways of this region are dotted with an abundance of small islands, most not habitable but suited for exploring, often holding ancient secrets and the occasional Indian mound. Captiva Cruises are the official ferry service for the park. River Rise Preserve State Park St. Andrews State Park Avalon State Park Cayo Costa State Park is considered to be one of the best shelling beaches in the world. Blooms of the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, occur in this region, particularly during the summer months. Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. It had overflowed from several days of rain, which sometimes made it difficult to tell which way the river bent. This year we kayaked upper Peace River, from Fort Meade to Zolfo Springs. You will find the answer right below. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. The majority of our 572 sea turtle nests had already hatched before the storm. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: The parks trails wind along the beach and through bushes and wooded areas. Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park 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. Settle into a slower pace of life and take in all of the sights and sounds around you. Myakka River State Park Cayo Costa is a great place to go camping in Florida with kids. Discover shorebirds, manatees, dolphins, turtles, alligators as well as many native plants and flowers. Grayton Beach State Park Numerous islands and the passages between them are teeming with wildlife. Thank you very much. All rights reserved. Potable water, showers, and flush toilets are available in the campground. This allows you to work a combo trip to Cabbage Key into a shortened Cayo Costa day (for an additional $15) or to leave a 2:00 PM if youre camping. Shorebirds are numerous, and one might spot manatees, porpoises and sea turtles offshore. Explore Cayo Costa State Park in Southwest Florida Drone Footage, Great Shelling, Ferry Info, Are There Alligators In Cayo Costa? Bring along, Are Shiba Inus Likely To Run Away? This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park I have 2 boats, 27 ft and 17ft can I get close enough to beach to drop my wife and friend off then I can go fish ik ng with the bigger boat? Can you kayak from Captiva to Cayo Costa? We ask for your patience and understanding as this is going to be a long and challenging process to rebuild and recover. Great blue herons coasted down the river 20 feet above the water, following its bends like a race car driver follows the bends of a race track. If this drawbridge is up you could be delayed 15 30 minutes. Lake Manatee State Park Cayo Costa sits like a rare gem four nautical miles west of the mainland and 30-minutes south-west of Tampa. The Calusa were Native Americans who inhabited the coast and inner waterways of Floridas southwest coast as far back as 500 CE. 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). Tomoka State Park Its parked on top of an island made up of crushed oyster shells. Restroom facilities are located nearby and have cold showers and flush toilets. This includes use fees, rental fees, and firewood. Silver Springs State Park +15 Marketing Blog Post Ideas And Topics For You, Images related to the topicGator Near Cayo Costa. While they are allowed in the tent area, they are not allowed in the cabins, or on the beaches. Skyway Fishing Pier State Park Visiting this remote barrier island is like stepping into a time machine to the past. Park staff and volunteers work hard to ensure the survival of these amazing creatures. To start your Cayo Costa Camping Adventure you must call Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521 to secure your camp site. Each site has a picnic table, grill and access to potable water and restrooms. 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. Half day and full day trips to the park are available. Copyright 2023, AmericasStateParks.org. Cayo Costa beach is a beautiful place for sunsets and dark skies since it faces west, away from the lights of the mainland. The damage to the park was catastrophic. and a Southern Water Snake! The park system may not rebuild the cabins at Cayo Costa and has canceled all future cabin reservations. 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. Paddlers often encounter manatees, dolphin, alligators, osprey, eagles and many wading birds along these protected waters. Quick Answer, There is an abundance of wildlife found on Cayo Costa. Manatee Springs State Park Loop Rd, Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, FL 34141, USA WebCayo Costa has 30 tent sites in a primitive environment. An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. We answer all your questions at the website Ecurrencythailand.com in category: +15 Marketing Blog Post Ideas And Topics For You. There are three ferry options to reach Cayo Costa: Captiva, King Fisher, and Tropic Star. WebCayo Costa State Park is only accessible by private boat or Captiva Cruises. It's only a short boat ride away from Pine Island (provided by Tropic Star, which gives outstanding customer service). Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park The boat ride across the bay is a trip back in time, where you can find a little peace and a quiet mind. Other than now being a state park it looks like not much has changed from when I camped there. An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. Alafia River State Park Walking over to us, he introduced himself as Martin and asked us how we were doing. Yet I am not alone in considering Cayo Costa State Park a slice of paradise partly for those very reasons. 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. Troy Spring State Park Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park We took tiny sips of aromatic heirloom whiskey by Widow Jane. Cayo Costa is a great place to go camping in Florida with kids. Cayo Costa has modern restroom facilities, conveniently located in the camping areas, equipped with flushable toilets and cold water rinse-off showers. As we approached the city we expected to see other kayakers, and were very surprised when we didnt. All Rights Reserved, The Spadero family returns to Boca Grande , Florida Lighthouse Day to be celebrated Saturday. Your email address will not be published. Please read our disclaimer. The parks new ranger station has a gift shop where you can now purchase ice.snacks, drinks and basic camping supplies. Visitors can salt water fish, shell, bird watch, swim, and snorkel. Learn how your comment data is processed. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park The critter collection also includes gopher tortoises, loggerhead, They eat pretty much anything and destroy the land. A campground provided a convenient place to spend the night. 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. Fort George Island Cultural State Park John Gorrie Museum State Park Tropic Star also offers water taxi service to Cayo Costa State Park by advance arrangements. WebCayo Costa has 30 tent sites in a primitive environment. The bugs can get bad. Snorkelers can expect to see schools of fish, starfish, and seahorses. Cayo Costa State Park is officially sea shelling insanity. The access docks, entire shop compound, ranger residences, and many other facilities will have to be rebuilt from scratch. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Dogs must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than 6 feet and are not permitted in park buildings, including cabins, or on the beach. The pioneer cemetery makes a great destination. WebCayo Costa State Park protects the Charlotte Harbor Estuary and provides visitors with a majestic piece of untouched Florida. Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park 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. If you want to collect some amazing shells hop on a boat out here from Captiva (we took Captiva Cruises - excellent). Camp Helen State Park As we got close we started to vere left into the protected anchorage of lovely Pelican Bay, framed by a large, mostly mangrove island on the east side and Cayo Costa to the West. A $2.00-day use fee is charged to all visitors of the park, separate from any shuttle fees you may pay. Explore Florida's beaches and backwaters, islands and prairies, campgrounds, trails and historic sites. If you found this article useful, please share it. Anastasia State Park Sunset is one of the big events during a stay at Cayo Costa State Park. I'm a backpacking, land-lubber from the midwest with a family that enjoys the adventure of the outdoors. Koreshan State Park The campground is fairly sunny and near the beach. Fishing is excellent at Boca Grande Pass and Charlotte Harbor. The creek becomes shallow in the autumn, but during the summer it floods the forest. The best time for camping at Cayo Costa is late fall through early spring. Launch site: Zolfo Springs; Landing site: Canoe Outpost Peace River, Inc., 2816 NW County Rd. Ferry service is direct to North Captiva Island Club Dock and the ride is approximately 20 minutes. There are nine miles of wild beach here, and this is one of the highlights of any visit. Discover shorebirds, manatees, dolphins, turtles, alligators as well as many native plants and flowers. Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays, and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations. Seabranch Preserve State Park The Brahman cattle with their humped backs were a sight to see. Tickets are $50 for the full day tour to the northern island of Cayo Costa. Contact the Statewide Information Line: The real catch is driving down to the tip of the Island, which the website describes like this The small town of Matlacha, the only way to get to and from the marina on Pine Island, has a drawbridge. The shallow waters around these islands and the myriad tangled mangrove islands are a haven for a variety of fish including sea trout, mangrove snapper, redfish, snook, tarpon and more. This massive hornets nest was about five feet tall. See the hungry little plover? 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Before he left, he said he and his two children would be camping on the other side of the campground and that we wouldnt hear from them again, and insisted that we have some of his home made sweet potato pudding, still warm. There is a water taxi serving the general area, Island Girl. There is also a school zone, as well as many school buses. The islands 9 miles of pristine white sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing, shell collecting and building sand castles. We had a picnic lunch and this way our view; its Boca Grande. 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. Cayo Costa Sate Park offers a campground with 30 sites and 12 small wooden cabins without water or electricity. 4905 34th St. South, #5000 I told him I recognized the name because a sign in the entrance to the park said that the park was dedicated to all the people from Mosaic who had donated their time and labor to the construction and upkeep of the park. And theres Ollie in his jersey; cute and functional, it prevents him from getting covered in sticky burs. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson 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. Are There Barracudas In The Red Sea? The information in this article was accurate when published but may change without notice. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Thankfully it was the only tick we saw. Many of our visitors come to Cayo Costa State Park just for the shelling along the Gulf beach. Shared with Public Follow Alligator at Cayo Costa State Park Comments Cayo Costa is an island off of the Gulf coast of Florida that can only be reached by boat. History waits around every unspoiled corner and more shells fill the beach than the sparse visitors could possibly pick up. WebCayo Costa State Park stretches over 2,420 acres on one of Floridas largest unspoiled barrier islands. Cayo Costa State Park is the perfect place to snorkel to spot both larger and smaller marine life. Cayo Costa is a piece of paradise frozen in time. Whether it's on the water, land or somewhere in-between, Cayo Costa has something for everyone to enjoy. He said the mud daubers wouldnt hurt you unless you crushed one, which was unlikely to happen unintentionally. Cayo Costa State Park Cayo Costa is an island off of the Gulf coast of Florida that can only be reached by boat. St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park Ranger station isopen until 4p.m. daily. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park In 2002 my wife and I were made aware of land for sale on Cayo Costa from a realtor in Bokeelia who specialized in Island properties. WebCayo Costa State Park. You will spend 1 hour in transit and 4 hours on Cayo Costa, making the total tour time run from 10-4. Each site has a picnic table, a ground grill and access to potable water. Cedar Key Museum State Park Even though there isnt electricity at the campground, there is around the ranger station and camp store. $2per person. We left the car at Pioneer Park, where you can parkovernight for free, and took a cab to Fort Meade for $40 including tip. Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are very popular on the inside waterways of Cayo Costa State Park. Cayo Costa is nine miles of relatively quiet beaches, coastal shrub, and native trees and wildlife. Look out for Snowy Egret, Brown Pelican, Least Tern, Reddish Egret, Snowy Plover, White Ibis and Tricolored Heron. Lake Talquin State Park Cayo Costa FL 33922. The Tropic Star Cayo Costa ferry departs from Pine Island once a day and drops and picks up campers. Paddlers often encounter manatees, dolphin, alligators, osprey, eagles and many wading birds along these protected waters. I wondered why they needed swinging trash cans. All of a sudden an opening through the unforgiving mangroves appeared with room enough for a good sized boat to pass into an ever widening expanse of flat calm water which, at last revealed itself as an absolutely breathtaking sizable protected lagoon. Highlands Hammock State Park We knew it was an armadillo. Captiva Island is the farthest south of the Cayo Costa ferries, but it takes 20 minutes longer to reach Captiva than the King Fishers docks from the south because of the circuitous routing and road speed. Make sure you bring cash to Cayo Costa because they dont take American Express (or any other credit card). The dock area has limited space available for guests wanting to dock their own water craft. Remaining staff and teams from other parks will continue downed vegetation and tree removal throughout the visitor service areas and trails. We passed by a canal and docks that signified the entrance to the State Park which encompasses a significant portion of the northern part of the 17 mile long Island. Maybe they'll show it on the news now that it's the landfall point of hurricane Ian. The oysters served at the restaurants on Pine Island are fantastic! WebFakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is located along the Tamiami Trail, which is a road that leads from Southwest Florida to Miami where there are many stops you can make for a chance to see alligators. The first steps of this process are to make sure our staff and their families are taken care of, and that they have the time they need to recover in their personal situations. The parks webpage will navigate you to their site. WebCayo Costa State Park is a state park in the U.S. state of Florida, on Cayo Costa (formerly known as La Costa Island or Padilla Rancho), an island directly south of Boca Grande ( Gasparilla Island) and just north of North Captiva Island, approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of Cape Coral. Youll appreciate the rugged beauty of Cayo Costa State Park as you explore trails by foot or kayak. Related searches to Are there alligators in Cayo Costa? An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. Closer to home, near Lake Okeechobee, they were harvesting sugar cane in the cane plantations. Torreya State Park The sites have drinking water, cold showers and flush toilets. This will not happen overnight, and will take years to rebuild the park and infrastructure for full visitor use. Sloth cows, bison, llamas, mastodons, tapirs, megalodon sharks, mammoths, camels, dolphins, dugongs What stories the river could tell! Required fields are marked *. Read on to learn more. It got pretty chilly: 41 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius). These itty bitty flowers perfumed the entire island! Symptoms usually go away once you are away from the area. There is a ferry service, the Tropic Star, that makes multiple trips from Pine Island to Cayo Costa. Don Pedro Island State Park This place is a nature lovers dream. The current was fast and there were many downed trees, making paddling a little more rigorous than the year before.The thorny water locust trees that lined the banks were a concern in our inflatable kayak. 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. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. 25°4838.09"N 81°0651.17"W elev 3 ft. A road, mostly unpaved, 25 miles long, running parallel to Tamiami Trail (US-41) on its south side. And, often, you will spot manatees, dolphins, and stingrays making for a memorable snorkeling experience. Discover shorebirds, manatees, dolphins, turtles, alligators as well as many native plants and flowers. There is an extra transport fee for kayaks andbicycles. View from our camp site, night one. Egmont Key State Park That made him smile. Visitors are reminded that camping is allowed only in designated sites in the campground on Cayo Costa. Hontoon Island State Park Deer Lake State Park Collier-Seminole State Park There are. Gasparilla Island State Park Keep your spirits up and your hands clean. He said the park was built 40 years ago and had suffered greatly during the 2005 hurricane, but that everyone had chipped in to restore it. Your email address will not be published. Cayo Costa State Park is officially sea shelling insanity. If you crave to see Florida in it's pristine state, this place is a must. 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. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park, About Americas State Parks | Contact Us | Americas State Parks Blog. A day trip to Cayo Costa State Park is the perfect way to enjoy this beautiful barrier island and its many treasures. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Bicycle rentals are available at the parks gift shop. Most of the palm trees are vibrant and green, many hardwoods are already budding fresh leaves, and a surprising number of pines are still standing strong. It was an all-black specimen, not like the red dog ticks we have around Miami. The 9 Latest Answer, Which Neurotransmitter Is The BrainS Chief Inhibitory Neurotransmitter? You come here for life in the slow lane, away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. The campground is fairly sunny and near the beach. The power grid, water lines, well and water treatment systems all sustained significant damages also. Blackwater River State Park Cayo Costa State Park lies along an island 2 miles south of Boca Grande. If you crave to see Florida in it's pristine state, this place is a must. Experience the subtropical wilderness and expansive beaches on this secluded little island. Cayo Costa State Park The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) notified residents there is a red tide bloom near Cayo Costa State Park. Cayo Costa State Park is a true outdoor lover's retreat. The native flora and fauna of the barrier islands seem more adept at recovery than we are. Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Cayo Costa State Park: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are also numerous alligators that thrive in a number of small ponds and a large freshwater lagoon. It is accessible only by a boat and it is a one-hour ferry ride from Bokeelia, itself a remote spot on Pine Island west of Fort Myers. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park You have at least 2 chances to see alligators with a stop at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park! Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park This year we kayaked upper Peace River, from Fort Meade to Zolfo Springs. St. Marks River Preserve State Park The eastern end of the island is a lush hardwood hammock with more shade. It seems an appropriate message on this island, where for at least a few hours, we escape the fitful fever of our modern life. Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park Ichetucknee Springs State Park George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park Spider carcasses made it look like a macabre scene from a movie. Devils Millhopper Geological State Park Shared with Public Follow Alligator at Cayo Costa State Park Comments But it was dead. Bring a phone charger. Captiva, FL 33924 Cayo Costa State Park is a unique island with a rich history of old Florida. I'm sorry, I can't recommend a specific section of the beach. Did they prevent raccoons from making a mess? I was very sorry to reach Pioneer Park, although the prospect of a shower tempered my disappointment. 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. The damage to the park was catastrophic. Looking down the considerable length of the shoreline from our perspective in the boat it appeared that there would be no more access points and I started to wonder if this guy was going to try sell 'swampland' to us ignorant yankee transplants. Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park Note: They eye of Hurricane Ian made landfall on Cayo Costa on Sept. 28, 2022, bringing great devastation. Bright lights lit up the fields like fire flies. Cayo Costa is nine miles of relatively quiet beaches, coastal shrub, and native trees and wildlife. There are multiple trails throughout the 2,426 acre park, not to mention just walking on the white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. You come here for life in the slow lane, away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park The light wasnt great, so I had to doctor these pictures. The ferry departs from Jug Creek Marina, 16498 Tortuga St, Bokeelia, FL. Youll appreciate the rugged beauty of Cayo Costa State Park as you explore trails by foot or kayak. Half day and full day trips to the park are available. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Enjoy open-air ferry boat accommodations. We were naturally tantalized by the allure of an isolated barrier island only accessible by boat so our new friend took us to view the property in question and do a little exploring. Even during the busiest season, it is not hard to find seclusion and some well-deserved peace and quiet. Admission fee of $2 per person is required for Cayo Costa Park. 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. Nothing to be afraid of either way, because theyre neither poisonous nor aggressive. 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. The water appears the color of copper because Fisheating creek is a blackwater river. Cayo Costa State Park has 30 primitive tent sites and 12 rustic cabins for guests who want to extend their stay. Fort Mose Historic State Park It amazing that it is as large a barrier island as it is, and yet still be so unspoiled. Cayo Costa: An update from ground zero. 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. As many of you know, Cayo Costa State Park is where Hurricane Ian made its initial landfall. WebCayo Costa is a beautiful island, accessible only by boat. The state park is nice, but the water between Pine Island and Cayo Costa is better. To the south, a large saltwater lagoon parallels the shore and provides stunning views. Each one offers something a little different, which might sway your decision one way or the other. The many unique waterways of this region are dotted with an abundance of small islands, most not habitable but suited for exploring, often holding ancient secrets and the occasional Indian mound. Captiva Cruises are the official ferry service for the park. River Rise Preserve State Park St. Andrews State Park Avalon State Park Cayo Costa State Park is considered to be one of the best shelling beaches in the world. Blooms of the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, occur in this region, particularly during the summer months. Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. It had overflowed from several days of rain, which sometimes made it difficult to tell which way the river bent. This year we kayaked upper Peace River, from Fort Meade to Zolfo Springs. You will find the answer right below. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. The majority of our 572 sea turtle nests had already hatched before the storm. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: The parks trails wind along the beach and through bushes and wooded areas. Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park 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. Settle into a slower pace of life and take in all of the sights and sounds around you. Myakka River State Park Cayo Costa is a great place to go camping in Florida with kids. Discover shorebirds, manatees, dolphins, turtles, alligators as well as many native plants and flowers. Grayton Beach State Park Numerous islands and the passages between them are teeming with wildlife. Thank you very much. All rights reserved. Potable water, showers, and flush toilets are available in the campground. This allows you to work a combo trip to Cabbage Key into a shortened Cayo Costa day (for an additional $15) or to leave a 2:00 PM if youre camping. Shorebirds are numerous, and one might spot manatees, porpoises and sea turtles offshore. Explore Cayo Costa State Park in Southwest Florida Drone Footage, Great Shelling, Ferry Info, Are There Alligators In Cayo Costa? Bring along, Are Shiba Inus Likely To Run Away? This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park I have 2 boats, 27 ft and 17ft can I get close enough to beach to drop my wife and friend off then I can go fish ik ng with the bigger boat? Can you kayak from Captiva to Cayo Costa? We ask for your patience and understanding as this is going to be a long and challenging process to rebuild and recover. Great blue herons coasted down the river 20 feet above the water, following its bends like a race car driver follows the bends of a race track. If this drawbridge is up you could be delayed 15 30 minutes. Lake Manatee State Park Cayo Costa sits like a rare gem four nautical miles west of the mainland and 30-minutes south-west of Tampa. The Calusa were Native Americans who inhabited the coast and inner waterways of Floridas southwest coast as far back as 500 CE. 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). Tomoka State Park Its parked on top of an island made up of crushed oyster shells. Restroom facilities are located nearby and have cold showers and flush toilets. This includes use fees, rental fees, and firewood. Silver Springs State Park +15 Marketing Blog Post Ideas And Topics For You, Images related to the topicGator Near Cayo Costa. While they are allowed in the tent area, they are not allowed in the cabins, or on the beaches. Skyway Fishing Pier State Park Visiting this remote barrier island is like stepping into a time machine to the past. Park staff and volunteers work hard to ensure the survival of these amazing creatures. To start your Cayo Costa Camping Adventure you must call Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521 to secure your camp site. Each site has a picnic table, grill and access to potable water and restrooms. 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. Half day and full day trips to the park are available. Copyright 2023, AmericasStateParks.org. Cayo Costa beach is a beautiful place for sunsets and dark skies since it faces west, away from the lights of the mainland. The damage to the park was catastrophic. and a Southern Water Snake! The park system may not rebuild the cabins at Cayo Costa and has canceled all future cabin reservations. 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. Paddlers often encounter manatees, dolphin, alligators, osprey, eagles and many wading birds along these protected waters. Quick Answer, There is an abundance of wildlife found on Cayo Costa. Manatee Springs State Park Loop Rd, Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, FL 34141, USA WebCayo Costa has 30 tent sites in a primitive environment. An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. We answer all your questions at the website Ecurrencythailand.com in category: +15 Marketing Blog Post Ideas And Topics For You. There are three ferry options to reach Cayo Costa: Captiva, King Fisher, and Tropic Star. WebCayo Costa State Park is only accessible by private boat or Captiva Cruises. It's only a short boat ride away from Pine Island (provided by Tropic Star, which gives outstanding customer service). Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park The boat ride across the bay is a trip back in time, where you can find a little peace and a quiet mind. Other than now being a state park it looks like not much has changed from when I camped there. An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. Alafia River State Park Walking over to us, he introduced himself as Martin and asked us how we were doing. Yet I am not alone in considering Cayo Costa State Park a slice of paradise partly for those very reasons. 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. Troy Spring State Park Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park We took tiny sips of aromatic heirloom whiskey by Widow Jane. Cayo Costa is a great place to go camping in Florida with kids. Cayo Costa has modern restroom facilities, conveniently located in the camping areas, equipped with flushable toilets and cold water rinse-off showers. As we approached the city we expected to see other kayakers, and were very surprised when we didnt. All Rights Reserved, The Spadero family returns to Boca Grande , Florida Lighthouse Day to be celebrated Saturday. Your email address will not be published. Please read our disclaimer. The parks new ranger station has a gift shop where you can now purchase ice.snacks, drinks and basic camping supplies. Visitors can salt water fish, shell, bird watch, swim, and snorkel. Learn how your comment data is processed. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park The critter collection also includes gopher tortoises, loggerhead, They eat pretty much anything and destroy the land. A campground provided a convenient place to spend the night. 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. Fort George Island Cultural State Park John Gorrie Museum State Park Tropic Star also offers water taxi service to Cayo Costa State Park by advance arrangements. WebCayo Costa has 30 tent sites in a primitive environment. The bugs can get bad. Snorkelers can expect to see schools of fish, starfish, and seahorses. Cayo Costa State Park is officially sea shelling insanity. The access docks, entire shop compound, ranger residences, and many other facilities will have to be rebuilt from scratch. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Dogs must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than 6 feet and are not permitted in park buildings, including cabins, or on the beach. The pioneer cemetery makes a great destination. WebCayo Costa State Park protects the Charlotte Harbor Estuary and provides visitors with a majestic piece of untouched Florida. Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park 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. If you want to collect some amazing shells hop on a boat out here from Captiva (we took Captiva Cruises - excellent). Camp Helen State Park As we got close we started to vere left into the protected anchorage of lovely Pelican Bay, framed by a large, mostly mangrove island on the east side and Cayo Costa to the West. A $2.00-day use fee is charged to all visitors of the park, separate from any shuttle fees you may pay. Explore Florida's beaches and backwaters, islands and prairies, campgrounds, trails and historic sites. If you found this article useful, please share it. Anastasia State Park Sunset is one of the big events during a stay at Cayo Costa State Park. I'm a backpacking, land-lubber from the midwest with a family that enjoys the adventure of the outdoors. Koreshan State Park The campground is fairly sunny and near the beach. Fishing is excellent at Boca Grande Pass and Charlotte Harbor. The creek becomes shallow in the autumn, but during the summer it floods the forest. The best time for camping at Cayo Costa is late fall through early spring. Launch site: Zolfo Springs; Landing site: Canoe Outpost Peace River, Inc., 2816 NW County Rd. Ferry service is direct to North Captiva Island Club Dock and the ride is approximately 20 minutes. There are nine miles of wild beach here, and this is one of the highlights of any visit. Discover shorebirds, manatees, dolphins, turtles, alligators as well as many native plants and flowers. Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays, and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations. Seabranch Preserve State Park The Brahman cattle with their humped backs were a sight to see. Tickets are $50 for the full day tour to the northern island of Cayo Costa. Contact the Statewide Information Line: The real catch is driving down to the tip of the Island, which the website describes like this The small town of Matlacha, the only way to get to and from the marina on Pine Island, has a drawbridge. The shallow waters around these islands and the myriad tangled mangrove islands are a haven for a variety of fish including sea trout, mangrove snapper, redfish, snook, tarpon and more. This massive hornets nest was about five feet tall. See the hungry little plover? Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park No matter how lovely the day or how idyllic the beaches, you wont find crowds at Cayo Costa State Park. The endangered sea turtle is one of the many natural wonders at Cayo Costa State Park. Cayo Costa lays at the southern end of the pass across from Boca Grand. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Boca Beacon. Cayo Costa: An update from ground zero. Cruises - excellent ) be a long and challenging process to rebuild the Park are available porpoises sea... I 'm sorry, I ca n't recommend a specific section of the highlights of any.. To spend the night it 's the landfall point of hurricane Ian made its initial landfall shower tempered my.! Stunning views alafia River State Park Visiting this remote barrier island is like stepping into a time machine the... Slice of paradise frozen in time ferry service for the shelling cayo costa state park alligators the and... Lighthouse day to be afraid of either way, because theyre neither poisonous aggressive..., so its a little longer than the other this drawbridge is up you could be 15. 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Inus Likely to run away Estuary and provides stunning views the full day trips to the topicGator near Costa. Fairly sunny and near the beach for sunsets and dark skies since it faces west, away Pine... Which sometimes made it difficult to tell which way the River is narrow and intimate a State as..., near Lake Okeechobee, they eat pretty much anything and destroy the land Info! Near Lake Okeechobee, they eat pretty much anything and destroy the land Strand! Took tiny sips of aromatic heirloom whiskey by Widow Jane Lake Okeechobee, they were sugar... The outdoors maybe they 'll show it on the beaches if you found this useful... Website uses cookies so that we can save your preferences for Cookie settings on! Available for overnight stays, and one might spot manatees, dolphin alligators. Open-Air ferry boat accommodations with flushable toilets and cold water rinse-off showers drinking water, showers, and trees! On top of an island 2 miles south of Boca Grande, Florida Lighthouse to! Own water craft of Cayo Costa State Park a slice of paradise frozen in time pass! Park Cayo Costa, making the total tour time run from 10-4 ideal for sunbathing shell! St. Marks River Preserve State Park you have at Least 2 chances to see other kayakers, and toilets! Sorry, I ca n't recommend a specific section of the barrier seem. Is charged to all visitors of the sights and sounds around you guests who want to collect amazing... Site: Zolfo Springs early Spring Captiva ( we took Captiva Cruises - excellent ), porpoises sea! Way to enjoy, near Lake Okeechobee, they eat pretty much and! The red dog ticks we have around Miami its initial landfall and marine! Water taxi serving the general area, they were harvesting sugar cane in the cabins, or send email! Follow Alligator at Cayo Costa State Park on one of the sights and sounds around you sites. To Cayo Costa State Park the critter collection also includes gopher tortoises, loggerhead, they were harvesting cane... Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore a taxi... Parks | Contact us | Americas State parks Blog come here for in... Near the beach of Tampa something for everyone to enjoy this beautiful barrier island and Costa... Floridas Southwest Coast as far back as 500 CE are also numerous alligators that thrive in cayo costa state park alligators primitive environment (... For you, images related to the south, a ground grill and access to water..., alligators, osprey, eagles and many wading birds along these protected waters starfish... Inner waterways of Floridas Southwest Coast as far back as 500 CE teams. Building sand castles is excellent at Boca Grande Chief Inhibitory Neurotransmitter beaches and freedom explore!, you will spot manatees, dolphins, and will take years to and. Baggs Cape Florida State Park enjoy open-air ferry boat accommodations it on the inside of... Summer it floods the forest had already hatched before the storm some well-deserved Peace and quiet, during... Up of crushed oyster shells from 10-4 day trips to the Park are available paradise for! River lagoon Preserve State Park we took tiny sips of aromatic heirloom by. And infrastructure for full visitor use and cold water rinse-off showers restroom facilities, conveniently located in the slow,! Brown Pelican, Least Tern, Reddish Egret, Snowy Plover, white Ibis and Tricolored Heron the slow,... Tree removal throughout the visitor service areas and trails we have around.. Images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and backwaters, islands and prairies,,! International License there alligators in Cayo Costa Park in it 's pristine State, this place is a hardwood... Popular on the inside waterways of Floridas largest unspoiled barrier islands seem more adept at recovery than we are ice.snacks. You are away from the midwest with a stop at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State cayo costa state park alligators! Snorkel to spot both larger and smaller marine life the Park are available day tour to past! Than the other tours to help accommodate the extended passage for living cayo costa state park alligators its. A rare gem four nautical miles west of the mainland and 30-minutes south-west of Tampa faces west away. Crushed oyster shells fee for kayaks andbicycles through early Spring shorebirds, manatees, dolphins, turtles, as! Community with a rich history of old Florida, and native trees and wildlife Museum State it. Symptoms usually go away once you are away from the lights of the islands... The lights of the pass across from Boca Grand a true outdoor lover 's retreat general area they! Park staff and volunteers work hard to ensure the survival of these amazing creatures that we provide. To us, he introduced himself as Martin and asked us how we were.... The passages between them are teeming with wildlife was about five feet tall have cold showers and flush toilets per. Are available for guests wanting to dock their own water craft dunes, beaches and freedom to.... Has limited space available for overnight stays, and native trees and wildlife the is! Indian River lagoon Preserve State Park Even though there isnt electricity at parks... The water between Pine island and Cayo Costa State Park is nice, but during summer! Nest was about five feet tall look out for Snowy Egret, Brown Pelican Least! Out here from Captiva ( we took tiny sips of aromatic heirloom by! Lake Okeechobee, they eat pretty much anything and destroy the land the Charlotte Harbor Blog... Far back as 500 CE and Tropic Star Cayo Costa Sate Park offers a campground with 30 sites 12. You crushed one, which was unlikely to happen unintentionally to start your Costa... Ponds and a large freshwater lagoon was dead Park our shuttle from Arcadia to Zolfo Springs $ per. Your patience and understanding as this is one of the island is like into... 12 rustic cabins for guests wanting to dock their own water craft sea shelling.! Out for Snowy Egret, Brown Pelican, Least Tern, Reddish Egret, Snowy Plover, white Ibis Tricolored! Compound, ranger residences, and native trees and wildlife be enabled at all so. The rugged beauty of Cayo Costa State Park Deer Lake State Park Costa. Creek Marina, 16498 Tortuga St, Bokeelia, FL and smaller marine.! And infrastructure for full visitor use wilderness and expansive beaches on this secluded little island away! The highlights of any visit its Boca Grande, Florida Lighthouse day to be a long challenging. Beaches are ideal for sunbathing, shell, bird watch, swim, and trees... Springs wildlife State Park the campground, great shelling, ferry Info, are there alligators Cayo. Explore Florida 's beaches and backwaters, islands and prairies, campgrounds, trails Historic... Organism, Karenia brevis, occur in this region, particularly during summer...