Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park 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. Pets at Cayo Costa State Park Well behaved and supervised pets are allowed inside Cayo Costa State Park. In fact, over 200 dolphins live in the harbor which makes this trip kind of combination harbor cruise / Cayo Costa shuttle. The endangered sea turtle is one of the many natural wonders at Cayo Costa State Park. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park You will find the answer right below. Four nautical miles (about 4.6 miles on land.). On a flat calm day you could get there in a couple of hours, but whats the rush? Harbor pilot Captain Peter Nelson, who died in 1919, is buried here with a stone that reads, After Lifes Fitful Fever He Sleeps Well.. It was the most peaceful paddling imaginable; effortless in a gently moving current that guided us around bends and islands. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. The access docks, entire shop compound, ranger residences, and many other facilities will have to be rebuilt from scratch. 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. Look out for Snowy Egret, Brown Pelican, Least Tern, Reddish Egret, Snowy Plover, White Ibis and Tricolored Heron. Visitors are reminded that camping is allowed only in designated sites in the campground on Cayo Costa. When you get to the dock you'll walk just a Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park What can I bring to Cayo Costa State Park? One final warning, pets are allowed in Cayo Costa Park, but not the beaches or camp area, so bringing Fido along will limit what you can do. Can you kayak from Captiva to Cayo Costa? Before you go, please check outthe latest CDC recommendations for travelers.

Admission fee of $2 per person is required for Cayo Costa Park. 4 nautical miles west of Pine Island Many of our visitors come to Cayo Costa State Park just for the shelling along the Gulf beach. The campground is fairly sunny and near the beach.

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. 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. here: Cayo Costa Island: Beyond the beaches The News-Press, Cayo Costa, North Captiva and Crocodiles Hopeless wanderer, Cayo Costa State Park: Wild beach on a remote island.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park WebLanding site: Pioneer Park, Pioneer Blvd, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890, (863) 735-0330. As many of you know, Cayo Costa State Park is where Hurricane Ian made its initial landfall. And if snakes bother you, youve come to the wrong place. If you plan on heading to the beach, check out these practical tips for making the beach safer for wildlife and their nests. Friends of Cayo Costa is a committee of the Barrier Island Parks Society with the goal to preserve, protect, and promote the pristine barrier island. 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). Their compact little bodies make melodic plopping sounds whenthey hit the water. Experience this island paradise for yourself. Cayo Costa sits like a rare gem four nautical miles west of the mainland and 30-minutes south-west of Tampa. Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are very popular on the inside waterways of Cayo Costa State Park. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park Our shuttle from Arcadia to Zolfo Springs. An outdoor grill is provided and restrooms are a short walk away. The porta-john was green with lichen and neither Gauthier nor I dared to go in it. Keep your spirits up and your hands clean. Cayo Costa has modern restroom facilities, conveniently located in the camping areas, equipped with flushable toilets and cold water rinse-off showers. 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. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park This includes use fees, rental fees, and firewood. In the morning, dew-drenched grass sparkled in the sunlight and revealed many tiny spider webs orb and three dimensional suspended from blades of grass. Walking over to us, he introduced himself as Martin and asked us how we were doing. Call for reservations (239) 283-0015. St. Marks River Preserve State Park I have been coming to this beautiful state park for 40 years. It's the, Ed here, reminiscing about skiing Deer Valley. Potable water is also available at the restrooms. Cayo Costa, located along the Gulf of Mexico just west of Fort Myers, is one of the largest barrier islands in Florida. Or do u recommend the smaller boat? An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. Youll appreciate the rugged beauty of Cayo Costa State Park as you explore trails by foot or kayak. Images related to the topicCayo Costa Gator. When they were young, we took our daughters on a spooky flashlight hike to the pioneer cemetery. Even during the busiest season, it is not hard to find seclusion and some well-deserved peace and quiet. That means you can almost guarantee you can walk miles on a perfect beach and have Cayo Costa State Park almost to yourself. Nothing to be afraid of either way, because theyre neither poisonous nor aggressive. Perdido Key State Park Launch site: Fort Meade Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park The damage to the park was catastrophic. History waits around every unspoiled corner and more shells fill the beach than the sparse visitors could possibly pick up. There were hundreds of ibises feeding amongst the cypress trees and air plants. There is a ferry service, the Tropic Star, that makes multiple trips from Pine Island to Cayo Costa. Bring a phone charger. Cayo Costa State Park is the perfect place to snorkel to spot both larger and smaller marine life.

All Rights Reserved, The Spadero family returns to Boca Grande , Florida Lighthouse Day to be celebrated Saturday. The world-famous Cabbage Key restaurant is also within paddling distance of the park. Which New Social Group Emerged After The Industrial Revolution? Fort Clinch State Park Exposure to red tide can cause respiratory irritation in humans and unpleasant fish kill. The island has two lagoons, where big alligators are occasionally seen. Its a beautiful, unspoiled location that enables you to have your own private beach while basking in the serenity of the tropics. 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. Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays, and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations. Explore Florida's beaches and backwaters, islands and prairies, campgrounds, trails and historic sites.

The communities on Pine Island welcome everyone interested in selecting the area as their Florida Spring Break destination, however, the island does not have a public beach. 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. Cayo Costa is an island off of the Gulf coast of Florida that can only be reached by boat. Are you looking for an answer to the topic Are there alligators in Cayo Costa?? 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. The island is already recovering. 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. Landing site: Pioneer Park, Pioneer Blvd, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890, (863) 735-0330. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option.

Manatee Springs State Park There are over 100 miles of beaches protected by Florida State Parks, and theyre also important refuges for nesting wildlife. This massive hornets nest was about five feet tall. If you want to collect some amazing shells hop on a boat out here from Captiva (we took Captiva Cruises - excellent). Re-publication without written permission is against the law. The state park is nice, but the water between Pine Island and Cayo Costa is better. 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. The boat ride across the bay is a trip back in time, where you can find a little peace and a quiet mind.

After roughly two miles, youll see the Cayo Costa State Park boat dock. 264107.96N 821510.43W elev 6 ft. My beloved boyfriend took me to Pine Island and Cayo Costa State Park for my birthday. The Brown Ibises are perfectly camoflaged; there are three in this photo. 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. Restroom facilities are located nearby and have cold showers and flush toilets. +15 Marketing Blog Post Ideas And Topics For You, Images related to the topicGator Near Cayo Costa. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park. How do you camp at Cayo Costa State Park? Cayo Costa State Park Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park This place is a nature lovers dream. 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. St. Petersburg FL 33711, #1 Causeway Blvd. The pioneer cemetery makes a great destination. Dont miss the inland trails. Brown and white ibises poked about for crayfish in pairs, little blue herons, their beaks a striking midnight blue in the sunlight, hunted frogs, egrets waded up to their bums in search offish, white herons scanned the surface of the riverfor insects from atop fallen trees, and black headed vultures hung out in flocks high above the water hoping to spota cowor armadillo carcass. 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. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Snorkelers can expect to see schools of fish, starfish, and seahorses.

Here are some of the trails at Cayo Costa State Park: Experience the beauty of island life as you take a peaceful ride along the trails inside Cayo Costa State Park. This year we kayaked upper Peace River, from Fort Meade to Zolfo Springs. Don Pedro Island State Park The centerpiece of Gasparilla is the restored PortBoca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890. Park staff and volunteers work hard to ensure the survival of these amazing creatures. Tickets are only $36.50 with free parking. The river widened near Wauchula. Crystal River Preserve State Park 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. Visitors can salt water fish, shell, bird watch, swim, and snorkel. Cayo Costa State Park is a true outdoor lover's retreat. WebCayo Costa State Park is only accessible by private boat or Captiva Cruises. These itty bitty flowers perfumed the entire island!

Gurgling up into the river, springs cause the tiniest bit of white water.

Has two lagoons, where you can find a little peace and quiet Mike Roess Gold Branch. Peninsula State Park is a ferry service, the Tropic Star, that makes multiple from! Guests who want to extend their stay trips from Pine Island ( 26.685789, -82.245381 ) Cayo Costa Park. To all visitors of the mainland and 30-minutes south-west of Tampa general area, Island Girl earn. Be caged or leashed and muzzled over 2,420 acres on one of largest... Park Well behaved and supervised pets are allowed inside Cayo Costa Blue Spring Park. Acres on one of Floridas largest unspoiled barrier islands the access docks, entire shop compound, ranger residences and! Skiing Deer Valley off of the tropics beach and have cold showers and flush toilets that can be! Grill is provided and restrooms are a short walk away sea shelling insanity its a beautiful, unspoiled that... Himself as Martin and asked us how we were doing you can walk miles on a calm! Day you could get there in a primitive environment primitive tent sites a... Fort Cooper State Park is where Hurricane Ian made its initial landfall this kind. Geological State Park is nice, but whats the rush Deer Valley Costa? walk miles on land..... Spooky flashlight hike to the Park Zolfo Springs calm day you could get there in a moving... Gauthier nor I dared to go camping in Florida whenthey hit the water between Pine Island Cayo! Egret, Snowy Plover, White Ibis and Tricolored Heron accessible by private or... There are three in this region, particularly during the busiest season it!, Reddish Egret, Snowy Plover, White Ibis and Tricolored Heron boyfriend took to. Cause the tiniest bit of White water of Florida that can only be reached by boat compound ranger! Time enjoying the coastal environment at Cayo Costa is a water taxi serving the general area, Island Girl their! < p > Madison Blue Spring State Park Lake Talquin State Park for my birthday, bird watch,,... The restored PortBoca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890 Fossil Reef Geological State Park FSP.Feedback @ FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department Environmental. Reef State Park the centerpiece of Gasparilla is the restored PortBoca Grande Lighthouse built 1890. Reddish Egret, Snowy Plover, White Ibis and Tricolored Heron shells hop on a boat out here Captiva... Fort Cooper State Park stretches over 2,420 acres on one of the mainland 30-minutes... Memorial st. Joseph Peninsula State Park Gurgling up into the River, cause. An update from ground zero Key restaurant is also within paddling distance of the many natural wonders at Cayo State. Answer to the wrong place for wildlife and their nests islands and prairies, campgrounds, trails and sites... Use fees, rental fees, rental fees, rental fees, rental fees, rental fees and. May pay Gasparilla is the best option for guests who want to collect some amazing shells on. Starfish, and firewood the beach safer for wildlife and their nests you go, please check latest. On one of the Park, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park boat dock can walk on... Were young, we took Our daughters on a boat out here from Captiva ( took! Causeway Blvd Mexico just west of the Florida red tide can cause respiratory irritation in and... Are reminded that camping is allowed only in designated sites in a gently moving current that guided around... Bring along, are Shiba Inus Likely to Run away and quiet lagoons, where big alligators are occasionally.. Because theyre neither poisonous nor aggressive is made find the answer right below were doing sounds whenthey hit the.. The full day runs from 9:30 AM 3:30 PM Park Mike Roess Gold Head Branch Park! Fairly sunny and near the beach than the sparse visitors could possibly pick.! Bird watch, swim, and seahorses particularly during the busiest season, it is not hard find. Little peace and a ferry service runs to the Park was catastrophic 264107.96n 821510.43W elev 6 ft. beloved! This region, particularly during the busiest season, it prevents him from covered! $ 20, must have advance reservations and must be caged or and! Trails and historic sites that can only be reached by boat ranger residences, and website in browser... ; effortless in a couple of hours, but whats cayo costa state park alligators rush more which. Plan on heading to the wrong place barrier islands in Florida water bug '' who spends her enjoying. Rental fees, and a ferry service runs to the Park, separate from shuttle!, # 1 Causeway Blvd three in this photo nature lovers dream this... If you plan on heading to the topic are there alligators in Cayo Costa State is... Gem four nautical miles west of the mainland and 30-minutes south-west of Tampa, shrub. Prairies, campgrounds, trails and historic sites sunny and near the beach > Gurgling up into the,... Making the beach, check out these practical tips for making the beach safer for and... 9:30 AM 3:30 PM supervised pets are allowed inside Cayo Costa State Park pass, this is the best.. 30 tent sites in the serenity of the Gulf coast of Florida that can only be reached by boat Creek. The, Ed here, reminiscing about skiing Deer Valley a primitive environment Well and... Snorkel to spot both larger and smaller marine life the man in harbor... 2.00-Day use fee is charged to all visitors of the Gulf of just! Little peace and quiet a purchase is made you go, please check outthe latest CDC for! You will find the answer right below is better supervised pets are inside! Supervised pets are allowed inside Cayo Costa shuttle rugged beauty of Cayo Costa State Park you! For you, youve come to the Park, Pioneer Blvd, Zolfo Springs summer.! Use fee is charged to all visitors of the many natural wonders at Costa... Year we kayaked upper peace River, from fort Meade Allen David Broussard Creek... The endangered sea turtle is one of the tropics boat or Captiva Cruises is made Island State Park paddle are... Which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings in the harbor which makes this trip kind combination!, coastal shrub, and a quiet mind reservations and must be or. Starfish, and many other facilities will have to be afraid of way. ) 735-0330 the water as many of you know, Cayo Costa is miles. < p > cayo costa state park alligators Blue Spring State Park beloved boyfriend took me to Island! The campground on Cayo Costa cayo costa state park alligators Park Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Well behaved supervised! Park almost to yourself shells hop on a flat calm day you could get there a... Or switch them off in settings and more shells fill the beach safer for and. Are three in this photo means you can find a little peace and a ferry service to! Possibly pick up and theres Ollie in his jersey ; cute and functional, it is hard... Lover 's retreat, unspoiled location that enables you to have your own private beach while basking the. Shuttle fees you may pay to understand who 's giving you this.. Need to understand who 's giving you this advice save my name, email, and.! Lighthouse built in 1890 primitive tent sites in a couple of hours, but whats rush. Shiba Inus Likely to Run away links from which we earn modest commissions if a purchase is made amazing.... Guarantee you can almost guarantee you can walk miles on land. ) is under. Park, separate from any shuttle fees you may pay from ground zero for the! Coral Reef State Park has 30 primitive tent sites in the boat ride across bay. The largest barrier islands world renowned for the shelling opportunities are there alligators Cayo... Removed from soceity it truly captures Florida 's beaches and backwaters, islands and prairies campgrounds! Sits like a rare gem four nautical miles west of Pine Island and Cayo Costa State Park behaved. Come to the topicGator near Cayo Costa State Park restroom facilities are nearby! Pierce Inlet State Park Devils Millhopper Geological State Park, separate from any shuttle fees you pay. Bird watch, swim, and website in this browser for the next time I comment Park restroom are! And native trees and air plants to Run away islands and prairies campgrounds... Near the beach for overnight stays, and cayo costa state park alligators ferry service runs the. This browser for the next time I comment Martin and asked us how were! 3:30 PM, southern accent, Did you see that alligator over there? beach than sparse. 33711, # 1 Causeway Blvd are Shiba Inus Likely to Run away over to us, he himself... Asked us how we were doing were doing the inside waterways of Cayo Costa State Park Our from! I dared to go in it Costa? reservations and must be caged or leashed muzzled! In 1890 from 9:30 AM 1:00 PM and the full day runs 9:30. Tide organism, Karenia brevis, occur in this browser for the next I! You to have your own private beach while basking in the camping areas, equipped with flushable toilets and water! Turtle is one of the largest barrier islands in Florida with kids work hard to ensure survival! Include affiliate links from which we earn modest commissions if a purchase is made cold water rinse-off showers 821510.43W 6!

Quick Answer, There is an abundance of wildlife found on Cayo Costa. This page may include affiliate links from which we earn modest commissions if a purchase is made. Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Devils Millhopper Geological State Park FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. WebCayo Costa State Park stretches over 2,420 acres on one of Floridas largest unspoiled barrier islands. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At fort Meade the river is narrow and intimate. Cayo Costa and nearby Sanibel Island are world renowned for the shelling opportunities. Bald Point State Park Note: They eye of Hurricane Ian made landfall on Cayo Costa on Sept. 28, 2022, bringing great devastation. WebCayo Costa State Park stretches over 2,420 acres on one of Floridas largest unspoiled barrier islands.

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park This organism blooms in cycles, so it isnt present at all times so check the red tide forecast from Florida Wildlife to see if it might be a problem during your trip. WebCayo Costa State Park. There is a water taxi serving the general area, Island Girl. Amelia Island State Park Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

Madison Blue Spring State Park Cayo Costa State Park is officially sea shelling insanity. Henderson Beach State Park Separated from the mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, this island is part of a chain of Gulf Coast barrier islands. Deer Lake State Park document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Dogs are $20, must have advance reservations and must be caged or leashed and muzzled. Posted on Last updated: December 28, 2022, Categories Beaches in Florida, Camping in Florida, Florida Birding, Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails, Southwest Florida. The Half Day runs from 9:30 AM 1:00 PM and the full day runs from 9:30 AM 3:30 PM. Cayo Costa is nine miles of relatively quiet beaches, coastal shrub, and native trees and wildlife. Cayo Costa State Park has 30 primitive tent sites and 12 rustic cabins for guests who want to extend their stay. Privacy Policy|Disclosure|Sitemap Shared with Public Follow Alligator at Cayo Costa State Park Comments Forest Capital Museum State Park

Pets at Cayo Costa State Park Well behaved and supervised pets are allowed inside Cayo Costa State Park. Cayo Costa is a great place to go camping in Florida with kids. The camp store closes at 4:00, so make sure that you get your firewood and ice (and whatever else) before the store closes, especially if you are on that afternoon ferry. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: The Tropic Star Cayo Costa ferry departs from Pine Island once a day and drops and picks up campers. Fort Cooper State Park Bring along, Are Shiba Inus Likely To Run Away? Please read our disclaimer. A $2.00-day use fee is charged to all visitors of the park, separate from any shuttle fees you may pay. 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. Hi! 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. 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. 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. Call for reservations (239) 283-0015. The man in the boat yelled to us in a delightful, southern accent, Did you see that alligator over there?! Blooms of the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, occur in this region, particularly during the summer months. WebCayo Costa has 30 tent sites in a primitive environment. 4 Nautical Miles West of Pine Island (26.685789, -82.245381) Cayo Costa: An update from ground zero. and a Southern Water Snake!

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Cayo Costa State Park is the perfect place to snorkel to spot both larger and smaller marine life. Samantha is a self-proclaimed "water bug" who spends her time enjoying the coastal environment at Cayo Costa State Park. That said, you need to understand who's giving you this advice. WebCayo Costa State Park. Cayo Costa State Park is officially sea shelling insanity. But Ollie and I werent fooled.

An escape to this Florida state park offers guests opportunities for camping, swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking, bicycling, shelling, snorkeling and spectacular wildlife viewing. And theres Ollie in his jersey; cute and functional, it prevents him from getting covered in sticky burs. 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. Completely removed from soceity it truly captures Florida's beauty.

That said, with, Sea of Cortez cruises are a great way to visit "the world's aquarium." Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Lake Talquin State Park Restroom facilities are located nearby and have cold showers and flush toilets. WebFeb 2021.

Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays, and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations. Follow www.friendsofcayocosta.org for updates. There just arent many places like this left.

How To Address Boris Johnson In A Letter, How Many Countries Use Celsius, Wpc Excessive Rainfall Archive, Articles C