Is Cayo Costa worth visiting?

This place is a nature lover’s dream. It amazing that it is as large a barrier island as it is, and yet still be so unspoiled. 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.

Are there houses on Cayo Costa?

These parcels hold about two dozen homes, the majority built on pilings. Private residential development has held to a snail’s pace since conservationists persuaded the state to start buying Cayo Costa land more than 40 years ago.

Is shelling good on Cayo Costa?

Cayo Costa State Park is considered to be one of the best shelling beaches in the world. With nine miles of beach, acres of pine forests and more than six miles of trails, visitors can enjoy shelling, fishing, birdwatching and snorkeling on this beautiful barrier island.

How do you camp at Cayo Costa?

To start your Cayo Costa Camping Adventure you must call Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521 to secure your camp site. Once you have your campsite reservation, you can book your ferry service. Limited ferry service is available to campers from Punta Gorda and Captiva Island.

Can you kayak from North Captiva to Cayo Costa?

Re: Kayak to Cayo Costa? Yes the current can be strong and for part of the trip you are in the boating channels so there are chances of someone going by you quite fast in a larger boat that could cause you to capsize.

Is there a bridge to Cayo Costa?

” No TV’s, no roads, no bridges, no cars, no traffic lights, no stores. It is one of the few islands on the peninsular Florida Gulf Coast that appears much as it would have to the early explorers, especially now that the invasive Australian pines have mostly been removed. …

Can you stay on Cayo Costa?

Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays, and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations. Visitors are reminded that camping is allowed only in designated sites in the campground on Cayo Costa.

Does Cayo Costa have electricity?

Keep in mind that Cayo Costa State Park is accessible only by boat. Cabins are located near the beach and nature trails. Each cabin sleeps up to six people and is furnished with three bunk beds and a table. Though the cabins have no electricity or water, outdoor grills are provided for cooking.

How do you get to Cayo Costa by boat?

Ways to Get to Cayo Costa State Park Cayo Costa State Park is only accessible by private boat or Captiva Cruises. The ferry departs from Jug Creek Marina, 16498 Tortuga St, Bokeelia, FL. Call for reservations (239) 283-0015. Half day and full day trips to the park are available.

Can you kayak from Cayo Costa to Cabbage Key?

What is this? Kayakers looking for a longer or alternative trip can paddle north to the entrance to Cayo Costa State Park, which is about a 90 minute paddle north. While Cabbage Key is directly across from Useppa Island, that Island does not allow visitors and Cabbage Key Inn does not allow kayaks to go there.

Does Cayo Costa have red tide?

Lee County’s health department warns of red tide in the Gulf of Mexico near Cayo Costa and Gasparilla islands. “Background to high concentrations of Karenia brevis (the red tide microorganism) were detected at eight locations,” reported biologist Mary Harper.

Can you kayak to Cayo Costa?

Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are very popular on the inside waterways of Cayo Costa State Park. Numerous islands and the passages between them are teeming with wildlife. Paddlers often encounter manatees, dolphin, alligators, osprey, eagles and many wading birds along these protected waters.