Cayo Costa State Park Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Cayo Costa State Park is a hidden gem located in Lee County, Florida. This pristine barrier island is only accessible by boat, making it a secluded and peaceful destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, making it the perfect spot for swimming, shelling, birdwatching, and hiking.
Visitors to Cayo Costa State Park can explore over 9 miles of unspoiled coastline, where they can relax in the sun, collect shells, and spot dolphins playing in the surf. The park is also home to a variety of coastal habitats, including mangrove swamps, pine forests, and salt marshes, providing plenty of opportunities for nature walks and wildlife viewing. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the park's diverse bird population, including ospreys, bald eagles, and roseate spoonbills.
For those looking for adventure, Cayo Costa State Park offers primitive camping facilities, allowing visitors to spend the night under the stars and experience the island's natural beauty up close. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular activities, providing a unique way to explore the park's waterways and observe marine life.
In addition to its natural attractions, Cayo Costa State Park has a rich history dating back to the Calusa Indians, who inhabited the island hundreds of years ago. Today, visitors can still see remnants of the Calusa shell mounds and learn about the island's fascinating past at the park's museum and interpretive center.
Florida
Cayo Costa State Park Attractions - What to See and Explore
Cayo Costa State Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: North Captiva Island. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Cayo Costa State Park
Learn when is the best time to travel to Cayo Costa State Park weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
West Indian manatee
The West Indian Manatee, affectionately known as the "sea cow" is the largest surviving member of the Sirenia order of aquatic mammals. This gentle giant is divided into two subspecies: the Florida manatee and the Antillean, or Caribbean, manatee.
Mammals
Raccoon
Raccoons are captivating, medium-sized mammals native to North America, easily identifiable by their dexterous front paws, masked faces, and ringed tails. These intelligent creatures can remember solutions to problems for years, showcasing their remarkable cognitive...
Mammals
Bald eagle
The bald eagle is a majestic bird of prey native to North America, easily recognizable by its striking white head and tail feathers. These raptors prefer living near large bodies of water where they can find plenty of fish to catch with their sharp talons.
Birds
Bottlenose dolphin
Bottlenose dolphins, belonging to the Tursiops genus, are among the most recognizable members of the dolphin family, Delphinidae. They inhabit warm and temperate seas worldwide. This genus encompasses three species: the common bottlenose dolphin, the Indo-Pacific...
Mammals
Snowy egret
The snowy egret is a delightful small white heron found throughout North, Central, and South America. Its scientific name is derived from the French term for "little egret" although a Chilean naturalist erroneously assigned its species name.
Birds
Florida