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.

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.

Are there private homes on Cayo Costa?

But roughly 1 percent of the nine-mile-long island, maybe 40-50 acres according to one estimate, is private property. These parcels hold about two dozen homes, the majority built on pilings.

What animals are on Cayo Costa?

There is an abundance of wildlife found on Cayo Costa. There are bobcats, raccoons, river otters, grey squirrels, feral pigs, and possibly the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse. The bird life is plentiful with shorebirds, wading birds and raptors.

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. …

Are there snakes on Cayo Costa?

Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes (left) are large snakes (can reach over 5′ in length). They occur on the mainland as well as barrier islands throughout Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. They have been documented from Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, Cayo Costa and Gasparilla Island as well as the Keys.

Can you kayak from Pine Island to Cayo Costa?

We enjoyed going to a cove just south of the boat dock that usually has several manatees hanging out there. You can also cross Pelican Bay (where the dock is) to Punta Blanca Island. The Great Calusa Blueway kayak trail goes from Pine Island to Cayo Costa.

Does Cayo Costa have electricity?

Cayo Costa has 30 tent sites in a primitive environment. Each site has a picnic table, a ground grill and access to potable water. There are no sites with electricity. The campground is fairly sunny and near the beach.

Are there ferries 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 to Cayo Costa?

Carefully cross Boca Grande Pass along the bay side to Cayo Costa Island. This island is only accessible by boat. After roughly two miles, you’ll see the Cayo Costa State Park boat dock. Paddle up the small inlet to the right of the dock to a kayak landing spot on a tiny beach in the mangroves.

Does Captiva Island have alligators?

Appreciating Florida Alligators Florida is one of their favorite habitats, of course! It’s the sunshine state! They are often spotted on Sanibel (though rarely on Captiva) which is a wonderful habitat for them as much as it is a great vacation spot for us!

Are there poisonous snakes on Sanibel Island?

No verified sightings of venomous snakes have been documented on Sanibel and Captiva Islands in recent years. There are 4 venomous snakes found in Southwest Florida. Historically, only two of these snake species have been documented on Sanibel and Captiva Islands (eastern diamondback rattlesnake, eastern coral snake).