Hurricane Ian Update:
Cayo Costa State Park was significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian, and as a result, the park is closed for repairs.
Friends of Cayo Costa is proud to be actively supporting the rebuilding efforts and asks visitors to be patient as the state works to address all concerns. Please continue to check the park website and this page for updates. Thank you for your patience!
Park Manager’s Message:
Cayo Costa State Park was significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian, a devastating category 4 storm that destroyed much of the park’s infrastructure. As a result, the park is closed for repairs. Cleanup and demolition efforts are complete, and staff are actively working on repairing and rebuilding the infrastructure. We are working daily on repairs and managing natural resources. The native flora and fauna are already bouncing back with palm trees, hardwoods, and pines showing signs of life, while gopher tortoises, shorebirds, manatees and alligators are thriving in their habitats. Shorebird and sea turtle nesting seasons are underway, and we are closely monitoring these activities. We look forward to welcoming our park visitors back as soon as we can do so safely. Until then, we appreciate your patience and please continue to check our website for updates.
About the Park
The Cayo Costa State Park is an island on the Gulf Coast that is accessible only by boat or kayak. The island was formerly a fishing ground of the Calusa Indians and its 9 miles of shoreline remain undeveloped.
The park features a variety of activities that you can enjoy during your trip, including:
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Shelling
- Fishing
- Bird-watching
- Walking trails
- Bicycle trails
There is an abundance of wildlife to see both on and off the shore of the park, such as shorebirds, manatees, porpoises, and sea turtles.
Park Hours: 8am until sundown, 365 days a year
Park Fee: $2 per person
Transportation: For an additional fee, you can book a ferry ride to and from the island through the Captiva Cruises ferry service
To learn more about the park and to plan your trip, visit FloridaStateParks.org/CayoCosta.
The goal of the Florida Park Service is to create a sense of place by showing park visitors the best of Florida’s diverse natural and cultural sites. Florida’s state parks are managed and preserved for enjoyment by this and future generations through providing appropriate resource-based recreational opportunities, interpretation and education that help visitors connect to the Real FloridaSM. Learn more at FloridaStateParks.org.
The Friends of Cayo Costa State Park is a division of Barrier Island Parks Society, a not for profit 501c3 Citizen Support Organization (CSO), that works with the Florida Park service to specifically support Cayo Costa state park. Learn more at Bips.org
Special thanks to our Corporate Sponsors:
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