Cayo Costa Island

Cayo Costa Island's scenic vistas are filled with over 13 miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. More than 95 percent of the island is owned by the State of Florida and reserved for park lands.

cayo costa

Cayo Costa is a popular destination for local boaters, shell collectors, and fisher- folk.

Very few full-time residents still inhabit the island. Off-the grid life on the island still holds its appeal for those seeking solitude and frontier spirit.

This is a stark difference from the island's rich history when it was the most densely populated of the bridge free barrier islands. The poulation and fishing history of Cayo Costa dates back to the earliest settlers of the out islands, including the Calusa tribes, then much later on in the 1800s with local fish ranching families such as the Padillo Family, who made Cayo Costa their home and farmed the local water for their abundant fish. Cayo Costa residents used Boca Grande for their shoreport when the railroad and major seaport were still operational.

Cayo Costa Island Video

Fish houses that dot the waters of Pine Island Sound are historical references to the fishing history of the area. Yesteryears on the island were also home to children growing up on Cayo Costa, fishing through lazy summer days for small local catches and rowing them to a nearby ice house to trade for supplies... and along the way attending school at Cayo Costa's one room school house.

the gulf coastline of cayo costa

Now, primarily owned and operated as a part of the State of Florida Barrier islands GEOpark , Cayo Costa allows camping with proper permits. The park has small cabins, docks, and moorings available.

north end of cayo costa

Cayo Costa also has freshwater lakes hidden away on its interior. Salt ponds border the Gulf beaches and one can spend endless hours shelling, exploring tide pools, and observing wildlife.

If camping in more primitive conditions is just too frontier spirit for you, you can also enjoy a guided beach walk with one of the park rangers. It is a good idea to bring gear to make your day trip comfortable, including: good sturdy walking shoes, camera to capture amazing local wildlife (like infamous wild pigs of Cayo Costa), sun protection (hats, long sleeved sun shirts) insect repellant, and ample clean drinking water for the group.

The Tropic Star ferry offers daily trips from Pine Island to Cayo Costa. It is a two hour tour of the local Barrier Islands and arrives at Cayo Costa island for a day trip or longer camping adventure. Campers and daytrippers alike can board the ferry and enjoy the tour, remember to keep an eye out for wild dolphins that love to swim along side the vessels.

sting ray along the shore on cayo costa's bayside

Sting Rays in their natural habitat are remarkable creatures to observe in the wild. When searching the shores for shells in the surf, shuffle your feet just a bit to give them fair warning of your approach.

Hermit Crab Plays Peek-A-Boo with us from his beautiful shell home.

And always remember the Florida Beaches mantra,

"Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints."

hermit crab found along the shore

Cystal clear waters are perfect for spotting shells along the beaches. Live shells with living creatures should never be taken away from thier natural habitats.

Barrier Island GEOparks like Cayo Costa are for enjoying and experiencing wild creatures in their surroundings like few people ever get the chance to do... no place (not even Disney) can replicate this type of experience to see and cherish nature's beauty for you or your loved ones...

beautiful pristine shelling on cayo costa

On your next trip to Cayo Costa, let the beauty surround you and the serenity sweep you away from worlds of everyday troubles and cares. It is really just stepping out of the modern path into the traditional island lifestyles of Florida's Gulf coasts.

While boating out to Cayo, try out North Captiva as a dining destination. Day trips to North Captiva are not encouraged, since the island is private just like Useppa Island, but several North Captiva Restaurants are open to the public.

cayo costa from the north