Cayo Costa State Park is accessible only by private boat and by ferry. Its 2,400 acres contain nine miles of pristine beaches, acres of closed canopy forests, and many mangrove swamps. Off-shore there are pods of dolphins and porpoises, and manatees are sighted regularly. Shorebirds and sea turtles lay their nests on the beaches; the nests are protected by law.

There are excellent trails for hiking and off-road cycling; an amphitheater with educational programs about the island’s ecology and history; and a gift shop that sells souvenirs and rents out kayaks. The beaches are white sand and covered with interesting shells to collect; swimmers and snorkelers love the clear water of the Gulf of Mexico. The park has primitive cabins and tenting sites without water or electrical hookups.

Four nautical miles west of Pine Island, Cayo Costa, Florida 33922, Phone: 941-964-0375

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