Florida's Serene State Park Is An Island Paradise With Caribbean-Like Water And Secluded Beaches

Although Florida has no shortage of tropical-style beaches, not all of them are created equal. On the one hand, you have beaches next to major urban centers, like the beautiful, world-renowned South Beach, which boasts pristine sands and vibrant Art Deco architecture in Miami Beach. On the other hand, you can find unspoiled beauty and Caribbean island vibes in spots like Cayo Costa State Park, located on an island on the opposite side of the state. In fact, this park is so undeveloped that the only way to reach it is via boat, and there are no roads on the island.

Overall, there are over 9 miles of shoreline to explore, making Cayo Costa a prime destination for those who want to enjoy nature, not crowded tourist areas. In addition to lounging on the sand and enjoying the wilder side of Florida, you can often spot local wildlife, such as manatees, birds, dolphins, and sea turtles.

While a day at Cayo Costa may require a bit of planning and preparation, it's worth the effort if you're trying to experience as much Gulf Coast beauty as possible. So, let's break down what you can do at this state park and how to make the most of your trip.

One of the best reasons to head to Cayo Costa is to experience Florida the way it was before cities and infrastructure popped up. That said, the island has been inhabited and minimally developed before, first by Native Americans and then by Spanish colonists. The area was popular for fishing, and a quarantine station was even built to house immigrants coming to the country from Boca Grande Pass to the north. However, these days, even with a state park on the 7-mile island, there are very few buildings remaining, a couple of which are functional restroom sites.

With this in mind, the top activities to do on the island involve immersing yourself in nature — think swimming, beachcombing, fishing, snorkeling, and paddling. That said, how you come to the island (via ferry or a personal boat) may limit what you can do during your stay and how much gear you're able to bring. Also, keep in mind that, while there used to be a campground here, it's currently not in use, so visitors must leave by sunset every day.

If you plan to fish around Cayo Costa, expect to catch species like flounder, trout, redfish, snapper, and tarpon. While you can fish from the shoreline, it's best to venture out onto the water so you have more opportunities to catch something. Plus, since people may be swimming near the beach, you can avoid potential mishaps by being farther away from them.

Since the only way to reach Cayo Costa is via boat and you can't stay overnight on the island, there are a few things to keep in mind, including how to get to and from the park. You can take a ferry, such as the Captiva Cruises ferry, which departs from Captiva Island to the south. The ride is about 30 minutes each way, and you'll get two hours to explore the area. This option is great if you just want to see Cayo Costa and have other plans during your Florida vacation.

Alternatively, if you want to experience as much of the area as possible, it's better to stay on Captiva Island and prepare your own vessel. The best way to reach Captiva is to fly into Fort Myers at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), which is about an hour away by car. Alternatively, you may have to fly into Sarasota, with its own pristine beaches and stunning white sand, which is about two and a half hours north. Either way, you'll pass through Sanibel Island, aka the "seashell capital of the world," on your way to Captiva. Note that there's a toll bridge to reach these islands, so plan accordingly.

As for accommodations, the South Seas Resort spans the northern part of Captiva Island, and it offers private charters and slip reservations so you can check out Cayo Costa and other nearby islands at your leisure, rather than relying on a timed ferry. Alternatively, Sanibel Island has numerous hotels and resorts, and you can take advantage of other boat rental services in the area to get to the state park. There is also a nominal fee of $2 per person when you arrive at Cayo Costa, and you can use cash or a card at one of the payment kiosks.