preview

Barrier Islands In Cayo Costa

Good Essays

Along the Gulf Coast, Cayo Costa lies amid a chain of barrier islands. Look just south of Boca Grande, north of North Captiva and 12 miles west of Cape Coral to find this island, formerly called La Costa. Home to the 2,426-acre Cayo Costa State Park, this barrier island offers natural, untouched beauty and biodiversity. Nine and a half miles of sandy beaches run along the Gulf of Mexico on this seven-mile-long island. Surrounded by pine forests, oak-palm hammocks and mangrove swamps, these sands are soft and white. And, life here moves at its own pace Accessible by charter boat, private boat, ferry or, for the adventurous, helicopter only, this island retains a natural wildness and sense of remoteness. Captiva Cruises bring guests from Captiva …show more content…

However, conservation, recreation and aesthetics play a role as well. One visit and guests see these efforts at work in the natural beauty of Cayo Costa. THINGS TO DO The recreational focus of the island remains on passive, nature-based activities. Guests enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing and picnicking. Boating and kayaking offer views from the water. And, overnight dock accommodations for boats allow camping on your vessel. Plus, the treat of stargazing unobstructed by artificial lights is breathtaking. Land camping is also available. Twelve rustic cabins near the beach offer accommodations. However, no electric or water, just grills, define your stay. Restrooms, cold water showers and potable water can be found nearby. And, a tram makes the one-mile trip from the docks to the camp sites with gear easier during limited hours. To go even more rustic, thirty tent camping areas offer picnic tables, grills and potable water access. And, hammock camping is permitted in designated areas. Fire circles round out the evening in this quiet, natural …show more content…

Loggerhead, hawksbill, green and Kemp’s ridley turtle species dwell on Cayo Costa. Loggerhead leads in the count with green turtles running a distant second. Threats to these nests on Cayo Costa include the common raccoon, foxes, ants, ghost crabs, high tide and humans. NEARBY BEACHES Alison Hagerup Beach Park To the south, Alison Hagerup Beach Park ranks sixth on the USA Today 10Best list of 2014 and earns honor as the Best Restored Beach in three categories. Located on Captiva Island, this white, sandy beach access on the Gulf proves a short trip from Cayo Costa. Boca Grande Beach To the north on Gasparilla Island, this affluent community and shoreline are known for excellent fishing. Gasparilla Inn and Club offer a luxurious resort stay with Old Florida charm. Boca Grande Beach proves an interesting partner to the wild remoteness of Cayo Costa within such a short distance. The natural landscape, protected ecosystem and history of Cayo Costa offer beauty on several levels. Catch a boat (or, helicopter!) to this remote wildness and enjoy the day or a stay. Your time on this island is sure to relax

Get Access