Cayo Costa

Cayo Costa, situated south of Boca Grande and west of Fort Myers, is a seven-mile-long island where visitors can immerse themselves in the unspoiled nature of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Accessible only by boat, the largely undeveloped island is home to Cayo Costa State Park, where visitors can enjoy the clear turquoise waters and nine miles of pristine beaches. Cayo Costa offers a host of family-friendly outdoor activities, from beachcombing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving to paddling and fishing. Note: Currently, Cayo Costa is open only to private vessels (boaters and paddlers) due to damage from Hurricane Ian. The ferry to the park is not an option at this time, nor are overnight accommodations.

Cayo Costa, an important sea turtle nesting area, is an excellent location for birding and wildlife viewing, and visitors can spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of shorebirds there. Pre-columbian shell mounds on the island are evidence of its long fishing history, and surf fishing for flounder, redfish, snapper, tarpon, and sheepshead continues to be a popular activity.

More Gulf island adventures can be found nearby at Boca Grande, home of Gasparilla Island State Park, Pine Island, Captiva Island, and Cabbage Key.

Plan your trip to Cayo Costa State Park and Fort Myers.

BEACHES

Enjoy Cayo Costa’s nine miles of pristine beaches and explore nearby islands.

• Cayo Costa beach
• Captiva Island
• Gasparilla Island State Park beach

FAMILY FUN

Swim, look for shells, and play on the sand.

• Shelling
• Swimming

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Scuba dive, snorkel, paddle, and fish the clear waters surrounding Cayo Costa.

• Boating
• Fishing
• Paddling
• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling
• Wildlife viewing

DINING

Choose from a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines in the areas surrounding Cayo Costa.

• Dining on Captiva Island
• Dining on Pine Island
• Dining in Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach

PLACES TO STAY

Book a stay at a waterfront hotel, resort, or vacation rental.

• Places to stay on Pine Island
• Places to stay on Captiva Island
• More places to stay in the Fort Myers area