ISLAND TIME

Cayo Costa State Park is one of just a few Florida State Parks accessible only by boat.

// BY MELISSA PETERSON

Have you ever thought about escaping to a deserted island, spending your time basking in the sun and roaming the white, sandy beaches? Cayo Costa State Park is about as close to deserted as you’re going to get in the state of Florida. Accessible only by boat or kayak, Cayo Costa State Park is an unspoiled Gulf Coast island that evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and the freedom to explore.

This former Native American shing ground features nine miles of undeveloped shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, shing and birdwatching, along with several walking and bicycling trails through the island’s interior.

“Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are very popular on the inside waterways of Cayo Costa State Park,” says Alex Cronin, who works in the press o ce of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. “Numerous islands and the passages between them are teeming with wildlife. Paddlers often encounter manatees, dolphins, alligators, ospreys, eagles and many wading birds along these protected waters.” Kayaks and standup paddle boards are available to rent at the camp store to get you started on your adventure. Bicycles are also available to rent.

For 4,000 or more years before the arrival of Europeans in Florida, a succession of Native American shing cultures lived and worked in the Charlotte Harbor area. Several of their shell mounds are located on Cayo Costa, which means ‘Key by the Coast.’

“Approximately 20 shing families lived on Cayo Costa in the early 1900s, during which time they established a school, a post o ce and a grocery store,” explains Alex. “History bu s enjoy walking the cemetery trail and re ecting upon early island life in the area.”

The highlight of Cayo Costa, though, is the miles of undeveloped, natural beaches.

“Even during the busiest season, you can still nd peace and quiet,” says Alex. “Many of our visitors come to Cayo Costa State Park just for the shelling. Fishing is also very popular on the island and o ers a chance to catch snook, red sh, pompano, tarpon and many other species.”

To take your desertion a bit further, primitive campsites, hammock camping and rustic, oneroom cabins, all with no electricity, are available for overnight stays. Each tent site has a picnic table, a ground grill and access to potable water. Restrooms with cold water showers are available. Overnight visitors must carry in all food.

For visitors without their own boat or kayak, a ferry service runs to the island from several locations. The ferry ride lasts about an hour each way. Once on the island, tram service is available to transport campers and their gear. The tram runs from 10am-4pm. Outside of those times, campers are required to carry their gear the mile to the campground.

For visitors with boats, Cayo Costa o ers overnight stays at its bayside dock, with restroom facilities located conveniently nearby. Boat slips do not have water or electric, and all slips are rst come, rst served.

Cayo Costa State Park // Located four nautical miles west of Pine Island, between Port Charlotte and Fort Myers // oridastateparks.org/CayoCosta // Call Captiva Cruises at (239) 472-5100 for ferry reservations. Parking is available at the ferry service for a fee. // Camping reservations can be made 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book online at oridastateparks.reserveamerica.com, or call (800) 326-3521.