Useppa Island

Cayo Costa

Located near the northern end of Pine Island Sound and currently the home of the private Useppa Island Club, this 100acre, boat accessible, private island is a destination for many who have a desire for security as well as privacy. Club membership, as well as real estate inquiries, are invited.

More info: www.useppa.com or 239283-1061

Discover miles of pristine beaches where campsites and cabins are also available for overnight stays and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations, including Pine Island and Captiva.

This former fishing ground and once-upon-a-time home to the Calusa Indians features undeveloped shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, bird watching and exploration along with several walking and bicycling trails throughout the island.

You are likely to spot wild boar on land and manatees, porpoises, dolphins and sea turtles off shore. The park’s Citizen Support Organization (Barrier Island Park Society) has kayaks and stand up paddleboards available to rent at the camp store to get you started on your adventure. Be sure to visit Manatee Hole, a small lagoon just south of the park’s dock, where manatees can be found nearly every day of the year.

The world-famous Cabbage Key restaurant is also within paddling distance of the park.

More info: www.floridastateparks.org/CayoCosta

Getting there: Tropic Star Ferry Service; 239-283-0015, 13851 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia