Cayo Costa State Park

Captiva offers a range of dining options near Cayo Costa State Park. The Mucky Duck Restaurant is a laid-back spot known for its beachside sunset views and American cuisine, often accompanied by live music. The Bubble Room Restaurant is famous for its kitschy decorations and festive atmosphere, offering a variety of American dishes. The Shipyard, located at the 'Tween Waters Inn, serves seafood and is celebrated for its crab racing events. For an upscale seafood experience with a panoramic view, The Green Flash Restaurant is another excellent choice, offering a refined dining experience by the water. Lastly, Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille provides a casual yet vibrant setting with Caribbean-inspired seafood and live entertainment.

For accommodations near Cayo Costa State Park, ’Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa in Captiva offers a comfortable beach stay with spa facilities and marina access. South Seas on Captiva provides an expansive beachfront experience with multiple pools and dining options. On Sanibel Island, Sanibel Island Beach Resort features modern facilities including an outdoor pool and tennis courts. Island Inn offers a historic resort experience with private beach access and a heated pool. Additionally, Casa Ybel Beach Resort is noted for its family-friendly condos with various activities.

Cayo Costa State Park offers limited amenities to preserve its natural state. While it lacks modern conveniences like showers or picnic areas, it does feature a sheltered pavilion and ADA-accessible facilities. The park allows paddlecraft launching and offers primitive campsites for those looking for a rustic experience. No electric or water hook-ups are available for boats or campsites, maintaining the park's unspoiled character. A free tram service transports visitors from the bayside docks to the gulf side during operating hours, enhancing accessibility without detracting from the park's natural charm.

Cayo Costa State Park is a haven for those who enjoy outdoor activities in a pristine natural environment. Visitors can engage in swimming, snorkeling, and shelling along the beautiful beaches. Fishing is popular, especially in nearby Charlotte Harbor, where the Boca Grande Pass is renowned for its excellent catch. Bird-watching is also a favorite pastime, with a variety of wildlife to observe both onshore and offshore. The park features hiking and bicycle trails that crisscross the island, providing additional ways to explore and appreciate its lush habitat and wildlife.

Cayo Costa State Park offers ADA-accessible facilities, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can enjoy the natural beauty of the island. The park features a free tram service that transports visitors from the bayside docks to the Gulf side, providing access to its amenities. Additionally, the sheltered pavilion and certain beach areas are designed to be accessible for visitors with mobility needs. However, the rustic nature of the park means that some areas, such as hiking trails, may be more challenging to navigate with mobility aids.

Parking at Cayo Costa State Park is limited and consists of free parking available at the bayside docks, where visitors board the tram to access the Gulf side of the island. However, there are no ADA-accessible parking spaces specifically designated, but the overall facilities are ADA accessible. The park's remote location means that parking and access are primarily geared towards those arriving by private boat or kayak, making it a unique and exclusive experience.

Cayo Costa State Park is steeped in history, having been an important fishing ground for the Calusa Indians. Its isolated location has preserved much of its natural beauty, making it a unique spot for wildlife viewing. The park is known for its exceptional shelling opportunities, with many types of shells washing up on its shores. Visitors often report sightings of dolphins, porpoises, and sea turtles, adding to the park's allure as a wildlife haven. The park's rugged shoreline also makes it a popular destination for beachcombing and nature enthusiasts looking to explore Florida's unspoiled coastlines.

One of the major attractions near Cayo Costa is the opportunity to explore a relatively untouched barrier island with a rich history. The park itself offers a chance to see a variety of marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles. For those interested in nearby attractions, Captiva's historic lighthouse is a short distance away, offering a glimpse into the region's maritime past. Additionally, the area's numerous nature reserves and wildlife refuges provide further opportunities for hiking and bird-watching.