Cayo Costa State Park — Loop A

Cayo Costa State Park protects the Charlotte Harbor Estuary and provides visitors with a majestic piece of untouched Florida. An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. This especially rings true for Cayo Costa Island. Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians features nine miles of undeveloped shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, birdwatching and exploration along with several walking and bicycling trails through the island's interior. Shorebirds are numerous and one might spot manatees, porpoises and sea turtles offshore. This is coastal Florida at its best! Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations.