Cayo Costa Loop Trail is a 2.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Boca Grande, Florida that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Cayo Costa is a beautiful island, accessible only by boat. There is a ferry service, the Tropic Star, that makes multiple trips from Pine Island to Cayo Costa. There are multiple trails throughout the 2,426 acre park, not to mention just walking on the white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/cayocosta/default.cfm Physical Location: Four nautical miles west off the coast of Pine Island Florida, 33922 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1150 Boca Grande, Florida 33921 (941) 964-0375
The ferry, Tropic Star of Pine Island, departs Jug Creek Marina in Bokeelia and requires reservations. For ferry information and reservations contact Tropic Star Cruises (239) 283-0015.
Flat trails with good footing. My GPS’s estimated 52’ of elevation gain is a gross exaggeration. 5’ in 10 miles is probably more accurate. The bay-side trails (Quarantine Trail in particular) have more tree cover, but more mosquitos. The Gulf-side trails are more exposed, but fewer bugs. Pick your poison! There are two restrooms with water fountains, and you are never more than about 2 miles from one of them. So, there is no need to carry water, unless you just want to. There are some trails on the map to the south, but they had closed gates across them. One of the rangers said that there is some private property on that side of the park, so I didn’t go down those. The trail on the southwest corner of the map is actually the beach now, so I didn’t go down that. The park fee is just $2 per person (July 2020). The rangers were very nice and helpful. They know the trails well. Nice park. Good experience. I’ll definitely go back.
Went in June and would NOT recommend that time of year. The heat was unbearable. However, if the weather had cooperated, or perhaps if we had gone in the spring or winter, I'd recommend 100% Great place to get off the grid without REALLY diving deep into the backcountry. Click here for our short video from our trip. https://youtu.be/qzqa5LaQ2t4
You can kayak to see manatees, and dolphins are sited often. Hermit crabs and shells galore. Alligators, snakes, wild pigs, this place is abundant with wildlife. I've only been during April. No mosquitos, but biting flies (no-seeums) come out about 5 pm till morning. Wear long sleeves and pants and tube socks of a light color (they are attracted to dark colors). And spray 100% deet overtop. Trust me, they will eat you alive. This April will be my third time spending a week here. If it rains heavily, the main swimming area is brackish and murky from the overflowing lagoon. We bring rafts because its kinda scary to swim when you can't see. One year we went and the water was so clear we could see 8 feet to the bottom. This is place is amazing, and has become our spring break family tradition.
This is a semi primitive camping area where your only activity is relaxing on the water. You can go fishing, swimming or reading a book. I highly recommend to go during spring or autumn and also to stay in a cabin. there is no shade in any of the camping spots and no electricity in the park. Your only way to get there is by boat, so book the boat first and then the spot. I enjoy very much the calm warm waters and empty spaces.