Cayo Costa Loop Trail

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

No roads, only access by boat. Once there be prepared to walk 'cause there ain't no other way to get around. Enough campsites to go around and the gulf side beach was great. Amenities are basic at best.

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.

The park was nice. Ranger and Volunteer were nice (a little on the sarcastic side though). The bugs are NOT tolerable. We paid and planned a nice 3 day trup that lasted one day.

We've been here several times while cruising on our sharpie ketch. Wonderful anchorage, gulf beach walks, shelling and swimming as well as coastal bird watching.

One of my favorite places with my classmates studying coastal marine ecology. This island is beautiful, and holds so many wonders that go unseen at first glance.

one of my favorite places. can't help but relax . no electricity or hot water so bring a solar shower for extended stays. great way to reset your biological clock.

Absolutely wonderful island to get away from the hustle and bustle of society. Stayed in a tent and heard wild boars poking around our campsite in the middle of the night! It was a blast

Beautiful but I recommend you go in spring or autumn

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.