Wildlife Viewing Site - Cayo Costa State Park

image of compass Wildlife Viewing Site

Cayo Costa State Park

drawing of wildlife

Description:
This beautiful, relatively unspoiled barrier island features seven miles of
brilliant white beach, pine forest, oak/palm hammock, and mangrove swamp at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor.

Watchable wildlife:
This island is well-known for its birding potential. August and September are the best month for observing American oystercatchers, black skimmers, long-billed curlews, plovers, whimbrels, gulls, and terns. Magnificent frigatebirds soar overhead in the summer, and ospreys and brown pelicans are here year-round. Look for bald eagles in the spring.

Ownership:
Department of Environmental Protection

Contact:
(941) 964-0375

Directions:
Take Interstate 75 in North Fort Myers to exit 26. Drive west on Florida Highway 78 for 20 miles to Pine Island. Turn right (north) on Stringfellow Road to Bokeelia. The concession-run ferry takes visitors to park from 4-Winds Marina. Call for details and reservations (813)283-0015. The ferry docks at island's bay side. There is a 1 mile walk to beach or ride the park-operated tram.

Related Sites:
Other South West Florida Wildlife Sites
Florida State Parks