Adopt A Turtle Nest 2024!

Did you know that Cayo Costa State Park turtle patrol volunteers mark more than 300 nests along the Gulf shores each turtle nesting season? It’s true! The island’s natural shoreline and dune beaches are the perfect sites for the turtles to nest. Because human impact has taken a toll on these gentle sea giants, turtles are struggling to survive. We are doing our part along with experts and volunteers around our state and country to see that nests are protected as much as possible.
Now you can, too! When you donate $25 per nest, you will “adopt” one of our turtle nests! Volunteers routinely monitor Cayo Costa’s shorelines during nesting season and use GPS technology to mark and number each nest. When you “adopt” a nest, you will receive a thank you card in the mail, your name will be listed as a donor, and you will be notified via email of the date it was laid. You will also receive an email letting you know when your nest has hatched. Your “Adopt-A-Nest” funds will assist in providing needed supplies used to protect the nests as well as pay for other resource management needs.

Hurricane Ian Update:

Cayo Costa State Park was significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian, and as a result, the park is closed for repairs. 

Friends of Cayo Costa is proud to be actively supporting the rebuilding efforts and asks visitors to be patient as the state works to address all concerns. Please continue to check the park website and this page for updates. Thank you for your patience! 

Park Manager’s Message:  

Effective Oct. 25, 2023: The beach at Cayo Costa State Park is open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset for those with private vessels. Ferry services, electricity, drinking water and overnight accommodations are not available. Restrooms are available on the gulf side of the island Please adhere to all posted signs and avoid closed areas.


About the Park


The Cayo Costa State Park is an island on the Gulf Coast that is accessible only by boat or kayak. The island was formerly a fishing ground of the Calusa Indians and its 9 miles of shoreline remain undeveloped.

The park features a variety of activities that you can enjoy during your trip, including:

  • Swimming
  • Snorkeling
  • Shelling
  • Fishing
  • Bird-watching
  • Walking trails
  • Bicycle trails

There is an abundance of wildlife to see both on and off the shore of the park, such as shorebirds, manatees, porpoises, and sea turtles.

Park Hours: 8am until sundown, 365 days a year

Park Fee: $2 per person

Transportation: For an additional fee, you can book a ferry ride to and from the island through the Captiva Cruises ferry service

To learn more about the park and to plan your trip, visit FloridaStateParks.org/CayoCosta.


The goal of the Florida Park Service is to create a sense of place by showing park visitors the best of Florida’s diverse natural and cultural sites. Florida’s state parks are managed and preserved for enjoyment by this and future generations through providing appropriate resource-based recreational opportunities, interpretation and education that help visitors connect to the Real FloridaSM. Learn more at FloridaStateParks.org.


The Friends of Cayo Costa State Park is a division of Barrier Island Parks Society, a not for profit 501c3 Citizen Support Organization (CSO), that works with the Florida Park service to specifically support Cayo Costa state park. Learn more at Bips.org


Special thanks to our Corporate Sponsors:

Contact Us

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 15
Bokeelia FL 33922

Email: friendsofcayocosta@gmail.com

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