Florida DEP

Cayo Costa, with its shoal waters and long beaches, is classic sharpie territory.

The waters of Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound in southwest Florida are a perfect place to spend a winter week cruising in a small boat.

For over 2,000 years, native people have enjoyed a sea-food smorgasbord from these waters, as attested to by the numerous shell mounds dotting the surrounding islands. Small boaters can enjoy the same feast today. Cayo Costa is a barrier island south of Charlotte Harbor and west of Pine Island, the west side consisting of six miles of sand beach exposed to the Gulf of Mexico.

With a good easterly wind, which always occurs after a norther, one can reach along this beach and land with ease. When a northwest wind blows, it’s best to be on the back (east) side where there are numerous coves and spits for shelter. Be aware that tides are low during and after a norther because the water gets blown out of the Gulf. This low water is perfect for locating oysters, which are the tastiest on the Eastern Seaboard.

Florida DEP (Pier image)

Cayo Costa

There is a state park on the northern end of Cayo Costa with a sheltered approach through Turtle Bay. Reservations are required for tent camping or use of the rustic cabins. Pathways from the eastern side of the island to the Gulf beach are maintained, and this is a good choice when the northers are blowing. This is definitely shoal water and beach cruising.

My “messing about” here has been in small cabin sharpies and small fast outboards, but kayaks, camp cruisers, and sailing canoes are perfect for exploring here, too.

Resources

Information on Cayo Costa State Park

Launching facilities for Cayo Costa State Park are available from the Bokeelia Boat Ramp and Cottages on Pine Island, Florida

Ready to plan your next small boat cruise?

Read our guide on choosing the right destination for your trip where we share some other top small-boat destination ideas.