Exploring outer Barrier Islands
Barrier Islands (accessible only by boat) Contact Boating Cape Coral for rentals or charters of these local Islands.
CAYO COSTA: A beautiful island with 9 miles of pure white sand beaches and acres of pine forests with surrounding oak and palm hammocks and mangroves. This truly offers a rare glimpse of what Florida was like hundreds of years ago.
Spend the day in this 2,225 acre park; shelling, snorkeling, swimming. No doubt you will see a spectacular array of shorebirds while there; home to Bald Eagles, Osprey, Pelicans, and Sandpipers. Hike and you will no doubt run into the marsh rabbits and gopher tortoise.
Bring a cooler and beach blanket or stop at the Ranger Station for snacks and cold drinks. The only way to reach the Island is by boat.
CABBAGE Key: This tiny Island hideaway is true “Old Florida” built in 1938 by playwright and novelist Mary Roberts Rinehart atop an ancient Calusa Indian shell mound.
Today there is a picturesque dinning room wallpapered with thousands of autographed $1 bills from walls ceiling. Enjoy lunch and walk the nature trail afterwards climb the wooden water tower for a great view of pine Island Sound.
It is said that Jimmy Buffet was inspired to write the song “Cheeseburger in Paradise” while visiting this rustic setting. The only way to reach the Island is by boat. Easy access for Marina dockage.
NORTH CAPTIVA ISLAND: This is also another short boat ride off the Intercoastal Waterway to a beautiful Island. And you will be “on island time.” Explore the beaches, The Dune’s Beach, Jose’s Hideaway Beach, Airstrip Beach and North End Beaches.
You will see dolphin at play and soaring eagles for your entertainment. The lore of this Island is that women were held captive for ransom here; by the notorious pirate Jose Gaspar.
LOVERS KEY STATE PARK: Accessible by boat. Anchor and experience a remote and solitary beach of white sands. This is away from Ft. Myers Beach and the crowds. It is a haven for wildlife; Roseate Spoonbills, Bald Eagles Osprey, and while arriving by boat you wll no doubt pass pods of dolphin and a possible sea turtle so bring your binoculars.
Shelling and spectacular trails are also offered here. Because it is a State Park they have picnic tables, showers, restrooms and you can rent bikes and kayaks to reconnect with nature.
SANIBEL ISLAND:This Island is connected to the mainland by a 3-mile causeway. Travel by boat and you will have the availability to ride the entire length of this Island and stop and anchor where you like. The Island’s curved shrimp-like shape in the water makes it superb for shelling; there is only one other Island that shares this geologically different shape and it is located in Africa. It is also know for fine fishing, beachfront resorts, and wildlife refuge (J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge).
The Sanibel Lighthouse offers a wonderful photo opportunity (it was completed in 1884) and a artists dream. Come by boat and enjoy all the aquatic life this Island offers. It is frequented by many dolphin and tarpon native to this area.
