Photo: Patrick Nichols Islands in the Sun: Kayaking Cayo Costa State Park, Florida Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 09428A Price: $895 Deposit: $100 Capacity: 12 Leader:
The Trip  Photo: Patrick Nichols
With nine miles of beautiful beaches and acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks, and mangrove swamps, Cayo Costa is a Gulf Coast paradise. This barrier island park lies north of Sanibel and Captiva islands and is accessible only by private boat or ferry. Shell-seekers will find treasures all around on this undeveloped beach. We may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters around the park, as well as a spectacular assortment of birds. On the island, we can kayak, swim, or snorkel in the surf, enjoy the sun, and picnic in the shade. Shelling is especially good this time of year. More than five miles of nature trails provide opportunities for hiking and off-road bicycling. You can always skip the kayaking if you want to kick back and relax.
 Photo: Patrick Nichols Day 1: We meet a marina on Pine Island at 1 p.m. After greetings and introductions we load our gear on to the ferry and depart for our island. Our cruise to the island hints at the sub-tropical adventure before us. Upon arrival we will settle in to cabins and head for the beach for a quick dip or just put our toes in the sand! Day 2: After a morning stroll to the lee side of the island we start with a dry land introduction to kayaking. After some hands on time with your boat we take a short paddle to a neighboring beach and bird sanctuary. Be sure to bring your cameras and binoculars Day 3: In the morning we paddle to the north end of Cayo Costa. This is the entrance to Port Charlotte and Boca Grande Pass. Friendly dolphins and manatees often join up as we begin to circle the island. Day 4: Today is your day off. Kick back and enjoy! Explore and experience the island. Soak in the sun, read a book on the beach and plan on easing in to the evening with a sizzling sunset paddle, followed by a secret stroll on a moonlit beach.  Photo: Patrick Nichols Day 5: Today we paddle in for a visit to the infamous Useppa Island. The blue-green water sparkles from the dazzling sun as we approach Cabbage Key. This is the site of the world's best-known cheeseburger. We can step out and stretch our legs to a small restaurant on this “old Florida ” resort island. This relatively unknown place is famous for inspiring Jimmy Buffet's song “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” This optional lunch is in a unique location with dollar bills papering the walls. If you are thinking of a burger, this is the place. Day 6: Captiva is our destination today. This gorgeous inhabited island has no cars! On our way we slip by mangrove islands and mysterious mangrove tunnels. As the name implies pirates left slaves here knowing their fear of the surrounding waters would keep them captive. Day 7: After a morning paddle we pack up and say goodbye to our “ Island in the Sun” paradise. The ferry leaves promptly at 1 p.m. We will arrive at the marina at approximately 2 p.m. Getting There Fort Myers is the closest airport. I encourage you to get together with other participants and car pool. Detailed directions and a list of what to bring will be given out to all participants joining the trip.
The accommodations are rustic cabins with bunks. The camp has out buildings with freshwater showers and rest rooms. The leaders will prepare all the meals, but everyone is expected to help clean up. Meals are included with the trip fee and begin with dinner and end with lunch. Meals served on the trip will reflect local cuisine. With a little luck this will include seafood. You can count on something chocolate for dessert.
Kayaking experience is not needed, but participants should be good swimmers and be fit. The trip leader is a certified ACA kayak instructor. This would be and excellent trip for first-time kayakers and seasoned paddlers alike.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Patrick Nichols, an outdoor specialist by trade, is trained by the Red Cross and American Canoe Association in canoeing and coastal kayaking. He has taught kayaking, canoeing, and backpacking for 25 years and is a wilderness first responder.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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