Cayo Costa Beach (South)

Cayo Costa, FL

The southern part of Cayo Costa is where I first fell in love with the waters of southwest Florida. It’s a beautiful, unspoiled location that enables you to have your own private beach while basking in the serenity of the tropics.

SOUTH VS. NORTH

The southern end of the Cayo Costa tends to be less crowded and offer shallower water and less current. By contrast, the northern end (SEE POST HERE) has deeper water and more of a current. Truthfully, I decide on which location based upon the wind and weather. If I need to be closer to home and the wind is blowing from the south, I anchor at the north end. If weather isn’t a factor I’ll spend the day at the south end.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A GREAT SANDBAR ON THE BAYSIDE OF CAYO COSTA

BEAUTIFUL CAYO COSTA

Cayo Costa is located in between Boca Grande and north Captiva Island on the gulf coast of Florida. It’s one of the few unspoiled, islands remaining in the state and is the perfect place to take the boat and spend the day with friends and family.

THE BEACH

The beach is among the best in Florida. It has lush, native vegetation, white, powdery sand beaches, calm waves and clear, turquoise water. The water is cool in the winter and very warm in the summer. The temperature’s range from 60’s to high 80’s.

CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW TO FIND YOUR OWN PRIVATE BEACH IN FLORIDA

THE MYSTERY GUNK

There’s one section in the southern part of the beach that has a strip of underwater sand that isn’t sand; it feels like slimy mud. It’s pretty gross but, thankfully, it’s in a very small area. You’ll notice it because it looks like a 30 yard strip of dark seagrass along the beach. I’ve circled it in the map picture below. I recommend anchoring away from that area to keep your feet and the wife happy.

STERN ANCHOR

When visiting by boat you’ll want to use two anchors; one from the bow and another from the stern. The stern anchor is ideal because it keeps the stern positioned in shallow water making it ideal when boarding the boat. It’s also important because it keeps the boat facing out towards the waves/wind chop regardless of the current. The current can flow strongly north or south, depending on the tide. As a result, a stern anchor is essential. This advice holds true for just about any beach or sandbar in our state.

I utilize the service and benefits of Boat U.S. They are a great organization that every boater should consider. You should too. Click HERE to learn more.