Don Pedro Island State Park

Beautiful Don Pedro Island State Park is part of an extensive chain of barrier islands extending along Florida's Gulf Coast. Between Knight Island and Little Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro is accessible only by private boat or ferry. Boaters can tie up at the dock on the mangrove-lined bay side of the island. Access the dock via the channel south of the Cape Haze power line crossing, but be sure to idle, as the channel is only 2.5 feet deep.

Keep your eyes peeled for endangered species such as West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, bald eagles and American oystercatchers. With one mile of white sandy beach, enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and shelling on Don Pedro's Gulf side. Boat and surf fishing are other favorite pastimes of visitors to the 230-acre park. Hikers and nature lovers can explore trails of the park's land base portion on the Cape Haze Peninsula. The 100-acre land base also offers a fishing dock, kayak launch, nature trails and a picnic shelter.

Captiva Cruises is your "on-the-water taxi service" when you need to access the beautiful islands of Little Gasparilla Island, Palm Island, Cayo Costa, Boca Grande and the surrounding areas in Southwest Florida where the sand is clean, and the water is pristine. Captiva Cruises can be reached at their website www.captivacruises.com or by calling (239) 472-5300Call: 239-472-5300.

For stand up paddle board and kayak rentals, lessons and guided tours, contact Hooked on SUP Paddlesports at (941) 504-1699. Cli