Contact Information
11100 Gulfshore Drive
Naples, 34108
(239) 597-6196
Separated from the mainland by mangrove swamps
and tidal creeks, this recreation area is a
narrow barrier island on Florida's southwest
coast. A pass on the north end of the island
is a natural outlet for the Cocohatchee River. Wildlife
The natural coastal area of Delnor-Wiggins
Pass State Recreation Area provides habitat
for a variety of wildlife, with the most visible
being the many species of shore and wading
birds, small mammals and reptiles. The shallow
Gulf waters are home for countless forms of
marine life such as soft corals, mollusks,
crustaceans and fish. Endangered loggerhead
sea turtles come ashore on summer nights to
lay their eggs. In the winter the pass is
often frequented by the endangered West Indian
manatee seeking warm water.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until
sundown 365 days a year. Driving Directions
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is located six
miles west of Exit exit 111, old 17, on I75.
Park Activities
Birding
Resident eagles, ospreys, owls, and other woodland
species make room every fall for the migratory shore
birds. Bring you binoculars and cameras, there will
be plenty of opportunities to use both.
Boat Ramp
The boat ramp empties you into Water Turkey Bay,
which runs via the South Channel into the Cocohatchee
River.
Boating
From the Cocohatchee River you can go north via the
back bays up into Estero Bay, East up the Cocohatchee
River or, as most visitors do, head west into the
Gulf of Mexico through Wiggins Pass.
Fishing
Fishing covers a wide area around the park. You can
fish from a vessel in the Gulf, Water Turkey Bay and
the Cocohatchee River, except with in 300 feet of
the park beach along the Gulf of Mexico. This area
is buoyed off for swimming. No vessels are permitted
to anchor with in 100 feet of the designated fishing
area, which encompasses the pass. You may fish from
the shoreline along Wiggins Pass or wade fish in Water
Turkey Bay. Fishing is prohibited in the swimming
areas of the park
Scuba Diving
There is a hard bottom reef, which runs parallel to
the beach where scuba diving is permitted. The closest
area to the reef is area 2.
Swimming
Swimming is permitted from the southern boundary
up to the middle of Parking Lot Five, a distance
of almost one mile. No swimming is permitted in
Wiggins Pass due to the dangerous currents there.
Kayaking
Experience one of the most productive and threatened
ecosystems on the planet...The Estuary. Access to
the Gulf of Mexico is available for the more adventurous.
