Naples, Florida

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.


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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.