If you love the beach then you need to put Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park high on your must visit list!
A popular destination for Floridians, it boasts one of the most immaculate stretches of sand on the planet.
Set against the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico, this Florida state park is a haven for those who enjoy sunbathing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, fishing, beach combing and picnicking.
Situated just under an hour drive from Fort Myers and only 20 minutes from Naples, if you are in need of a place to rest and recharge your batteries, there is no better place in which to do so.
Activities
Visitors to the park can partake in several outdoor recreational pursuits during their time at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
Here is just a small selection of some of the different things you can see and do there.
Beach at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
With its elongated expanse of gold sand, the beach offers excellent walking and combing opportunities. Just be mindful that live shelling is not permitted.
For those who want to swim, there is a mile long section of coastline designated to do so. This runs from its southern boundary all the way up to the center point of parking lot five.
Swimming is not permitted anywhere outside of this zone due to dangerous currents.
For those who may require them, beach wheelchairs can be found in areas 1 and 5. There is no charge to use them.
Boating at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
For those who enjoy boating or paddling the park provides you a couple of options.
Most people head west through Wiggins Pass to the Gulf of Mexico. However, if you would prefer, you can go east up the Cocohatchee River, or north from it up the back bays towards Estero Bay.
There is a boat ramp and canoe/kayak/SUP launch to get you on the water. If you did not bring these vessels with you, they can be hired onsite from Naples Beach Adventures.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
If you would rather explore under the water as opposed to on it there is a hard bottom reef along the beach.
The closest part of this is around area number 2, which makes it a terrific place to go scuba diving if you brought your equipment with you.
Snorkeling is allowed within the designated swimming area.
Fishing at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
If you are into fishing you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing somewhere to cast a line.
Whether you try your luck in a boat in the Gulf of Mexico, along the Cocohatchee River or at Water Turkey Bay, you’ll find plenty of the usual suspects biting.
Fishing is not allowed within the swimming areas of the park. A Florida fishing license is required and you should always conform to all regulations in terms number, size, season and method of capture.
Should you require further advice, be sure to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website.
Hiking at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
While the beach provides more than enough space to stretch your legs, should you want to explore the park there is a nice wooden boardwalk you can traverse.
Extending for over a quarter-mile, it meanders through the hammock towards parking lot 5’s north end.
Picnicking at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Given the gorgeous coastline views that look out to the Gulf of Mexico, it should not surprise you that picnicking is a popular activity here.
Between each parking lot and the beach you will find at least one boardwalk leading to a picnic area. These are all shaded and come with grills and tables. They also have comfort stations too.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own gas grills from home, although charcoal grills are not permitted. The consumption of alcohol is also not allowed, other than in specifically designated areas at events that are park approved.
Geo-Seeking at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
The park is a popular location for geocaching and throughout it you could find several of the treasures that are hidden away in it.
Some caches are fairly easy to find, whilst others require a lot more deduction. So if this is something you want to do, be sure to download their coordinates on your hand-held GPS device.
Once you have found a treasure, don’t forget to swap it for one of your own.
Birding at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
If you are into birding the park offers plenty of opportunity to view permanent and migratory species.
Be sure to bring your binoculars with you for the chance to see the likes of ospreys, owls, eagles and numerous other woodland species.
Pets at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Pets who are well-behaved are welcome to join you at the park. They will need to be kept on a hand-held leash that is no more than six-foot in length though.
Some other restrictions may also apply. So it is worth contacting the park’s main office to clarify what they are.
Camping at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
There are no camping facilities located directly on site at the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. However, within a short driving distance of it you will find some other campgrounds.
These include Lake San Marino RV Resort and the Gulf Coast Camping Resort. Both of these offer several sites for RVs, trailers and tents. These range from full hookups with water, electricity and sewage to those which are more rustic and primitive.
Between them, they also have a good selection of amenities including comfort stations with toilets and showers, a dump station and playground equipment for children.
Park Location
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
11135 Gulf Shore Drive
Naples, FL 34108
Phone: 239.597.6196
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park:
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