Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

This popular destination boasts one of the most pristine stretch of beaches in the world.

Every day, this tropical beach paradise beckons visitors to partake in vast peaceful views of the Gulf of Mexico, and experience the many shorebirds and wildlife that gather here. Visitors arrive to this park to sunbathe, paddle board, kayak, hike, bird-watch, fish, picnic, and search for seashells.

There are specific areas designated for anglers to drop their lines in the northern areas of the park for trophy catches. Boaters will also find the launch area into Turkey Bay easily accessible for most vessels, in order to experience the delicate natural estuaries of the Cocohatchee River, leading out to the Gulf of Mexico. Guided tours and interpretive programs occur on a regular basis by experienced rangers and volunteers.

A pavilion is available to rent for special occasions, such as weddings and birthdays.

Our concessionaire, Naples Beach Adventures, is open in parking Lot #4 with food/beverages and rentals that include paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, umbrellas and beach chairs. Beach wheelchairs are also available for reservation by the park.

Experiences

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.

Paddling
Naples Beach Adventures offers kayak, canoe and stand up paddle board rentals to explore Water Turkey Bay and the surrounding bay areas. Adventure through a mangrove trail, under bridges and through Wiggins Pass into the Gulf. Anywhere you decide to paddle is sure to be a great time on the water. The concession is located in lot #4.

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 within 300 feet of the park beach along the Gulf of Mexico.  No vessels are permitted to anchor within 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. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.

Geo-Seeking
Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land use ethics should be followed.

Hiking
The beach at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is the most used non designated trail in the park. It winds for over a mile north to Wiggins Pass. Beach wheel chairs are available for accessibility for those with special needs that might not allow them to walk on the beach. Approximately five miles of board walks and sandy areas provide other paths to the beach and picnic areas. There is a designated Nature Trail that winds through the hammock near the observation tower.

Picnicking
There are shaded picnic areas located between each parking lot and the beach, with boardwalks leading to them. There are grills and tables available. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, except during park-sanctioned events where alcohol is permitted within designated areas.

Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is permitted in the swimming areas. There is a hard bottom reef along the beach with the closest part in area #2.

Snorkeling
Snorkeling is permitted in the swimming areas.

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.

Wildlife Viewing
Resident eagles, ospreys, owls, and other woodland species make room every fall for the migratory shore birds. Bring your binoculars and cameras; there will be plenty of opportunities to use both.

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of its visitors.  These amenities include:

Accessible restrooms
Accessible parking
Accessible outdoor showers
Accessible Observation Tower Trail
Accessible picnic tables
Accessible grills
Accessible picnic pavilion
Accessible boardwalks and observation decks
Beach wheelchairs
Boat ramp chair lift
Concession

Beach
A pristine beach on the Gulf of Mexico, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park offers some of the best shelling opportunities on the Gulf coast however live shelling is prohibited. Beach wheelchairs located in areas 1 and 5, are available and free for use to the public.

Boat Ramp
The boat ramp empties you into Water Turkey Bay, which runs via the South Channel into the Cocohatchee River. The docks at the boat ramp are ADA accessible and a chair lift is available free of charge.

There is a boat ramp fee of $5 + tax. This is in addition to the Admission Fee.

Canoe Kayak Launch
There is a canoe and kayak launch at the boat ramp. They can also be launched from the beach in area #5 near Wiggins Pass.

Pets
Pets are allowed in this park, but not on the beaches. They must be well-behaved and kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash at all times. Pets must not be left unattended, or taken into restroom facilities or concession areas. You must "scoop" after your pet (Don't forget your baggies!). These rules help preserve an important habitat for wildlife. Please do not leave your pets unattended in a vehicle for their safety, as temperatures inside vehicles can be dangerously high. Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as required by law.

Picnic Pavilion
The pavilion is located at the north end of parking area 5 in the Coastal Hammock. It is covered (open air with ceiling fan), and there is also a grill nearby for your convenience. The pavilion accommodates up to 100 people and has 10 picnic tables.

Reserving a pavilion does not guarantee your party's entry or re-entry into the park if closed once maximum capacity is reached. The park may reopen at set intervals throughout the day. Park closings usually occur on all holidays, weekends and during the winter season from February through Easter. To reserve the picnic pavilion, call the park at (239) 597-6196.