DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS STATE PARK
One of the most popular seashore destinations in Naples, this park's mile-long stretch of white sugar sand has been rated as one of the best beaches in the nation. The beach is popular for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, snorkeling, and picnicking. Fishing at the beach along Wiggins Pass, where swimming is not allowed, is another popular activity. For saltwater or freshwater fishing, boaters can launch their vessels into Water Turkey Bay and travel to the Gulf or up the Cocohatchee River. Kayakers can enjoy paddling through estuaries; scuba divers can explore the hard bottom reef in the Gulf. At the north end of the island, a tower gives visitors a bird's-eye view of Wiggins Pass and the surrounding coastal habitat. NOTE: To avoid overcrowding during the busy winter season, the park closes its gates when it reaches maximum capacity. Located in North Naples five miles west of I-75-exit 111.
In the 1600s, the Calusa Indians thrived around the pass by gathering wild plants, fishing and hunting. During the 1800s, the Seminole Indians and early European settlers found refuge in this semi-tropical area. Joe Wiggins, for whom the pass is named, operated a small trading post and is the first homesteader on record. Several generations later, through the foresight of Lester J. and Dellora A. Norris, the land was acquired as a park for Collier County in 1964. Six years later, the Division of Recreation and Parks purchased the land from the county for development of a state park. After completion of the development, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Recreation Area was officially opened to the public in 1981.
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the
FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
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.
Pristine beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Delnor-Wiggins State Park has some of the best shelling opportunities on the Gulf Coast. Live shelling is prohibited. Two beach wheel chairs, one in area 1 and one in area 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.
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.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is located near Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers
Pavilion
The pavilion is located at the north end of parking area 5 in the Coastal Hammock. It is covered, but open air with ceiling fans available for the electric fee of per day per a half a day. There is also a grill nearby for your convenience. The pavillion has a maximum of 100 people and holds 10 picnic tables. To reserve it call the park at 239-597-6196.
We have picnic areas located between each parking lot and the beach with boardwalks leading to them. They are located in a Coastal Hammock for shade. There are grills and tables available.
- Wiggins Pass Nature Trail: This 0.6-mile trail offers a scenic view of the Cocohatchee River and is perfect for bird watching, with benches along the way.
- Observation Tower Pathway: A short path leading to an observation tower that provides panoramic views over Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park's beachfront area; length not specified.
- Beach Access Trails (1 through 5): Five separate trails providing direct access from parking areas to different sections of the park's five miles long sandy shoreline; each varies in distance but all are less than half a mile long.
- Black Island Bike Trail: An approximately six-mile round trip bike route which takes riders around four coastal hammock islands within Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve adjacent to Delnor-Wiggins pass state park.
-Area Four Picnic Site Walkways : These walkways connect picnic sites located at Area Four on Bluebill Avenue side of this barrier island park ; exact lengths vary depending upon starting point.
-Park Road Sidewalks : Paved sidewalks running parallel alongside main road entering into and throughout entire property allowing visitors easy walking or biking access between various amenities including restrooms , concession stand , boat ramp etc.; total combined sidewalk distances exceed two miles .
-Delnor Point Loop Trail : Short looped pathway circling small peninsula known as "Delnor Point" situated near northern end where Gulf Of Mexico meets Cocohatchee river channel forming natural tidal inlet called 'Wiggin's Pass'; actual footpath length unknown .
Guided tours are given on Wednsday's during turtle season and Friday's most of the rest of the year. Please call the Ranger Station for more information and to sign up for each program.
The park offers excellent bird-watching opportunities, with over 170 species spotted. It's a great spot for migratory birds too. Birders can explore five distinct habitats including mangroves and beaches. The observation tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, ideal for spotting avian life.
Limetree Park244 Limetree Park Drive
Bonita Springs, FL
239-947-0880
Pets are allowed in this park, however, 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.
Directions from Miami, Florida:
- Start on I-95 N.
- Take exit 23 for FL-836 W toward Airport.
- Merge onto FL -836 W.
From Naples, Florida:
- The starting point is US41 S/ Tamiami Trail E
- Take the ramp to Immokalee Rd / County Hwy 846 West
- Merge with Vanderbilt Beach Road
Once you reach Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park:
- Park your vehicle in one of the designated parking areas.