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 ANNUAL ENTRANCE 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.
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