Gasparilla Island State Park's free weekly ranger programs run January through May.
Cayo Costa and Stump Pass Beach state parks are on similar schedules. All programs are weather dependent and led by park rangers.
Gasparilla Island State Park
Article Photos
Chad Lach, Gasparilla State Park ranger
Meet at the picnic pavilion next to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse at 9 a.m. Wednesday January through May. Program topics on the walk are related to natural and cultural history.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen and drinking water is recommended. The walk is about 1/3-mile long and will last approximately one hour.
Cayo Costa State Park kayak tour
(6 miles west of Pine Island)
Meet at the main dock on the island of Cayo Costa at 11 a.m. Friday Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 8, April 12 and May 10.
Bring your own kayak or rent one from Gasparilla Island State Park. Topics for the paddle through Pelican Bay will vary and may include information about plants, animals or history. A hat, sunscreen and drinking water are recommended. Kayak tour is about 1.5-miles and will last approximately 90 minutes.
Cayo Costa State Park walk
Meet at the main dock on the island of Cayo Costa at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18 and 25, Feb. 15 and 22, March 15 and 22, April 19 and 26 and May 17 and 24.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat, sunscreen and bring drinking water. Topics will vary and may include information about the park's natural and cultural history. Walk is about 1-mile long and will last 90 minutes.
Stump Pass Beach State Park walk
(Manasota Key)
Meet at the picnic pavilion located next to the restrooms at 9 a.m. every Wednesday January through April.
Learn about the plants and animals that inhabit this area. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat, sunscreen and drinking water are recommended. Walk is about 2.5-miles long and will last approximately 2 hours.
Go to FloridaStateParks.org.
