|
|
|
In
the words of Dr. Beach
Delnor-Wiggins
Pass State Park, just north of Naples, is an unspoiled
beach with a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife; it
regularly makes my top 20 list of America's Best Beaches.
The sand is whitish tan in color and contains whole
shells, making it a collector's area. The sand dunes
are anchored by sea oats, cabbage palms, and sea grapes,
which are edible when ripe and turn reddish-purple.
The golden sea oats might make a lovely dried plant
display but it is illegal to pick them because this is the
number one dune stabilizer. The waves gently lap
onto the shore at Delnor-Wiggins, where the beach tilts
gradually offshore. Lifeguards are on duty, and this
is a great place to swim except near the inlet with its
swift currents. Wiggins Pass is a delight of
fishermen; sea trout is my favorite catch of these local
waters. |
| |
|
|
"One of the most popular seaside destinations in Naples, the
mile-long stretch of white sugar sand at Delnor-Wiggins has
been rated one of the best beaches in the nation. The 166-acre
park is a tropical paradise for beach lovers, boaters and
divers. The beach is a popular spot to sunbathe, swim,
beachcomb, snorkel and picnic. At the beach along Wiggins
Pass, where swimming is not allowed, fishing is a popular
activity. Boaters can launch their vessels into Water Turkey
Bay and travel to the Gulf or up the Cocohatchee River for
both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Kayakers can enjoy
paddling through estuaries and 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."
Source: Florida State Parks website
Click
icons below for additional online resources
(each link opens in
a new window)
Admission fees:
$8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in
vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
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.
Source: Florida State Parks website
Click to view current marine forecast
and sea surface temperature.
No swimming is
permitted in Wiggins Pass due to the dangerous currents there.
The collection,
destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or park property
is prohibited. Live shelling is prohibited.
Resident eagles, ospreys, owls, and other woodland species
make room every fall for the migratory shore birds. Bring you
binoculars and cameras, there will be plenty of opportunities
to use both.
Source: Florida State Parks website
Two beach
wheel chairs, one in area 1 and one in area 5 are available
and free for use to the public. Florida's State Parks is
committed to offering accessible facilities, events and
programs to all visitors.
Source: Florida State Parks website
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.
Source: Florida State Parks website
Extensive shopping
opportunities are found in Naples.
Boat Ramp, Picnic Pavilion, Restroom Facilities, Showers for
Day Visitors
Boating, Fishing, Interpretive Exhibit, Scuba Diving,
Snorkeling, Swimming, Tours, Wildlife Viewing.
The written record
of this area begins in the late 1800s with Joe Wiggins, the
namesake of the pass. Wiggins, the first homesteader, ran an
apiary and trading post where he traded goods with Seminole
Indians and settlers. Decades later, Collier County acquired
the land through the philanthropic generosity of Lester J. and
Dellora A. Norris—hence the name 'Delnor.' In 1970, the state
of Florida purchased the land from Collier County for a state
park, which opened in 1981.
|
