Park Summary for Print - Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Welcome to 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.

Delnor-Wiggins.Pass@floridadep.net

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, please call 239-597-6196.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is located six miles west of Exit exit 111, old 17, on I-75.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $5.00 for up to 8 people per car.
Single occupant vehicle entrance - $3.00

Activities at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

	Beaches 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.
	Facilities 6 bathroom faccilies are availabe at the park. All are ADA accessible. All bathrooms are ADA accessible to the old standards of when they were built. None have been remodeled yet to the new codes.
	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. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Guided Tours 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.
	Interpretive Exhibit Interpretive exhibits are posted at each bathhouse and are varied in subjects. There is one located on the beach near Wiggins Pass on the subject of shore birds.
	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 $4 per day or $2 for 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.
	Pets 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.
	Picnic Areas 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.
	Scuba Diving There is a hard bottom reef, which runs parallel to the beach where scuba diving is permitted. The closest area to the reef is area 2.
	Showers Fresh water rinse showers are available at the park.
	Snorkeling Snorkeling is permitted along the beach. There is a hard bottom reef, which runs parallel to the beach where scuba diving and snorkeling is permitted. The closest area to the reef is area 2.
	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 you binoculars and cameras, there will be plenty of opportunities to use both. (more info will be added)

Special Events for Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

JUST READ, FLORIDA!
Date: Saturday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m.
Description: Children’s Book Reading. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is celebrating 'National Literacy Month' by having a children's book reading about Florida wildlife by a very entertaining puppeteer on Sat. Sept. 27, 2008 at 10:00 AM. This event is fun for all ages and will be held at the pavilion.
Fees: The only fee will be the park entrance fee.
Contact: Call the park at 239-597-6196 for details

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Ranger Programs

GOPHER TORTOISE
Friday July 11th Bring the whole family to join one of our rangers for a discussion about the GOPHER TORTOISE. Learn how these hard-shelled natives keep cool in the heat of the day, search for food, and even help their neighbors during fires. Find out what makes a tortoise not a turtle, and maybe even check out one of resident tortoise’s garden. Be prepared for a short walk. We don’t guarantee a sighting, but you never know.
Call Call 239-597-6196 for more details. for more details.
NATIVE PLANT WALK
Friday July 18th All ages can learn more about the plants that inhabit a Maritime Hammock. Join a Ranger for a NATIVE PLANT WALK, along the beach, across the dunes, and through cool, shaded hammock areas. Be prepared for a short walk. Space is limited, so call ahead for a reservation.
Call Call 239-597-6196 for more details. for more details.
CASTNETTING
Friday July 25th Become a more self-sufficient fisherman by catching your own bait!! Learn the basic techniques of CASTNETTING from a Ranger. Come get your feet wet. Bring sunscreen and a willingness to participate. All ages are welcome to join in, but space is limited, so call ahead for reservation.
Call Call 239-597-6196 for more details. for more details.
SEA TURTLE PRESENTATION
July 16th & July 30th In July we are celebrating family, by offering our Sea Turtle program on two evenings, (July 16th & July 30th) so parents have time after work to bring the kids in to learn more about our hard-shelled friends. Join a Ranger for our SEA TURTLE presentation and learn interesting facts about an ancient visitor to our shores. Our morning programs will still be offered at 9:30am July 9th & 23rd. Updated information about current nests will be provided.
Call Call 239-597-6196 for more details. for more details.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park History

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.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail.