Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a Popular Naples Seashore and Natural Area

Once the home of Florida's Colusa Indians, and later the Seminole Indians and early European settlers, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is an attractive natural recreation area located on a barrier island off the southwest coast of Florida in the town of North Naples. Originally a Collier County park, the area was purchased by the Florida Division of Recreation and Parks in the late 1970s and opened in 1981 as a state recreation area.

Mangrove forest occupies about 80 percent of the park and is a major source of food for many of the marine animals that live in the area. The mangrove also serves as a buffer against storms that threaten the mainland, such as hurricanes, and the root system helps to filter the water.

Countless species of wildlife live within the confines of the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, including several kinds of shore and wading birds, a variety of reptiles, small mammals, loggerhead turtles (visible in the summertime when they lay their eggs), crustaceans, several varieties of fish, and - at times - the endangered West Indian manatee.

As a recreational area, Delnor-Wiggins Pass Park offers several fun opportunities. The northern portion of the park is home to one of Naples' most popular beaches - a mile-long stretch of powdery white sand and calm water that is suitable for swimming and other water pursuits, including snorkeling. Sunbathing and combing the beach for shells, including star fish and sand dollars, are also common activities at the recreation area's beach. Bath houses, changing stalls, and outdoor showers are available onsite for the convenience of beach goers.

Fishing is permitted at the beach along Wiggins Pass and boat launches allow boaters to put in at the recreation area and explore the back bays or travel to the Gulf of Mexico for saltwater fishing or the Cocohatchee River for the freshwater variety.

Kayakers are a common site at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park where they can travel through estuaries and enjoy viewing the unique ecosystem of the area. Boardwalks and connecting trails are perfect for hikers and picnic tables and grills provide a place where visitors can enjoy an outdoor meal.

An observation tower also sits at the north end of the park, providing a place for visitors to view the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico or the other sites of the Naples area. Concession stands near parking lot #1, one of five public parking areas, rent snorkeling equipment and other beach gear and also sell food and beverages.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, like all Florida state parks, is open 365 days a year from about 8 am until sundown. Park admission fees are charged per carload, with a reduced rate for an individual occupant.