Don Pedro Island State Park Ferry Service

Spend part of your day on Don Pedro Island State park, offering 8 miles of white, sandy beaches, great shelling and one of the best areas for fossil hunting.

Don Pedro Island SP is 6 miles north of Boca Grande (Gasparilla Island). It is a barrier island connected to Little Gasparilla Island to the south and Knights Island to the north. All three islands are connected by one beach line, running 8 miles from Little Gasparilla Pass to Manasota Key's Stump Pass.

Park amenities include bathrooms/shower, covered picnic pavilion with charcoal grills, walking trails and mountain biking, fishing and swimming. Beach is only 100 yards from boat dock. Bring food and beverages - none are available on the island. No pets, firearms or alcohol is allowed in the State Park.

This barrier island is accessible by boat only and best of all, has very little development. The boat trip will offer a narrated 35 minute cruise with dolphin sightings on 95% of the trips, lots of birds and occasional manatee sightings. You'll pass the location of the first Mote Marine Lab and The Vanderbilt waterfront development of Cape Haze.

What to Bring - Beach chairs, towels, suntan lotion, fishing gear, swim fins and masks, your food and beverages.

Not all of the 8 miles is Don Pedro Island State Park. There are private homes and property and we ask that you respect their privacy. PLEASE WALK ALONG THE BEACH SHORE ONLY except in the State Park.

Day trips depart the FISHERY DOCKS in Placida at 10:00 am and leaves Don Pedro dock at 2:20 pm for return. $23 per person and includes car parking fees. 2009 Schedule: Sunday & Friday. Additional days by request. Schedules may change, reservations are recommended. Private trips available year round.

Placida's FISHERY DOCK is located at the intersection of SR 771 and SR 775, just 2 blocks East of the Boca Grande Causeway Road.