Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Welcome to Big Marco Pass Critical Wildlife Area, also locally known as Sand Dollar Island,designated in 1988 and consisting of 456 acres of environmentallysensitive wildlife area.
No Dogs Allowed sign at Big Marco Pass. According to FWC, only service dogs accompanying disabled individuals are allowed on any beachopen to the public in accordance with ADA Title III regulations.
Reddish Egret is a state-designated threatened species and a focal wading species at Big Marco Pass.
Reddish Egret is a state-designated threatened species and a focal wading species at Big Marco Pass.
The black skimmer is a focal nesting species at Big Marco Pass and is State-designated Threatened.
Signage at Big Marco Pass shows that pedestrians, vehicles, vessels, and dogs are prohibited from entering posted areas. Various sites at Big Marco Pass are closed to access during the critical nesting period.
Big Marco Pass Critical Wildlife Area (CWA), locally known as Sand Dollar Island, consists of 456 acres of environmentally sensitive area. It was established by the State of Florida in 1988 to “provide protection to hundreds of nesting and foraging shorebirds and wading birds.” Big Marco Pass is also a favorite of hikers and beachgoers, and the northern tip is a favorite boating destination.
The State of Florida is the owner of Big Marco Pass - both the sovereign lands and the submerged lands. FWC has issued a reminder that during nesting season, portions of the CWA may be posted closed from March 1 to August 31st. The submerged mudflats are posted year-round for the protection of migratory and resident foraging birds.
Florida’s coastlines serve as critical spring and summer homes for several threatened and endangered species and Big Marco Pass supports a significant concentration of wildlife. These include nesting loggerhead sea turtles as well as shorebirds like black skimmers, least terns, and Wilson’s plover. According to FWC, human crowds can accidentally disrupt these animals, andare asking beachgoers to give wildlife ample space and to keep the beach clean and wildlife safe. Trash attracts nuisance wildlife that prey on the eggs and young chicks.
Respect Posted Areas at Big Marco Pass Critical Wildlife Area (CWA)
At Big Marco Pass, you are likely to come across a Posted Sign indicating Critical Wildlife Area CLOSED to Public Access. This means pedestrians, vehicles, vessels, and dogs are prohibited from entering this area. According to the posting, engaging in any of these activities is a violation of State Law Chapter 68A 19.005 F.A.C. and violators may be subject to criminal penalties.Various sites within the CWA can also be closed to access during critical periods to minimize disturbance, so read the posted signs to make sure you are not disturbing nesting wildlife.
Focal Nesting Species at Big Marco Pass:
Least Tern - Sternula antillarum (State-designated Threatened)
Black Skimmer – Rynchops niger (State-designated Threatened)
Wilson’s Plover–Charadrius (State-designated Threatened)
Focal Wading Bird Species at Big Marco Pass:
Reddish Egret–Egretta rufescens (State-designated Threatened)
Roseate Spoonbill–Plataleaajaja (State-designated Threatened)
Tricolored Heron–Egretta tricolor (State-designated Threatened)
Little Blue Heron–Egretta caerulea (State-designated Threatened)
DOGS ARE PROHIBITED at Big Marco Pass CWAandthere are several prominent “No Dogs Allowed”signs;one at the Northern tip reminding boaters and beachgoers on the State rules on dogsand two more at the midway point to the Southern section of the CWA.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Title III regulations, disabled individuals are allowed to be accompanied by service dogs on any beach open to the public. According to FWC, a service dog is trained to do specific tasksdirectly related to the owner’s disability. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are NOT considered service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA and are notpermitted on beaches that are closed to pets.
Helpful Tips With Wildlife Encounters:
Beach nesting birds need space.If a bird gets scared, it flies away from its nest, its eggs, or tiny chicks, leaving them completely unprotected from the hot sun and from predators like crows or raccoons.
Fill in any holes you dug in the sand and flatten your sandcastles before you leave. Leftover holes and sandcastle mounds can trap tiny sea turtle hatchlings trying to crawl back to the ocean.
Take all umbrellas, chairs, coolers, wagons, and trash with you!
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