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Tortoise Sighting – Caspersen Beach loop from Starling Buick Collision Center

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Tortoise Sighting – Caspersen Beach loop from Starling Buick Collision Center

Moderate

3.5

(16)

runners

Tortoise Sighting – Caspersen Beach loop from Starling Buick Collision Center

00:56

8.96km

10m

Running

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 15, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

611 m

Venetian Waterway Trail - West side

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Venetian Waterway Trail is a paved trail that runs on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway. The trail on the west side runs through Caspersen Park and next to Venice Municipal Airport.

Tip by

2.74 km

Tortoise Sighting

Highlight • Natural

This route is primarily over concrete sidewalk, but a portion is on sand. There are no water stations until you get to the beach, so bring your own water. I also suggest a head cover as there is little shade.

Tip by

3.74 km

Caspersen Beach

Highlight • Beach

Caspersen Beach offers shelling, shark teeth hunting, a nature trail, a secluded beach area, and protected habitats.

Tip by

5.04 km

Venice Beach

Highlight • Beach

8.96 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.63 km

2.50 km

564 m

257 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

5.03 km

2.29 km

1.08 km

422 m

142 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Friday 10 July

33°C

22°C

-- %

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

If you're seeking a unique coastal jogging experience with a high chance of wildlife encounters, the Tortoise Sighting – Caspersen Beach loop from Starling Buick Collision Center is a moderate 5.6-mile (9.0 km) route with a minimal 31 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 55 minutes. This trail offers a blend of natural Florida scenery and a chance to hunt for fossilized shark teeth, making it an engaging option for a relaxed run, provided you're aware of current access limitations.

What to expect on Tortoise Sighting – Caspersen Beach loop from Starling Buick Collision Center

As you jog this loop, you'll traverse varied terrain, moving from natural surface trails that wind through dense groves of cabbage palms and oak hammocks, shaded by trees draped with goldfoot ferns. The route then connects to the paved Venetian Waterway Trail, offering smoother running with scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The highlight for many is the stretch along Caspersen Beach itself, renowned as the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World." Here, the darker, coarser sand can be rocky in places and more strenuous for jogging, especially away from the hard-packed sections near the water. Keep your eyes peeled for gopher tortoises along the natural trails and shorebirds near the Gulf of Mexico.

Planning your visit

It's crucial to note that Caspersen Beach Park and its amenities are currently closed until further notice due to hurricane damage, with a projected reopening in 2027 for some areas. Access to Caspersen Beach from the Venetian Waterway Park Trail is also closed. While the beach itself may still be accessible via pedestrian or bicycle entry, you'll likely need to park at South Brohard Park and walk or cycle south along the Venetian Waterway Trail for about a mile to reach Caspersen Beach. There is no access from Harbor Drive. Always carry water, especially during warmer months, and consider an early morning visit to enjoy cooler temperatures and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

Trail details