City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Marco Island
Part of southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island offers a resort-like ambiance for fishing, boating, shopping, sightseeing and just lounging on the beach. The Paradise Coast, as the region is commonly called, is a nature lovers dream destination with the Gulf on one side and mangroves on the other.
The barrier island is linked to Naples by bridges spanning and the turquoise and sapphire waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Recreation, activities and attractions are within easy access from inland canals and private boat slip rentals in areas such as Gullivan Bay or Barfield Bay.
Tigertail Beach and Park
Photo: Pixabay
300 Hernando Drive
Marco Island, Florida 34145
The white sand beach of Tigertail Beach and Park is a popular area for swimming, birdwatching and seashell collecting. There’s a concession stand, a picnic area, a playground, restrooms and jet ski and paddleboard rentals. Kayakers and paddleboarders enjoy the gentle waters of the tidal lagoon. You can wade through the lagoon to get to the beach area, but it’s best to do this at low tide.
An observation tower allows you to get great views of the lagoon and the 3-mile long Sand Dollar Spit. Either rent a paddleboard or kayak over to Sand Dollar Spit where you can find seashells by the bunches. Boardwalks are handy for nature watching and trying to catch site of bald eagles, roseate spoonbills and osprey. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida offers weekly beach walks and educational programs.
Boat Charters
Photo: Pexels
For a no-stress day on the water, as well as local insight into the best fishing spots, a fishing charter is the way to go. Whether it’s backwater fishing in the Ten Thousand Islands, offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or a guided kayak eco-tour, charter companies such as Native Guided Fishing Charters, Adventure Fishing and Mangrove Maniacs will have you reeling in grouper, tarpon and snapper in no time. Choose from full and half-day trips as well as eco-tours or sunset and dolphin watching cruises.
Marco Island Historical Museum
Photo: Wikimedia
180 S. Heathwood Drive
Marco Island, Florida 34145
The Marco Island Historical Museum tells the story of the Calusa Indians and the area’s fishing village history through 3-D exhibits and Native American displays. Currently, the museum is featuring a bit of local history from a famous expedition.
The Key Marco Cat (a 6-inch half cat/half human sculpture carved from hardwood by the Calusa Indians) artifact was discovered in Marco Island on a Smithsonian archaeological expedition in 1896. Along with several other artifacts, it’s on loan from the Smithsonian. There’s a bronze replica of the cat at the entrance to the museum.
Marco Island Center for the Arts
Photo: Marco Island Center for the Arts (Facebook)
1010 Winterberry Drive
Marco Island, Florida 34145
The Marco Island Center for the Arts, founded in 1969, offers art galleries featuring paintings, photography, sculpture, textile and more. It also hosts art shows, festivals, workshops and musical performances. Browse the gift shop for locally made arts and crafts. This is a fun side trip from Fort Myers or Cape Coral boat dock rentals as well.
The Shops of Olde Marco
174 Royal Palm Drive
Marco Island, Florida 34145
Searching for a salon, home décor item or a fresh piece of fish to grill? The Shops of Olde Marco offer cafes, art galleries, boutique shops, a fish market and more. It’s located next to the Olde Marco Island Inn and Suites. Even if you don’t need anything at all, it’s fun to stroll along the brick courtyard setting.
The Esplanade Shoppes
760 N. Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, Florida 34145
Located on Smokehouse Bay, the Esplanade Shoppes feature shopping, waterfront dining, a 77-slip marina and special events like outdoor concerts and live music in a coastal Italian setting. If your private boat dock rental is on the Marco River or Collier Bay, this is a great place to check out for dinner or entertainment.
Have you been to any of these attractions from your Marco Island boat dock rental? If not, maybe it’s time to check them out. If so, maybe it’s time to check them out again.
