Marco Island

The Basics

Surrounded by water and mangroves, Marco Island offers everything you need for a classic tropical vacation, plus easy access to wilderness and outdoor recreation activities. One of the best ways to explore the surrounding islands is on a sightseeing boat tour. Tours stop for beachcombing (seashells are plentiful), wildlife viewing, and swimming. You can also take a kayak or canoe tour or rent a boat and paddle around on your own.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Marco Island is an easily accessible tropical Florida vacation, perfect for those who want to combine relaxation and outdoor recreation.

• The island is family-friendly and not popular with spring break crowds that flock to other Florida beach towns.

• Parking is limited at public beaches, so stay at a beachside resort to avoid the hassle.

• Make reservations in advance if visiting in peak season (January–April).

How to Get There

Marco Island is easily accessible as it's connected to the mainland by two major highways. The closest airport is in Naples, which is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Marco Island. You can take a taxi from the airport, but it's more common to rent a car and drive. From Naples, take US-41 to Collier Boulevard. Collier Boulevard takes you directly to the island.

When to Get There

The dry season, from November–April, is the best time to visit Marco Island. Less popular than some of Florida’s other beaches and islands, Marco Island is not typically overcrowded. However, if you visit over holidays or on weekends you may want to get up early to snag parking and stake out a spot on the beach.

Public Beaches on Marco Island

While Marco Island’s entire Gulf Coast is lined with beaches, public access is limited to four main spots—access along the rest of the coastline is blocked by resorts. Among the most popular public beaches is South Beach Access Point at the island’s southern tip. The next public access points are found at Madeira Beach Access and Marriott Beach Access. At the northern end of the island, you can find public access to Tigertail Beach.

Ways to explore

The best way to explore Marco Island is by water. Bottlenose dolphins inhabit this part of Florida’s Gulf Coast year-round, and dolphin-watching cruises depart regularly to spot these playful creatures, along with manatees, coastal birds, and other wildlife. For sportier activities, kayak through the region’s mangrove forests or head out on a fishing charter that departs from Naples and stops at Marco Island.

Shelling is a popular activity, too, and you can visit barrier islands such as Cape Romano and Kice Island, where fighting conchs, scallops, and lightning whelks wash ashore in abundance. Book a dedicated tour or one that combines shelling with wildlife spotting.

Accessibility

Most of the island is fairly accessible, with well-paved roads and sidewalks. Tigertail Beach offers accessible parking and access to a beach wheelchair on request.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, hat

What to wear

Sandals, casual beachwear

Not allowed

Glass on beaches, disturbing birds, walking into turtle nesting areas, pets on beaches

Amenities

Public bathrooms, parks, cafés, shops, parking

Address 

The island is easily accessible by car, thanks to the two bridges that connect to the north and south ends of the island. While buses from mainland Florida do serve the island, they mostly depart from the outskirts of Naples.

Driving

From Naples, drive south along US 41 toward Marco Island, and then turn right onto Collier Boulevard. Continue across the S.S. Jolley Bridge until you reach the island.

Public transportation

Operated by Collier Area Transit, the 21 bus toward Winterberry (aka the Marco Island Circulator) is the most direct option. Catch it outside the Walmart on Collier Boulevard in Naples, then hop off on San Marco Road.

Best times to visit

If you’re just doing a day trip, get an early start so you can enjoy quieter beaches and see dolphins when they’re at their most active.

Best days to visit

Weekdays will always be a little quieter than weekends; try to visit midweek to avoid the crowds.

Best months to visit

March to May is a lovely time—the weather is mild and pleasant, the crowds are minimal, and the island starts to bloom. Plus, you’re most likely to catch sight of dolphin calves.

Special events

There’s always a new event on the horizon. Some favorites include the Wednesday farmers markets, which run from mid-November to mid-April, and the summer concert series.