Marco Island is a peaceful sanctuary ideal for the traveler looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Situated in Florida’s pristine Ten Thousand Islands, you’ll have a chance to connect with the natural world all while having access to restaurants, shops, and more close at hand.

Connected to the mainland by two bridges, Marco Island offers an incomparable Florida experience without the hassle of trekking too far off the beaten path.

Are you planning a trip to Marco Island? Read on to find out how to prepare for your best vacation ever.

 

Did You Know?!

In 2014, TripAdvisor, the largest destination planning and booking platform, voted Marco Island as the 4th Best Island in the World?! Aside from “in the world”, it was voted the 1st Top Island in the USA.

 

Before Traveling: Be Aware of COVID Travel Restrictions and Precautions

COVID (aka: coronavirus, COVID-19) placed a collective question mark on just about every aspect of our lives this year (2020). Though we’re not completely out of the woods yet, we’re adjusting to this new reality as gracefully as possible given the circumstances. As we’ve seen over the past few months, COVID is an ever-changing issue. We can’t predict what the next week or even the next day will look like in the midst of a pandemic. 

Before you plan your trip, be aware of the COVID status in the area. Decide if you’re aligned and willing to abide by the current restrictions in place in Florida. Also, assure that you have a clean bill of health before you do travel of any sort right now. Take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family, and the people you’ll encounter if you choose to travel.

Check this page to see what we’re doing to keep our customers safe and healthy during these uncertain times: COVID-19 Updates

If you weigh it out and decide you’ll wait to visit us until after we get to the other side of this situation, we support that as well. Marco Island will be here to welcome you with open arms whenever you decide to book your trip! 

 

Book Your Lodging Ahead of Time 

The first piece of housekeeping to handle in preparation for your big trip is finding a place to stay. Why? Marco Island is a huge tourist attraction!

Luckily, there are quite a few options available depending on your tastes. Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to book ahead of time! As a popular destination, the accommodations you have in mind might not be available if you put off booking until the last minute. 

 

Here are some lodging options you have to choose from:

 

Hotels – Marco Island boasts an array of top-notch hotels and resorts. From budget-friendly to extravagant, there’s a little something for everyone. A few of our premium hotels even brush right up against the shoreline for easy access to our beautiful beaches. Book fast before your perfect room is gone! 

 

Vacation Rentals – Looking for a cozier place to stay? Try a vacation rental! You can book through VRBO, Airbnb, or directly from the vacation rental owner. Whether you’re looking for smaller accommodations for a romantic getaway or a home base for a bachelorette, you’ll find what you’re looking for on Marco Island. Some rentals even allow pets!

 

Camping – Envisioning a more rustic experience? Unfortunately, there aren’t any campgrounds on the island but don’t reconsider your trip just yet! With the rest of Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades National Park only a boat ride away, there are plenty of easily accessible campgrounds to browse. It will just require some extra planning. 

 

Know Your Airports

If you’re flying into Florida, it’s important to plan around which airport you’re flying into. The four closest airports are Naples Municipal Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport, Miami International Airport, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The closest airport to Marco Island is Naples Municipal Airport.  

From the airport, you can either rent a vehicle, catch a Lyft, or take a shuttle to the island. Here’s how far each airport is from Marco Island:

 

 

Stack Your Itinerary Up With Fun Activities

There’s no shortage of fun things to do on Marco Island. Part of the draw of vacationing here is the chance to choose from a wide spectrum of memorable experiences. Our advice is to book activities ahead of time where you can. This will make for a smooth, stress-free trip and assure you get in all the activities that drew you to Marco Island in the first place.

Let’s dive into some of the most popular options.

 

Jet Ski Tours – Traverse the twisting islets in style on one of our renowned jet ski tours! See dolphins, the beauty of the Everglades, and more with WOW! Marco Island Jet Ski Tours & Rentals. We’ll take you to see the Dome Homes and the largest mangrove forest in the United States. Book now! 

 

Shelling Tours – Explore white sand beaches and find a one-of-a-kind keepsake to bring home on a guided shelling tour! You can find a variety of rare, stunning seashells on Marco Island such as the Junonia shell. You can even venture to other parts of the Ten Thousand Islands to find even more exciting treasures! Maybe the pirates didn’t take all of their gold?

 

Eco-Tours – See the breathtaking biodiversity of Southern Florida on a guided eco-tour. From manatees to over 200 bird species, you’ll see a vibrant slice of the thriving ecosystem around Marco Island. Your tour guide will take you to the very best spots to see it all in action. 

 

Fishing Trip – Are you looking to set out into the open sea? Book a chartered fishing trip into the Gulf of Mexico! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or first-time fisher, you’ll have a blast pulling in Snappers, Groupers, Kingfish, and more!  

 

This is only the beginning of all the activities available in the unique destination of Marco Island! Whatever adventure you choose, be sure to plan ahead and book before you arrive!

 

Account For the Climate and Time of Year 

Marco Island exists in a fairly consistent climate year-round. Florida as a whole is considered a tropical climate. That means there’s a monthly average temperature of 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher year-round. It’s also characterized by high humidity, intense sunshine, and heavy precipitation.

Southern Florida also experiences a wet and a dry season. The rainy season is typically May through October. Marco Island and the surrounding area experience hurricane season from June to October with the peak of the season occurring from August to September. It’s important to be aware of these seasons as you plan your trip. 

Be sure to account for hurricane season and book your trip accordingly. The last thing you want is to get caught in a tropical storm on vacation. We suggest visiting sometime between November to May. If you do choose to come during the wet season be prepared to dress for the rain and possibly evacuate if a dangerous storm starts to form.

Keep an eye out on your favorite weather reporting app to keep tabs on the weather as your vacation gets closer!

 

We Can’t Wait to Welcome You to Marco Island!

Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands is a truly magnificent area you won’t regret visiting! From the incredible flora and fauna to the fun adventures close at hand, it’s a place you and your family are sure to form many lifelong memories. We hope you choose to give our humble island a visit! And, of course, don’t hesitate to schedule your experience with WOW! Marco Island Jet Ski Tours & Rentals today!

 

Marco Island is one of Florida’s greatest gems for so many reasons.

Boasting clear Gulf of Mexico water, resort hotels, paradise-like golf courses, breathtaking white sandy beaches, marinas and an unlimited amount of entertaining activities for families and couples alike, Marco Island consistently makes the top of the charts for vacation destinations.

But by and large, people flood the island for one main reason: boating and fishing.

If you’re looking to enjoy the clear blue water and fish supply Marco Island has to offer, you’ll need to know where to dock your boat for launch. Keep reading for four ramps available in Marco Island and other need-to-knows for boat usage on the island!

Boat Ramps in Marco Island, Florida

You’re not from here, so it’s hard to know where to find a boat ramp for launching. You need a boat ramp that is easily accessible. Here’s the good news: Marco Island has plenty of them!

Caxambas Park

Caxambas Park Website

Address & Directions: 909 Collier Court, Marco Island, FL 34145

Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM to dusk, Monday-Sunday, Year-Round

Phone Number: (239) 642-0004

This public access area boasts a 2-line boat ramp, concessions with food, drinks, bait, tackle, fuel, and more, public restrooms, a picnic area, and breathtaking views (stay to watch the Marco Island pelicans). The best part: it’s free!

Goodland Boat Park

Goodland Boat Park Website

Address: 740 Palm Point Dr, Goodland, FL 34140

Hours of Operation: 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday-Sunday

Phone Number: (239) 389-4247

This park features a two lane boat launch, ample trailer parking, covered picnic space, fishing pier and cleaning station, and life jackets for loan.

Calusa Island Marina

Calusa Island Marina Website

Address: 385 Angler Drive, Goodland, FL 34140

Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM  to 5:00 PM, Monday-Sunday, Year-Round

Phone Number: (239) 394-3668

The marina offers boat storage, rentals, and maintenance, as well as yachts for sale. If you’re staying on Marco Island for an extended vacation or getaway, getting a membership at the Calusa Island Marina may be well worth your investment. Wet and dry boat storage is available for month-to-month rental, and you can opt-in for fuel discounts if you’re really dedicated. If the membership life doesn’t coincide with your traveling plans, a boat ramp is available to the public.

Lucky Lobster Co. Marina

Lucky Lobster’s Website

Address: 3200 San Marco Road (CR 92), Goodland, FL

Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Sunday

Phone Number: 239-642-1920

Conveniently located at the Goodland Bay Bridge, this marina is close to restaurants, shops, and water sports activities, and a network of inland waterways. Lucky Lobster offers slip rentals, a boat ramp, and an eatery you don’t want to miss during your stay.

Marco Island Marina

Marco Island Marina Website

Address: 1402 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145

Phone Number: (239) 642-2531

This marina features 121 boat slips for rent, pump-out facilities, showers, restrooms, a pool, a dog run, barbecue grills, and a boat ramp one mile away. It boasts WiFi, showers, restrooms, pump-out service, a dog park, a pool, barbecue grills, and more!

Collier Boulevard Boating Park

Collier Boulevard Boating Park Website

Address: 3620 Collier Boulevard, Naples, FL 34113

Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM to Sunset, Monday-Sunday, Year-round

Phone Number: (239) 252-4000

Located just north of the Marco Island Bridge, this public water access point is open sunrise to sunset. While there is a fee to use the launching ramp, there are also 77 boat parking spaces available (which fill up quickly during the season, so arrive early!). No fuel is sold at this location, but boasts easy access to the island and the nearby Snook Inn restaurant, a boater favorite.

Permits to Launch on Marco Island

Boat ramp permits are necessary for visitors and locals alike, but are fairly easy to obtain. Simply call the Collier County Parks and Recreation at (239)-353-0404 or contact the department via their official website.

Basic Waterway Regulations

Below is the essential list of boating safety precautions and requirements, taken directly from the City of Marco Island’s website. Be sure you’re familiar with all regulations before launching.

• Idle Speed / No Wake in all waterway canals, bays, and within 500 feet of a seawall. *Idle Speed / No Wake is defined as the minimum speed required to maintain steerage. 
• Idle Speed / No Wake within 500 feet of all Marco Island beaches. Any boating activity in beach areas should be kept to boating directly to and from the beach and well away from any swimmers. 
• United States Coast Guard “rules of the road” apply to all navigational channels. Marco Island channels are marked with the standard RED markers (triangular) and GREEN markers (square) using the conventional “red-right returning” system. 
• Operation of a boat while intoxicated is prohibited. 
• All boats must conform to United States Coast Guard Regulations. 
• All boats must be properly registered and documented. 
• Mooring to or damaging any navigational marker is prohibited. 
• Anchoring or any other activity that interferes with navigation in channels is prohibited. 
• Discharge of untreated sewage is prohibited in Florida waters.

Additionally, it is essential for all new boaters on Marco Island to be familiar with all of the bridge clearances, as there are 14 throughout the gulf water, crossing various bodies of water. Boaters need to know the specs of their individual boats as well as the route they plan on taking so as to not put themselves and others in danger.

Last, but certainly not least, if you are renting a boat during your time on Marco Island, you will need to obtain a temporary certificate to get on the water. Luckily, there are unlimited attempts available, and printing your certificate is easy!

Jet Skis: A Different Way to Enjoy Marco Island

If you’re excited to experience Florida gulf waters, but aren’t thrilled about boat rental and usage costs, WOW Marco Island Jet Ski Tours & Rentals has good news for you! Our jet ski experiences are unlike anything a boat can offer. We will take you on a tour around the entire property of Marco Island. You will be able to reach areas that boats are unable to access, and see the beautiful landscape from a new point of view.

On WOW’s Jet Ski tours, riders take an exhilarating ride through the only subtropical mangrove forest in the United States. All participants will be given a safety briefing and a lesson on how to use their personal watercraft before setting out onto the water.

Contact us today! Let us get you out on the open water.

Marco Island is one of Florida’s most popular vacation destinations, and for good reason! Marco Island offers all of the perks and necessities you would want from an island getaway without ever leaving the country!

Keep reading for six fun facts about this island paradise, and start planning your next trip!

1. Largest of the Ten Thousand Islands

The Ten Thousand Islands are a chain of islands located off the coast of southwest Florida. Marco Island, the largest of the chain, is a beachfront paradise surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful mangrove estuaries. It is situated just north of the Gulf Coast entrance to Everglades National Park. Surrounding the island are nearly 100 miles of undeveloped islands, bays and beautiful ecosystems.

Marco Island is known for its untouched natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, and breathtaking, unpolluted waters with plenty of wildlife.

2. Diverse (Animal) Inhabitants

Marco Island is home to a myriad of animal species, including bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sea otters, alligators, crocodiles, wood storks, brown and white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, herons, egrets and more.

You can see these locals in their natural habitat by booking a Waverunner or jet ski tour, or renting kayaks for a self-guided tour of Marco Island’s animal population.

3. Key Historic Landmarks

Marco Island is home to one of the most important archeological sites in North America. Priceless artifacts were uncovered on the island, showcasing the beginnings of early American civilization. Most renowned was the unearthing of the Key Marco Cat sculpture, now at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., as well as ancient burial mounds, artifacts dating back to the Calusa Indians, remnants of the Caxambas Clam Colony, an 1883 historic inn, and remains of a witch watchtower.

If you’re a history buff, or just interested in learning new things, Marco Island won’t disappoint.

4. Boating and Fishing Paradise

Marco Island locals and tourists alike enjoy out-of-this-world boating and fishing, reeling in snook, tarpon, redfish, trout, pompano and many other species. Guided experiences are available farther into the Gulf of Mexico for unique catches such as grouper, kingfish and snapper.

Boating, whether in rented rigs or aboard a luxurious cruise ship, offers the best angles and vantage points of Marco Island: the dolphins, the birds, the beaches, the clear water, the sunset, the life onshore, the cityscape.

Amid other attractions (beaches, shopping, golfing, dining, and entertainment), some of the most looked-forward-to enticements of Marco Island happen on the open water.

5. Cape Romano

If you’ve Googled photos of Marco Island, you’ve likely seen images of the infamous Cape Romano domes. As the legend goes, these almost alien-looking structures once belonged to a retired oilman in the 80s as his vacation home. But with erosion and natural disasters, these structures began to slide into open water.

The site is now state-owned, but the future of the unique conglomeration of concrete located just off the coast is unknown, as some locals fear the safety of boaters as it continues to become more and more submerged.

6. Home of WOW Marco Island Jet Ski Tours and Rentals

If Marco Island is on your vacation destination shortlist, then a jet ski tour hosted by our professional, fun, and friendly team needs to be on your itinerary. We will take you on a tour of the entire property of Marco Island that we here call home. You will be able to reach areas that boats are unable to access, and see the beautiful landscape from a new point of view.

WOW gives you a unique opportunity to take an exhilarating ride through the only subtropical mangrove forest in the United States, visit the Goodland Islands and Thousand Islands, cruise the backwater of Marco River, and visit the fascinating architecture of the dome house off Cape Romano. It’s the best of all worlds! We can’t wait to show you Marco Island.