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:
Airport | Distance | Estimated Drive Time |
Naples Municipal Airport | 18.5 miles | 30-minutes |
Southwest Florida International Airport | 47 miles | 50-minutes |
Miami International Airport | 100 miles | 1 hour & 45-minutes |
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport | 100 miles | 1 hour & 45-minutes |
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!