Things to do nearMarco Island
Marco Island, Florida's southernmost barrier island, draws visitors with wide white beaches, warm Gulf waters, and easy access to the Ten Thousand Islands wilderness.
Marco Island is the largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands and has been inhabited for thousands of years. The Calusa people built complex shell mound settlements here long before European contact, and remnants of their presence can still be seen at sites preserved around Collier County.
Today the island is best known for Crescent Beach, a long arc of powdery quartz sand that stretches along its western edge. Swimmers, paddleboarders, and beachcombers share the shoreline, and the gentle Gulf slope makes the water approachable for all ages. Tigertail Beach on the north end offers a more natural setting with a tidal lagoon that attracts wading birds and nesting shorebirds.
The waters surrounding Marco Island are exceptionally productive for fishing and wildlife watching. Charter boats head out for tarpon, snook, and redfish, while kayak guides lead small groups through the mangrove tunnels of the adjacent preserve. Dolphins are a common sight on any boat trip.
The island's dining scene centers on fresh local seafood, with stone crab and Gulf grouper appearing on menus across town. Marco Island offers a quieter alternative to busier Florida beach destinations while still delivering the warm water, wildlife, and natural scenery that make the southwest Gulf Coast worth the trip.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Marco Island
Visit Tigertail Beach in the morning when the tidal lagoon is calm and shorebirds gather along the sandbar.
Try the fresh stone crab claws when they are in season, typically October through May, at any of the waterfront seafood spots.
Bring polarized sunglasses for kayaking or boating, as they help you spot bottlenose dolphins and manatees in the shallows.
Book an airboat or kayak tour into the Ten Thousand Islands to see the mangrove wilderness that borders the island to the east.
Walk the south end of Crescent Beach near Cape Marco at sunset for an unobstructed view over the open Gulf.
Top tours & experiences near Marco Island
Full Day 10,000 Islands Wildlife & Beach Tour
Enjoy a full day exploring islands, wildlife, and local spots with your group on a private boat tour.
Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour in Everglades City
Paddle through scenic mangrove tunnels with expert guides and spot local wildlife in a small group setting.
Pedal Kayak Eco Tour in Marco Island
Pedal kayak through Marco Island mangroves on a relaxed 2-hour eco tour
Marco Island Pedal Kayak Mangrove Tunnel Tour
Glide through calm mangrove tunnels and learn about the coastal ecosystem on an easy, all-skill-levels tour
Private Shelling Tour in Marco Island with Captain
Search shifting sandbars near Kice Island for standout shells on a relaxed, family-friendly boat outing
Private 2-Hour Boat Tour in Marco Island
Customize your own 2-hour private boat tour for up to 6 people
Private Dolphin Watching & Shelling Tour in Marco Island
Private dolphin watching with time to explore and shell on a secluded island
Private Marco Island Millionaire's Row Boat Tour
Cruise Marco Island’s Estates area by private boat, up to 6 guests
Marco Island Private Shelling Cruise
Cruise Marco Island waters and shell remote barrier islands on a private boat
Shelling & Dolphin Private Charter
Combine shelling and dolphin spotting on a private 3- or 4-hour charter for up to 6
Cruise Marco Island at Sunset on a Private Charter
Relax on a private Marco Island sunset cruise for up to 6 people
Private Marco Island Watersports Tour With Instruction
Private 4-hour watersports tour for up to 6 with tubing, shelling, and wake or ski instruction
Private Dolphin Watching & Tubing Tour
Private dolphin watching plus up to 30 minutes of tubing for up to 6 guests
4-Hour Family Fishing Charter in Marco Island
Private 4-hour family charter with fishing, shelling, and wildlife viewing
3-Hour Private Boat Tour in Marco Island
Private, captain-led boat time for your custom Marco Island route
6-Hour Private Boat Charter in Marco Island
Private 6-hour boat tour around Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands
Sunset Shelling & Dolphin Cruise From Marco Island
Private sunset boat tour with shelling and dolphin spotting in the Ten Thousand Islands
4-Hour Private Shelling Cruise in Ten Thousand Islands
Private 4-hour shelling and barrier-island tour for up to 12
Pontoon Boat Rental From Isles of Capri Marina
Rent a 22' pontoon with half- or full-day options from Isles of Capri Marina
Pontoon Boat Rental From Isles Of Capri Marina
Rent a 22-foot pontoon with half- or full-day options for up to 12 passengers
Fish Marco Island & 10,000 Islands 4-Hour Charter
Fish the mangrove backwaters of the 10,000 Islands with a local captain