When you think of a Florida vacation your mind typically wanders to Miami, Disney World, Universal and maybe even Key West. What most people don’t realize is that on the edge of southern Florida is a paradise that is just waiting to be explored. Marco Island Florida is the perfect spot for your southern Florida vacation!
Stephanie Patterson, a very talented travel blogger who blogs for the site Travel Taste Click, took her Florida vacation to Marco Island. Marco Island Beach Getaway hosted her stay and Florida Rental By Owner sponsored this campaign.
While visiting she made a fabulous list of things to do on Marco Island read about Stephanie’s adventures, Everything You Need to Know For A Dreamy Florida Vacation On Marco Island.
Marco Island is a haven that lies tucked away off the coast of southwest Florida. Its neighbors, Naples and the Everglades, are a short drive away, allowing even more adventure!
Marco Island is home to beautiful beaches, which are filled to the brim with seashells, and breathtaking sunsets that cause the gulf to shimmer like Tina Turner’s closet. The island rests in the Gulf of Mexico, right off the coast of Naples. Marco Island is a small paradise that needs to be added to your Florida bucket list.
Besides being in close proximity to Naples Marco Island is also neighboring the Everglades which means that the island is teeming with wildlife. There is an abundant menagerie of manatees, dolphins, seabirds, and sea turtles.
There is an abundance of great seafood, fun-filled beachside tiki bars, stunning beaches, and eco-tours that introduce you to Florida’s fibroid natural habitats all right here, on the island. These are just a few key things on the expansive list of things to do in Marco Island.
Adventure & Activities
As we all know there are different types of vacationers. Some people enjoy the relaxing vacation where they’re allowed to decompress from their everyday lives. Others might prefer to explore their destinations. Some vacationers enjoy getting their hands dirty and maybe even get a little sweaty by going on thrill-seeking adventures.
If you’re the thrill-seeking/adventurous type, then there are several great things to do in Marco Island. This way you can explore beautiful South Florida while getting a little sweaty!
Water Tours on the Island
There are a few ways to explore the island, it’s natural habitats and restaurants and bars, but the most fun way is by boat! The most highly regarded boat tour, Avi’s Water Sports Jet Ski Tour is at the top of the list.
Avi’s personalized 3-hour jet ski tour is one of the most well-regarded water tours in South Florida. Avi is known as the “Dolphin Whisper” and for good reason! He’s an avid photographer, wildlife lover, and expert in jet ski safety. Avi will make sure even first-time jet skiers feel safe and ready to have a great experience with the local dolphins, many of which Avi calls by name.
As a master navigator of the Ten Thousand Islands Avi will bring you to some breathtaking locations that few others get to enjoy. On your excursion, you’ll get to experience beautiful hidden treasures, wildlife and the passion and love for the area that Avi exudes.
The tour itself costs $259, but you are giving it all to a small family-owned business. They are here to give you a personalized experience of the Ten Thousand Islands and it’s resident marine life.
Trade Your Motor for a Paddle
One of the biggest perks of renting from Paddle Marco is that they provide free delivery and pick-up almost anywhere on Marco Island. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards by the hour, the day or the week and explore Marco Island for yourself. However, if you want some guidance then reserve a spot on Paddle Marco’s award-winning Mangrove tunnels kayak tour!
The tour is a biologist/naturalist’s dream! The tour guides are locals that are extremely knowledgeable. They truly love and understand the eco-system on the island and they know the mangroves twisted pathways. While floating through the sense trees keep an eye out for tree crabs, birds, dolphins and more! Paddling through the mangroves is a great activity for all ages. The local guides will teach you about the local wildlife, the mangrove trees and the history of Marco Island.
The tunnels include both wide waterways as well as more narrow and dense paths. There will be plenty of fun as you adventure through the trees bumping into everything and everyone. Stephanie advises that you bring plenty of water, sunscreen and bug spray. Don’t let the mosquitos ruin the fun!
For Landlubbers
If the waterways are not of your preference than rent a bike and explore Marco Island on dry land. The island is small enough that you can easily see the whole island on no more than two wheels. you can rent a bike for only $20 a day at Marco Island Bike Rentals. You can also rent the bike by the week and keep it as your primary mode of transportation. They also include a lock, a helmet and you can request a basket!
If you’re trying to plan your own self-tour, Stephanie suggests a mid-day bicycle bar crawl. With a bike, you can navigate the island easily without stressing out about parking. This way you get a fun boozy fueled, mildly exercise filled day around the island without the hassle of driving.
Lazy Day Away
For those who prefer a more relaxed vacation, or even a healthy mix of relaxation and adventure, then Marco Island delivers! If an adventure vacation is not your cup of tea and you are here to sit back, relax and escape from everyday life, then this is the perfect destination for you!
The entire west side of the Island is a string of breathtaking beaches that are infamous for their shells. You can even enjoy a beautiful western sunset without leaving the southeast! the sunsets disappearing over the gulf are truly striking.
If you are staying beachfront there are plenty of public access points to the beaches on Marco Island. Don’t let those photogenic opportunities go to waste! If you want to learn more about boat tours through the Everglades, great restaurants and other great things to do in Marco Island read Stephanie’s blog here!
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