Things to do while on your Marco Island Beach Getaway:
Rent Bikes
Rent a beach cruiser from Island Bike, a family favorite! Cruise and explore Marco or ride your bike to breakfast or lunch. Island bike provides free bike delivery and pick up to and from the SeaWinds and Apollo Condominiums. Be sure to ask for bikes with a basket. You can order the bikes ahead of your arrival…..convenience at its best!
Visit Mackle Park and Recreational Center
Mackle Park is a 2-mile drive or bike ride from either condo. The park and recreational center has so much to offer young and old. For the young, a huge jungle gym and splash sprinkler zone. Older guests can find bocce ball, covered basketball courts (with ID anyone can borrow a basketball!), volleyball net, soccer field, ping-pong, pool table, shuffleboard and a man-made lake with a walking trail. The park has an activity calendar that includes music, guest speakers, and exercise classes. And the calendar changes monthly!
Participate in Local Water Sports Activities
A short seaside walk from either one of our beachfront homes, guests can find numerous water activities at Marco Island Water Sports. Rent kayaks (single or double), wave runners, sailboats or paddleboards or take a parasail ride and view South Beach and the Gulf from 300 feet high. Enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon on the Calusa Spirit Dolphin daily cruise. The 45 ft catamaran guided tour stops at one of the remote uninhabited islands for unbelievable shelling. It also a terrific opportunity to view the mangroves and their eco system up close.
Two grate water sport options that are rated No. 1 by Trip Advisor is Captain Ron’s guided wave runner tours and Avi’s Water Sports, guided jet ski tours. If you are up for an adventure, give them a try!
Hop aboard an Eco Tour
Did you know National Geographic recently featured Marco Island’s Ten Thousand Island Dolphin Project in its book “100 Places That Can Change Your Child’s Life”? Learn about our Island’s Dolphin population by taking the Dolphin Excursion Eco Tour. The project is the only ongoing study of wild dolphins in SW Florida. Learn how scientists use photo identification and the dolphins’ fins as fingerprints to help identify the dolphins in their studies. Truly an amazing experience!
Rent a Boat
If you are interested in renting a boat for the day or for your entire stay, we recommend Walkers Hideaway Marina . Your option for boat rentals are endless along with guided eco tours and sunset cruises.
For the Angler, There’s Off Shore, In Shore, or Back Water Fishing
Marco Island offers some of the finest year-round fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Angler’s can charter a private or semi-private boat or fish from the shore! Charters provide rods, tackle, and bait. If you decide to fish from the shore, a fishing license is required for those ages 16-65. A fishing license can be purchased at Florida Fish and Wild life. Anyone can conveniently rent rods and tackle at Rose Marina. Our recommendations for fishing are:
Six Chuter Charters, either ½ day or full day is conveniently located in Rose Marina. The crew is very family friendly!
Sunshine Tours and Charters also located in Rose Marina. There are many additional fishing charter options located in the Marina.
Make a Memory Charters with Captain Bill Jones is conveniently located in Caxambass Marina and Park, a 12 minute walk or 2 minute drive!
Day Dreamer Charters with Captain Dan Haley is located in Naples. Try deep Sea fishing. Captain Dan will not disappoint!
Explore Keewaydin Island
Hemingway Water Shuttle is an awe-inspiring way to explore the beautiful Keewaydin Island, an unspoiled beach paradise, located off the coast of Marco Island with white sandy beaches and sparkling blue waters on one side and loads of natural Florida beauty on the other. Mangrove trees, spoonbills, egrets, bald eagles, manatee, dolphins, an assortment of shells, and a number of other wildlife make Keewaydin their home. Arrange for beach chairs, umbrella and tent rental for added convenience! Read more about Keewaydin Island on our blog post.
Hemingway Water Shuttle (239) 315.1136
Rose Marina 951 Bald Eagle Dr, Marco Island
Miniature Golf (walking distance from either condo)
Marco Golf and Garden is “ A challenging miniature golf course in an award winning garden.” is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Be sure to stop in right across the street at Beebe’s for decadent and refreshing ice cream before or after you play.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Naples Zoo is an enjoyable experience and a short 35-minute drive. There are many events and activities at the Zoo. After a full day, our family will stop off at famous Naples Third Street for world-class shopping and dining. There are many restaurants to choose from such as Tommy Bahama, Old Naples Pub, Capiello, simply too many to list! Stop in for a refreshing ice cream (or fudge) at Kilwins of Naples.
Naturalist Kayak Tour Through Mangroves
Paddle Marco – Journey into the mangroves of Marco Island on a guided kayak tour with local master naturalists and biologists! Look for dolphins, birds, conch shells and more. Along the way, your tour guides will be teaching you about the mangroves, the history of Marco Island and pointing out any wildlife they spot Single seater kayaks are recommended and double kayaks are also provided if you enjoy being with your spouse. Free HD photos are always included by the photographers.
Rookery Bay Reserve is a short 15-minute drive from the Condominiums. We recommend the 2 hour guided kayak tour through the mangrove forests. You will feel like you are in a maze surrounded by the natural mangrove tunnels. Before or after your tour, stop in to the see the environmental learning center, which offers interactive exhibits, a 2, 300 gallon aquarium, and four research laboratories. The reserve has a picnic area so you can pack a lunch and spend the day!