Discovering Marco`s Beaches

Marco Beaches
Discovering
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The long stretches of sugary white sand that make up the six miles of Marco Island beaches are leg
public, while others are open only to members. All lend themselves to the romping, relaxing an
Keewaydin Island
Keewaydin borders on the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. For years, fly fisherman
have stood in the waters off of this stretch of island, knowing that schools of snook provide ample targets
for sight fishing. Keewaydin is home to good summertime fishing as snook gather on the beaches to
spawn. You can stand on the shore and catch them in ankle-deep water. But Keewaydin also attracts
another type of nature lover: partygoers. It’s grand central for campers, especially during annual canoe and
kayak races when lots of camping and even “glamping” happen. The signage on Keewaydin detracts from
the natural beauty, but because it’s only accessible by boat, it’s prime real estate for boaters from all over
the area, especially on weekends when dozens of vessels are anchored off the beach. There is no vehicle
traffic on the island, no facilities and the closest water access is found in Naples Bay at the Bayview Park
off Danview Street. There parking is free but limited. Keewaydin is Collier County’s only dog friendly
beach so don’t even think about bringing your four-legged friend to any others. The parking attendants at
places like Tigertail and Residents’ Beach take their jobs very seriously. They won’t even allow you in the
parking lot if you have a dog in the car.
Tigertail Beach
This beach is known for its wildlife viewing, especially birds, with a lagoon that separates the parking
and facilities area from the beach. Park rangers also offer educational tours with presentations about local
wildlife like sea turtles and manatees. There are restrooms, showers and a concession stand for snacks.
The beach itself is another example of the wide expanse of sand synonymous with Marco beaches. On
Sand Dollar Spit, sand dollars and shells that wash up on the beach make this spot prime shelling territory
with access via Tigertail Beach. Avian watchers appreciate the many wading birds species like osprey,
egrets, ibis, herons and many types of terns. There is a rental stand for water sports, umbrellas, chairs and
other beach equipment. The children’s play area makes this location ideal for families with small children.
The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset and the entrance fee is $8 or free for Collier County residents with
a beach-parking permit. To get there take Collier Boulevard onto Marco Island. Make a right on Tigertail
Court, then left to the end of Hernando Drive.
re legendary. A diversity of activities at each access point attracts all ages. Some beaches are for the general
ng and wading. While some serve as the backdrop for stellar fishing, others are there for the party.
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Cape Romano/Kice Island
This completely undeveloped Southwest Florida shoreline is within close
proximity to Marco Island yet feels ultra-secluded and remote. Kayakers,
canoers, paddle boarders as well as powerboat owners may access the
island from the closest public ramp at Caxambas Pass Park at the south
end of Marco Island. Beachfront camping is permitted but there are no
facilities. But there is another reason people flock to Cape Romano and
Kice Island. It’s a great place to picnic, sunbathe and spend a day splashing
around in the water, and it’s an even better place to fish. It’s very tidal in
the area and offers a mixed bag of fish year-round which visitors can catch
right off the beaches. On the northern end of Kice Island, Hurricane
Wilma left its mark in the form of a very narrow pass. This particular area
is probably not the safest for swimming because of the dangerous current.
One of the most interesting yet tragic parts of the Cape Romano area is
the dome house, which is falling into the Gulf. Visitors to the area can see
it by boat. The structure was built in 1981 and slowly destroyed by the
sands of time in the wake of hurricanes and a shifting shoreline.
South Marco Beach
Located on the south end of Marco, on South Collier Avenue, the access
for this beach is a sabal palm-lined boardwalk surrounded by upscale
hotels. Parking for South Marco Beach is located across the street on
Swallow Avenue where there are 70 parking spaces and a $4 parking fee
payable to a Master Meter, which accepts cash or credit. There is
restroom access in the parking lot and the one-acre beach is open from
8 a.m. to sunset.
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Residents’ Beach
This very wide beach with soft white sand is exclusive to residents of Marco Island and is
members-only. The property contains The Sessions Pavilion with new restrooms equipped
with showers, The Snack Shack that serves breakfast and lunch, and a large partly shaded
deck for dining. A shell kiosk offers beachcombers information on types of shells to be
found and what they look like. The entrance is located at the intersection of Collier
Boulevard and San Marco Road and the park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Hideaway Beach
Hideaway Beach is home to a private gated community on the Gulf of Mexico that
encompasses more than 300 acres. But its claim to fame, aside from the beach is the
concentration of native Florida live oak trees. Half of the land is wetlands with boardwalks
for nature studies, natural lagoons, a sports center and Gulf front beach club that spoils
residents with dining and entertainment. According the Naples, Marco Island and
Everglades CVB, the only public access to Hideaway Beach for nonresidents is by boat. n
— Kathleen Farrell contributed to this report.
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