Everything You Need to Know for a Dreamy Vacation on Marco Island

Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Florida Rental By Owners. FLARBO and Marco Island Beach Getaway hosted my stay and I received compensation for this post.

Miami and Key West instantly come to mind when thinking of South Florida. But what if I told you there was another South Florida paradise hiding in plain sight? One with shell-lined beaches, sparkling Gulf waters, smaller crowds and some of the most stunning sunsets in the Sunshine State? Meet Marco Island, a barrier island and luxurious coastal retreat that’s worthy of inclusion on your Florida bucket list.

This small island, neighboring the Florida Everglades and Naples, is teeming with wildlife including manatees, dolphins, shorebirds and sea turtles (there were nests everywhere during my visit!). Not to mention the friendly locals, dozens of eateries serving fresh Florida fish, lively waterfront tiki bars, beautiful beaches, and a handful of eco tours to help introduce you to Florida’s natural side.

After having Marco Island on my Florida wish list for years, I recently got the chance to explore the island for five days on behalf of Florida Rental By Owners. Read on for details on where to stay, must-do activities, and my favorite food and drink discoveries.

Where to Stay

While there are several notable beachfront hotels on the island (including one stunning JW Marriott), vacation rentals are the most popular and readily available choice. Marco Island has a reputation for being a pricier destination, so it’s worth it to book a rental to enjoy all the comforts of home (and save some cash by making several meals at home).

For the better part of a week, my home away from home was a spacious, impressively well-stocked beachfront 9th floor condo at The Apollo. The property, owned by Melissa and Rob Palmeri of Marco Island Beach Getaway, is located at the Southern tip of the island with close proximity to restaurants and activities.

A few of my favorite details were:

• The HUGE outdoor balcony, which offers unparalleled sunset views. It’s furnished with two comfy loungers, a patio table, and chairs.
• The updated interior complete with three bedrooms (to comfortably sleep six), two bathrooms, living area, kitchen, dining table and a washer/dryer.
• A welcome bottle of wine (best enjoyed while watching the sunset on the aforementioned balcony).
• A well-stocked supply of everything you need including beach chairs and umbrellas, beach toys, blender, Crockpot, good utensils and dishes, cleaning products, water in the fridge upon arrival, and pretty much all the comforts of home.
• How safe the condo building is. You need a key to get in the building, to call the elevator and to access the boardwalk to the beach.
• Location, location, location! The condo is within walking distance of several restaurants and activities.
• Sunset Grille, an on-site restaurant and bar on the main level of the building.
• Melissa & Rob’s spot-on recommendations for things to do in the area.

The Apollo is available for rent on a weekly basis via Florida Rental By Owners, a women-owned vacation rental agency specializing in Florida vacation rentals all over the state with no additional booking fees. Rates for the off-peak season begin at $2000/week. If you’re traveling as a couple, check out The Sea Winds, a 2-bedroom oceanfront property with rates from $1,300/week in the off season. Make sure to check for advertised seasonal discounts. FYI: there is an additional cleaning fee plus tax, as well as a one-time $25 payment for parking.

Things to Do

While it will be tempting to spend your days lazing on the beach, reserve some time to immerse yourself in nature on guided tours, explore on two wheels, and even take a day trip or two.

Avi’s Water Sports Jet Ski Tour of the Ten Thousand Islands

Hopping on a 3-hour jet ski tour of the Ten Thousand Islands, a National Wildlife Refuge, with Avi’s Water Sports was hands-down the best experience I had on Marco Island. Owner and tour guide Avi has anointed himself as “The Dolphin Whisperer” and it’s a well-earned title. The three hours flew by as our tour group zipped through the scenic system of mangrove islands, regularly slowing down to play with the resident dolphins. I spent the better part of the afternoon laughing with childlike delight when the dolphins jumped in our wake and swam under our jet skis.

Avi also stopped to excitedly show us wildlife and visit points of interest, like the unique Cape Romano Dome Home. We pulled up to what appeared to a cluster of igloo-like structures protruding out of the sea only to learn it was once a gorgeous eco-friendly home—on LAND—built in the 1980s.

But perhaps the biggest highlight of this tour is getting to hang out with Avi. His passion for the area, wildlife and photography (you’ll get a flash drive of awesome photos) are contagious and make the experience all the more memorable. The cost is $259 per jet ski and tours can be booked by calling 239-777-9873.

Paddle Marco Mangrove Kayak Tour

Another eco-focused tour, Paddle Marco’s guided 2-hour mangrove kayaking tour is a fun and adventurous way to experience Marco Island’s wild side. The eco-focused tour launches from Capri Paddlecraft Park just minutes away from Marco Island. A knowledgeable guide (shout out to tour guide Jake) then takes you through several long and short mangrove tunnels while making periodic stops to spot wildlife including gargantuan conch shells, birds, dolphins, tree crabs and more. As an added bonus, Paddle Marco provides a FREE large dry bag for you to use, so go ahead and bring your camera and phone.

Expect a little rush of adrenaline and loads of laughs as you inevitably bump into everything including the dense mangroves and other kayakers in your group. Some of the tunnels are dense and narrow, meaning it’s necessary to grab onto or lift up a branch to navigate your way through. But don’t be intimidated, even first time kayakers can master and enjoy this tour (and if this is your first kayaking tour then trust me, you can do anything). The cost of the tour is $65/adult or $55/child and it includes professional photos from your trip.

Tip: bring water, lather up with sunscreen and wear bug spray! The No-See-Ums were out in full force when I took this tour in late August. Learn from my mistakes. Also, chat up your guide for local recommendations! They’re Marco Island locals and can share the details on the best spots to eat and hang out. ☺

Explore the Island via Bike

Marco Island is small enough to traverse on two wheels, so slow down the pace and rent a bike for a mini adventure. I opted to rent a bike for $20 for the day from Marco Island Bike Rentals. This local company will deliver and pick up your bike for no extra charge anywhere on the island, which I found incredibly convenient. The rental also includes a bike lock and helmet, and you can request a bike with a basket. The website is a bit clunky, so I recommend calling 239-237-1573 to book directly.

What to do once you’ve got your wheels? You’re on vacation, so go all out on a mid-day bicycle bar crawl. It’s an ideal mix of exercise, boozy fun, and sightseeing. Because parking can be a pain at the fancy hotels, visit by bike instead and pull up a seat at each hotel’s beach bar. I didn’t have trouble finding a nearby spot to lock up my bike while hopping from CJ’s on the Bay to the JW Marriott (the passion ginger mojito at Quinn’s on the Beach is A+++) and Hilton Marco Island.

You could also rent the bike for a few days or an entire week, using it as your primary mode of transportation around the island.

Beach Time

Stay beachfront for easy access to the pristine coastline. I loved spending early afternoons reading on the beach right in front of the condo.

Wake up early to meander along the coast searching for treasure, aka shells. If you aren’t staying beachfront, public access points are plentiful and well marked.

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, make your way to Tigertail Beach in the late afternoon to splash in the water and take in an epic sunset. So, what makes it adventurous? Well, you’ll need to wade across a tidal lagoon and traipse down a dense pathway before emerging onto the beach. Depending on the tide, the water can be more than waist deep. It’s certainly not for everyone, but I personally found it to be worth the reward. And, if you’d rather not cross the lagoon, there is a path around it that will take about 30 minutes to walk. FYI: there is an $8 entrance/parking fee.

Day Trip to The Everglades

Another perk of visiting Marco Island is the close proximity to The Everglades. It takes about 40 minutes by car to reach hordes of local tour companies offering airboat tours, an absolute must when visiting.

Sadly, I can’t enthusiastically recommend the tour company I chose because the experience was a bit impersonal and cookie cutter. But we did spot a huge gator and there’s no rush quite like speeding through mangrove tunnels at what feels like warp speed. If I had a do over, I’d choose a tour that offers narration through the headphones to learn more about The Everglades and the wildlife.

If you love Florida landscapes and photography, trek just a bit further into Big Cypress National Preserve where you’ll find photographer Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. View the collection of stunning black and white Florida landscape photography (his work is regularly compared to Ansel Adams) and walk the small nature loop. The gallery also hosts regular guided swap walks, which are exactly what you’re thinking.

More ideas…

Take a day trip to Naples for shopping, great eats, and a visit to the Naples Zoo or Naples Botanical Garden.

Keewaydin Island is another major Marco Island attraction. The island is only accessible by boat and is notable for its remote feel and the resident pontoon boat food trucks serving up tasty eats. Catch a round trip ferry ride with Hemingway Water Shuttle for $44/adult and $22/child. Sadly, the owners were on vacation during my stay and the shuttle wasn’t running, so this is on my list for a return visit!

Check out the Dolphin Explorer eco-boat tour for more dolphin fun. Tours are $64/adult and $45/child ($10 for kiddos under 2).

Visit Goodland, a small nearby fishing town, and hang out at Little Bar and Stan’s Idle Hour.

Where to Eat + Drink

Breakfast: Doreen’s Cup of Joe

Doreen’s Cup of Joe was so delicious I had to go for breakfast twice. I’ve got three words for you: Crunchy French Toast. Noted on the menu as famous, this sweet breakfast treat is coated with homemade granola for extra crunch then generously topped with strawberries, whipped cream and powdered sugar. While it may be borderline dessert, it’s totally worth the food coma (no really, I took a nap after).

The menu features a variety of products from Florida including the sausage patties, milk products, coffee (highly recommend an iced caramel latte) and delicious fresh squeezed Florida OJ. Doreen’s is also incredibly insta-friendly with a faux living wall, chandeliers, farmhouse touches and bright blue walls.

Casual lunch: Island Gypsy

Of all the beach towns I’ve visited in Florida, none has more awesome tiki bars than Marco Island. One of my favorites was Island Gypsy Café, located on the Isles of Capri. This laid-back spot has a huge outdoor dining area with a thatched roof chickee hut and is located in a bustling marina. Sip on a mojito while refueling and watching the comings and goings of local boaters.

I always try to suss out a go-to taco spot wherever I travel, and while Island Gypsy is not solely a taco-focused eatery, their Caribbean Fish Tacos are pretty amazing. Kudos for the huge portion, unique pear slaw, and spicy jerk seasoning on the Mahi-Mahi! FYI: If you go on the mangrove kayaking tour, Island Gypsy is perfect for lunch afterwards; it’s only about a 5-minute drive away.

Fancy pants: Fin Bistro

Perfect for taking yourself on a date, going out for date night, or dining with friends, Fin Bistro is a fresh fish restaurant where treating yourself is worth every bite. I opted for a full three-course meal to sample as much as possible and was reduced to murmurs of satisfaction as I gobbled up every bite of my lobster roll appetizer, yellowtail snapper entrée and key lime flan for dessert.

While Fin Bistro isn’t beachfront, the patio is shrouded in lush greenery and the interior offers an upscale, stylish atmosphere.

Late night + live music: Snook Inn

Providing a magical mix of waterfront and sunset views, delicious food, atmosphere and dangerously sippable drinks, Snook Inn is one of Marco Island’s most well known haunts for good reason. This lively tiki bar-style waterfront eatery boasts daily live music and one of the most delicious Grouper sandwiches I’ve ever had the pleasure of consuming. The hype is real, fellow Grouper sandwich lovers.

Get there a little early and post up at the bar for a drink while you wait for your table by the water (worth the wait). I recommend the photo-worthy 1930s Mai Tai to drink, comprised of Naked Turtle white rum, Orgeat, orange liqueur, house-made pineapple syrup, lime and a Goslings floater.

From your waterfront table you’ll be able to snap photos of the sunset and wander onto the docks for stellar shots and dolphin sightings, plus the occasional luxurious yacht cruising out to sea. Quality live music provides the playlist and after the sun goes down, colored lights set the thatched-roof chickee bar aglow while locals dance to the tunes. It’s one of those places with a palpable spirit where you’ll be rubbing elbows with loyal locals and visitors. Don’t miss it!

Pro tip: Satiate your late night cravings by visiting after 10pm for the late night happy hour which includes select food and drink specials. Enjoy select half-priced drinks during the regular happy hour from 4-6pm.

More ideas…

• CJ’s on the Bay: Drink the skinny margarita while snacking on the Tuna Poke with crispy wonton chips. There’s a different special every day of the week plus live music Thursday nights.
• Pelican Bend: Head to the Isles of Capri to visit this Florida eatery for a classic order comprised of the wedge salad (with the most heavenly house-made creamy garlic dressing EVER), sautéed fish with a baked sweet potato, and a slice of homemade key lime pie for dessert.
• Mango’s Dockside Bistro: Enjoy a casual lunch on the water from the spacious outdoor patio.
• Dolce Mar: Satisfy your sweet tooth with artisanal gelato and savory desserts.

Have you visited Marco Island? Leave your favorite recommendations in the comments and feel free to email me with any questions or for more suggestions.

And if you’re planning a trip, consider perusing Florida Rental By Owners’ impressive listing of vacation rentals to book your home away from home directly with owners for less. There are dozens of homes available in Marco Island and throughout the entire Sunshine State. Happy Florida traveling!

All photos by Stephanie Patterson unless otherwise noted . Please email me to request permission prior to any use.