Copyright 2010 The Marco Review: Marco Island Vacation. All Rights Reserved.
CHARTER CAPTAINS
WE RECOMMEND:
ANGLER’S CHARTERS
Fishing charters, manatee tours, kids’ fishing charters with Capt Jim Ponder. 404-9036
CAPT BARRY
Backwater & Everglades National Park fishing with tournament champion Capt Barry. 389-0602
CAROLE ANN II CHARTERS
Off shore fishing on 36’ custom Fitz Sport Fisherman with Capt Scott Ray. 239-248-5473
DAWN PATROL
Backwater & nearshore reefs - family fishing with Capt Bill Walsh.
394-0608
FINS-N-GRINS
Backwater & nearshore charter fishing, sightseeing, shelling and eco-tours leaving from Calusa Island Marina, Goodland. Call Capt Michael Van Jones at 239-784-2442
MAKE A MEMORY CHARTERS
Light tackle and Fly Fishing in the Everglades National Park and the 10,000 Islands, with Capt Bill Jones. 394-6059
MARCO ISLAND KAYAK
ADVENTURES, KAYAK FISHING
Guided kayak fishing tours in the 10,000 Islands. 239-389-1575
SFP FISHING OUTFITTERS, INC
Offering light tackle and fly fishing for 1-4 anglers. 417-0009
SAY WHAT
Deep Sea Fishing with Capt Sean Black aboard 32’ twin diesel Sportfisherman Black Coral.
239-398-1817 or 230-331-3822
SEA GONE FISHING TEAM
Back water and off shore fishing aboard 3 clean, well maintained, 6 passenger, rest room equipped boats. Shelling & Sightseeing Trips also available. 642-7310.
SIX CHUTER CHARTERS
You’re guaranteed to catch fish on this four boat fleet located at Rose Marco River Marina. Backwater, nearshore & offshore fishing with combo trips including shelling and sightseeing for the whole family.
239-389-1575
STOP’S MARINE CHARTERS - (Est. 1986) Enjoy calm backwater fishing with native Capt John Stop and up to 6 passengers at low per person rates or book your own private charter. 394-8000
SUNSHINE TOURS
Back country and off shore fishing, private and shared charters.
239-642-5415
UNREEL
Offshore and Inshore sport fishing aboard brand new state-of-the-art fishing boat with Capt Joe Cacaro. 641-1094
WILD THING CHARTERS
Capt Randy Hamlton will take you offshore and make your rod sing on his custom 30' cagbin boat with rest room. 239-821-7054
FISHING
Big fish, tough fighting fish and great edible fish.... Marco Island has it all and is quite possibly one of THE best places to find varied fishing all year round. Being the northern-most of the 10,000 Islands, surrounded by natural preserves and bordering the Gulf of Mexico, Marco is ideally situated to offer many different kinds of world class fishing. You’ll find below a description of the different opportunities available here and what you can expect from each if you go out on a fishing charter. I would recommend that you narrow down what you are looking for and what suits your party best. The list at the end of this section will help you decide which of our highly experienced Charter Captains will be just right for you.
Family Fishing
If you want to take the family out for some fun and you haven’t been fishing in Southwest Florida before, or you just aren’t a die-hard, then nearshore or backwater could be your best bet. Depending on the time of year you will have a shot at snapper, sheepshead, snook, redfish, grouper, tarpon, trout, blackdrum, pompano and tripletail. When the water warms in the summer there are also numerous species of shark to add to the mix, including blacktip, hammerhead, bonnethead and bull. You won’t have to travel far and you will get plenty of fishing on a half day trip. Some of the guides that specialize in nearshore and backwater fishing will also mix a trip with shelling and birdwatching to please the non-fishermen (or women!) in your party. Talk to the captain about your party’s particular needs and ask what he suggests targeting the day of your charter... you will be delighted with the time you spend.
Backwater for the More Experienced Angler
If you take your fishing seriously, then you should take a day out with any of our amazing backwater guides in the 10.000 islands and Everglades National Park - you’re sure to be happy that you did. You can use a fly or spinning rod depending on your level of expertise and the captain will probably target snook, redfish, snapper or the most fantastic of all local gamefish, the tarpon. Tarpon in the backwaters or along the beaches can range in size from 3 to 6 feet and although they don’t hit the bait hard, you’ll know you’re in for the fight of your life when they start that run and make their first leap clear of the water!!
Of course you could also end up with a shark, grouper, jack or ladyfish - but it will be a fun day casting up against the mangroves hardly seeing another person and bringing that monster snook, tarpon or shark to the boat. You will not believe how big the fish are in these skinny waters.
Offshore for the Big Boys (Fish and Guys!)
A day (or half day if you have to limit your excitement!) of offshore fishing on a number of the wrecks, artificial reefs or fish havens will keep everybody quiet on the trip back to the marina! Some species you’re likely to find, depending on the time of year, are Goliath grouper, barracuda, tripletail, sheepshead, snapper, cobia, amberjack, mackerel, shark and grouper and they always make for fishing fun. There are many charter captains, with larger boats, specializing in offshore fishing and they will definitely bend your rod! Again the list at the end of this section will help you decide which captain is best for you.
Going it Alone
Marco’s certainly a great place to fish whether you’re a novice, a die-hard or just fancy a novel workout. If you choose to go with a charter captain, you will only need to take food, drink and sunscreen for your trip. However, if you want to try from land then either the beaches (not near designated swimming areas of course) or the areas around the two bridges linking Marco to the mainland, are always worth a try. The waterway behind your rental home is likely to have mangrove snapper, sheepshead, jack, snook, redfish and catfish around the dock or swimming by. If your waterway is closer to the Gulf you may be fortunate to find some of the smaller tarpon cruising up and down. It’s always a surprise (and great fun) to see a three foot tarpon explode from the water in one of our waterways.
Remember to check that the fish you’ve caught are legal sized and in season before you keep them and that you may be required to have a valid fishing license - you can pick up information on this at a local marina. Also don’t forget that most of the local restaurants will be happy to cook your fresh catch for you and prepare it to your liking, as long as you have cleaned it first!
ON THE WATER ECO ADVENTURES
As a visitor there are many ways to explore the balmy waters around Marco Island and to see the wonderful aquatic wildlife and birds which surround us. You can either go it alone and rent a boat, kayak or jetski (see below for details) or take one of the many water tours which are available in the area.
BOAT, KAYAK & WAVE RUNNER RENTALS
ROSE MARCO RIVER MARINA - Pontoon, center console, and deck boat rentals as well as bait & tackle, ship’s store, full service boatyard, gas and diesel and wet/dry storage.
951 Bald Eagle Drive (Map1 (3C), 239-394-2502 www.marcoriver.com
NAPLES KAYAK COMPANY - Southwest Florida’s Kayak outfitter has a well stocked retail store at 11369 Tamiami Trail in Naples as well as kayak rentals, nature and fishing tours at four locations: Capri, Everglades City, and the Conservancy and Venetian Bay in Naples. Call 239-262-6149 www.saltwatersportsflorida.com
SPLITTIN WAVES - Wave runner rentals by the hour, half day and full day starting at $75. Coolers, polarized glasses, life jackets and a map of the 10,000 Islands included. Reservations required. Leaving from the boat ramp on Collier Blvd, CR951 (Map1 2E) 239-970-2215 www.splittinwaves.com
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GUIDED TOURS ON THE WATER
When it comes to tours there’s a really wide choice.... private small motor or sail boat tours, large party motor boat tours, airboat tours, guided kayak tours and, last but not least, guided waverunner tours into the 10,000 Islands. To help you decide which option is right for you see our suggestions below:
AIRBOAT TOURS
AMERICAN AIRBOAT TOURS - See amazing wildlife from these stable 22 passenger airboats which take you on one hour ten minute thrill rides through the skinny waters of the Everglades and out to the Gulf of Mexico. Located at Stan’s Idle Hour Restaurant, Goodland. Map 1 (7G) 239-970-2340 www.americanairboattours.com
JUNGLE ERV’S AIRBOAT TOURS - One hour airboat tours on private property in the shallow waters of the Everglades, the largest mangrove forest in the world. See alligators and many rare birds in their natural habitat. See valuable coupon on their ad in our page-turning e-magazine. Located on US41 just half a mile before SR 29 (the turn off for Everglades City) - look for the cell phone tower down the small driveway. 1-877-695-2820
KAYAK TOURS
EVERGLADES AREA TOURS - A mother boat takes you deep into the Everglades National Park where you’ll start your guided kayak and/or fishing adventure. Located at JT’s on Chokoloskee Island they are now also based at Calusa Marina in Goodland. 239-695-3633 www.evergladesareatours.com
MARCO ISLAND KAYAK ADVENTURES - Boat assisted guided kayak tours in the 10,000 Islands and on barrier island beaches. Single or double kayaks - no experience necessary - family friendly. Also offering guided kayak fishing trips daily. Leaving from Rose Marco River Marina. 239-389-1575. www.sixchutercharters.com
NAPLES KAYAK COMPANY - Southwest Florida’s Kayak outfitter has a well stocked retail store at 11369 Tamiami Trail in Naples as well as kayak rentals, nature and fishing tours at four locations: Capri, Goodland, Everglades City, and the Conservancy and Venetian Bay in Naples. Call 239-262-6149 www.saltwatersportsflorida.com
MOTOR BOAT TOURS & DOLPHIN/MANATEE TOURS
DOLPHIN EXPLORER - 3 hour eco, photo expedition where you can participate in dolphin study with naturalist on 28 passenger power cat. Visit their booking cart at Rose Marco River Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Drive. Map1 (3C) 642-6899
EVERGLADES AREA TOURS - Power boat excursions into the 10,000 Islands/Everglades with naturalist native guide leaving from Calusa Marina in Goodland. 239-695-3633 www.evergladesareatours.com
MANATEE SIGHTSEEING ADVENTURE - Personal 1½ hour eco-tour into a remote manatee hideout. Quality manatee visuals guaranteed. No see - no pay! Only 2-6 passengers on 13 passenger rated boats so there’s no crowding and there’s plenty of room for your manatee encounter. After a dynamite manatee visual, check out alligators, endangered birds and more manatees. See why nature lovers take this tour two or three times per year. Map3 (23Q). Call your new friends, Captains Barry and Carol 239-642-8818 www.see-manatees.com
MARCO ISLAND WATERSPORTS - the Calusa Spirit, a spacious and well shaded 49 passenger, 45’ catamaran with full rest room, offers amazing shelling on desserted beaches, sunset cruises and private adventures. Call the beach huts at the Marco Island Marriott Resort (642-2359) or the Hilton Beach Resort. Map 1 (7B & 8B) (642-3377) www.marcoislandwatersports.com
PALM BREEZE CHARTERS - offer nature tours and private island shelling, or Naples lunch, shopping & sightseeing cruises on a luxury pontoon boat. 239-206-0909 www.palmbreezechartersmarco.com
SAND, SUN AND SEA -eco-tours, boat trips, sailing chartres, sunset cruises and helicopter tours. 239-793-4821 www.sand-sun-sea.com
SAILBOAT TOURS
COOL BEANS CRUISES - Sightseeing and sunset cruises aboard 35' sailing catamaran, leaving from Naples, Isles of Capri and Marco Island. 239-777-0020 www.coolbeanscruises.com
CROSS CRUISES - The ultimate island experience! Marco’s beautiful offshore breezes make for smooth sailing on Capt Hugh Cross’ “Island Dream” catamaran. After running charters all over the world, Capt. Hugh can take you to an uninhabited island where you’ll find the shells that give SW Florida its reputation as a world-class shelling spot. Along the way watch the dolphins swim alongside the boat. Trips are $50 for adults and $35 for children, complimentary beverages included. Times are 9am, 11:30am, 2pm and sunset. www.sailingmarcoisland.com 239-580-8765
OFF THE HOOK ADVENTURES - There are no crowds to worry about aboard this sailing catamaran offering a spacious and comfortable deck plan, with a soft trampoline for sunbathing and a solid deck with shaded seating. Sightsee Marco Island, for dolphin, manatees and other marine wildlife. Enjoy a narrated and relaxing sail to beaches and sandbars to collect souvenir sea-shells. Enjoy a cooler filled with an assortment of complimentary refreshments. 2-3 hour charters depart up to 4 times daily. Also, offering private half, 3/4 and full day charters. Your adventure awaits... reservations: 239-571-HOOK (4665) www.offthehookadventures.com
SERENIDAD (Marco Sailing LLC) - Get away from it all on this gorgeous 41’ Beneteau sailing sloop which comfortably accommodates up to six people for 3 hour morning and afternoon cruises and 2½ hour sunset cruises. Private crewed charters also available as well as sailing classes with sister company Sail Marco. Departing daily from Rose Marco River Marina. Map1 (3C), 272-0939 www.sail-marco.com
WAVERUNNER TOURS
CAPT. RON’S AWESOME EVERGLADES ADVENTURES - 3 hour guided waverunner excursions deep into the 10,000 islands with SW Florida’s most experienced waverunner guide. Dry departures, hassle-free parking, deluxe machines, souvenir pictures and GPS tracking are just some of the extra features of these trips. Map1 (8D) 239-777-9975 www.evergladesjetskitours.com
MARCO ISLAND WATERSPORTS - take an unforgettable journey from Marco beach into the The Thousand Islands with professional guides to see mangrove forests and amazing wildlife which may include dolphin, manatee and exotic birds. Call the beach huts at the Marco Island Marriott Resort (642-2359) or the Hilton Beach Resort Map 1 (7B & 8B) (642-3377) www.marcoislandwatersports.com
OTHER ON THE WATER OPTIONS
During season the Key West Express makes regular three hour trips to Key West, and the Marco Princess offers dinner, luncheon and sunset cruises around Marco Island. Or, if you’re looking for a little more action, why not try parasailing, waterski or wakeboarding or the ride of a lifetime on a high performance cigarette boat? see below for details.
BOAT TRIP TO KEY WEST
KEY WEST EXPRESS - Save hours of driving by taking this relaxing three-hour trip to Key West, either for the day or stay overnight. Sailing from Rose Marco River Marina daily (weather permitting) from November until the end of April and from Salty Sam’s Marina on Fort Myers beach. 591 Bald Eagle Dr. Map 1 (3C) 1-888-539-2628 www.seakeywestexpress.com
CIGARETTE BOAT THRILL RIDES
PALM BREEZE CHARTERS - offer high performance thrill rides aboard an amazingly fast 35’ Cigarette boat. 239-206-0909 www.palmbreezechartersmarco.com
LUXURY CRUISES
MARCO ISLAND PRINCESS - Brand new 90ft luxury cruise vessel, the Marco Princess, offering narrated sightseeing, luncheon, sunset, dinner and party cruises. Daily departures from Rose Marco River Marina. Map1 (3C), 642-5415 www.sunshinetoursmarcoisland.com
PARASAILING
MARCO ISLAND WATERSPORTS - the ultimate eco thrill! enjoy a birds eye view of the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, possibly seeing dolphin, manatee, fish and birds from on high. Call the beach huts at the Marco Island Marriott Resort (642-2359) or the Hilton Beach Resort Map 1 (7B & 8B) (642-3377) www.marcoislandwatersports.com
WATERSKI & WAKEBOARDING
WATERSKI & WAKEBOARD CHARTERS - Tubing, barefooting, waterskiing, kneeboarding and wakeboarding. Expert instruction by waterski professional on brand new boat. 239-825-7015 www.waterskimarcoisland.com
EXPLORE MARCO ISLAND.COM - learn to confidently captain your boat (or a rental boat). Former guide and master captain Allen Chamberlain will give you hands on instruction on your own boat.
239-394-2273 www.exploremarcoisland.com
GUIDED TOURS NOT ON THE WATER
Experience a breathtaking helicopter sightseeing tours of Marco’s beautiful beach and surrounding area (they can even go down to the Everglades!) or take an Everglades safari where expert guides will show you to all the best places to see alligators, rare birds like bald eagles, white pelicans and Roseate spoonbills and take you on guided nature walks so you can see this unique environment up close and personal, they also include airboat tours.
EVERGLADES ADVENTURES - Join Vantastic Tours of Marco Island for a trip to the Everglades. Enjoy a thrilling ride through the sawgrass marshes on a small airboat, a nature walk, visit a wildlife refuge and spot wildlife and birds on a nature drive through the Big Cypress Swamp. Learn the eco system and history of early inhabitants and settlers of this mysterious land.
239-394-7699 www.vantastictours.com
EVERGLADES EXCURSIONS - Don’t just visit the Everglades... see the real Everglades. Includes airboat ride. Full or Half day excursions. 239-262-7300 www.experience-marco.com
ISLAND HOPPERS - Helicopter sightseeing tours from Marco Island Executive airport for up to 3 passengers. See Marco Island, Rookery Bay and the Everglades as you’ve never seen them before! 239-207-4100. www.ravenair.net
GOLF
SW Florida is famous for its wonderful golf courses, which are open year round, and there are literally hundreds of great ones in our area. Our closest full course is right here on the island at the beautiful full service ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB. Like most of the clubs in our area, the Island Country Club it is a private course - call 239-394-6611 for membership details or visit www.island-countryclub.org. and see our page-turning e-magazine for "Golf Talk" by the Island Country Club's Head Golf Professional, Michael DeJordy.
Here are a few suggestions of golf courses in Naples which are open to the public:
MARRIOTT’S GOLF CLUB AT MARCO, 793-6060 www.marcoislandmarriott.com
LELY FLAMINGO ISLAND & MUSTANG GOLF CLUBS,793-2223 www.lely-resort.net
FOREST GLEN 354-1898 www.forestglengcc.com
EAGLE LAKES GOLF CLUB, 732-0034 www.eaglelakesgolfclub.net
Local driving ranges include:
CORAL ISLE GOLF CENTER, 732-6900
BICYCLE, SCOOTER & ELECTRIC CAR RENTALS
Marco Island is a wonderful place to cycle, with several of our main roads having designated bike paths alongside them and many miles of flat, uncrowded roads. We are also lucky to have a great bike rental, sales and repair shop on the island. Stop by ISLAND BIKE SHOP & SCOOTERTOWN, at 23 Front Street, or call them at 239-394-8400 for more information or visit their extensive website www.islandbikeshops.com for cycling news and bike path maps. They also rent tandems, beach cruisers and strollers as well as scooters - another great way to get around Marco Island - and are starting regular guided bike tours around the island.
MARCO ISLAND ELECTRIC CAR & SCOOTER also rent scooters and small electric cars which are a really fun way to get around the island. 239-595-0192
SEVEN DAYS OF FUN IN THE SUN
Having lived on Marco for over fifteen years, we’ve been asked many times what activities we’d recommend to first time visitors. There are so many things to do it’s hard to know where to start, but here goes.... We’re assuming that funds are unlimited (which, sadly, isn’t often true at the moment) and the weather is perfect (which, happily, it usually is). Also that the vacationers are able-bodied and energetic (they’ll need to be if they do everything we suggest here!) but don’t forget, the ideas are interchangeable and along the way we’ve listed many other ideas which may be more applicable, so mix and match to create your ideal plan. For those of you who are only staying for a few days we’ve also marked with * the things we consider to be absolute “must sees”.
You’ll find more details about most of our suggestions in the Activities Guide above and in the ads throughout our e-magazine. And please don’t think, because we haven’t recommended many restaurants (unless they offer something unique), we don’t want you to eat while you’re here! It’s just that dining is so subjective we’d prefer you to make your choice by referring to our Dining Guide in our e-magazine.and our more detailed Restaurant Review.
DAY 1 - Getting to know us!
Walk on South Beach
Break yourself in gently with a stroll along the beach at the south end of the island. It’s great to sit on the rocks at the tip of the beach, breathe in the clean salt air and watch fishermen, birds and boats go about their business. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some dolphin or a manatee swimming by, and you should be able to find some great shells here at low tide so don’t forget to take a shelling bag along with you.
Get your bearings on this narrated 90 minute trolley tour of Marco and Goodland. You can get off at any of the ten stops along the way and reboard later, but check that you’re not on the last tour or you’ll get left behind!
Eco/Shelling/Sightseeing Boat Tours*
SW Florida is famous for its wonderful wildlife and an eco boat tour is one of the best ways to see, experience and learn about it. You can expect to see dolphin (often jumping behind your boat!) manatee, osprey, and many other water birds on most trips. Our area also boasts some of the best shelling in the world and, although you can find wonderful shells on Marco’s beautiful beach, a boat trip to a local uninhabited island is by far the best way to find unusual shells in abundance. See our Shelling’ Guide in our e-magazine. if you need help identifying your finds. Many of the private boats will also customize your tour to include trips around the island, sightseeing in the canals of Marco and Naples, and perhaps lunch or dinner at a waterside restaurant.
Sunset at a beachside bar*
The sunsets don’t come much better anywhere than they do on Marco Island and they can seem even more spectacular with a cool glass of something in your hand! We recommend you try Sunset Grille, Stilts or the chickee hut at Capri Fish House.
DAY 2 - A different view of the area
Parasailing
This has to be one of the most exciting ways to get the best view of Marco Island! You can see for miles from up there, often spotting fish and dolphin in the clear water below. It’s safe and fun for all ages so call Marco Island Watersports, who are based at the Marriott (642-2359), Hilton (642-3377), Marriott’s Crystal Shores (394-4344) and Surf Club, to book the ride of a lifetime! www.marcoislandwatersports.com
Helicopter Sightseeing Tour
Or why not try a helicopter sightseeing tour with Island Hoppers? 207-4100. It’s surprisingly inexpensive and you can get a bird’s eye view of the island and it’s surrounding area, and even take a trip to the Everglades. www.ravenair.net
Everglades Adventure*
You just can’t come to SW Florida without visiting the Everglades - it would be like going to Africa and not going on Safari! We recommend before you go it alone you book a trip with Vantastic Tours (394-7699), www.vantastictours.com a Marco based company which will take you there in style in a comfortable air-conditioned van. Or another option would be Everglades Excursions (262-7300) www.experience-naples.com. The trips include an airboat ride and are a very easy and informative way to see this unique environment.
DAY 3 - Getting down to some fun
Charter Fishing*
Marco and the 10,000 islands are world famous for amazing sports fishng and, because of our unique location, you can choose between offshore, near shore/reef fishing and backwater fishing, each of which offers its own unique challenges and rewards. See above for a wide range of wonderful captains who offer half and full day trips and some even do night fishing or kayak fishing trips as well.
Golf/Driving Ranges
Of course golf is the other thing for which SW Florida is famous and there are literally hundreds of great courses in our area, although many of them are private and for members only, like the beautiful Island Country Club at 500 Nassau Road, 239-394-6661, www.island-countryclub.org. and The Golf Club at Fiddler's Creek, 239-732-3031. www.fiddlerscreek.com. See above for suggestions of non-private clubs.
Day Trip to Key West
Sit back and relax on this 3 hour boat trip with Key West Express (1-888-539-2628) www.seakeywestexpress.com, because you’ll need all your energy when you arrive at one of the most exciting places in the USA. The boat leaves daily up to the end of April (weather permitting) from Rose Marco River Marina on Bald Eagle Drive and you can either come back the same day or stay over, returning on another day (be sure to check that the boat is running on the day you plan to return because trips are sometimes cancelled in advance if the weather forecast is bad). This trip leaves from Marco in season but if you'd like to take it in the summer you'll have to go up to Salty Sam's Marina on Fort Myers Beach.
DAY 4 - it’s Adventure Time!
10,000 Island Waverunner Adventure
Marco Island Watersports (642-2359/642-3377/394-4344) www.marcoislandwatersports.com, offer another wonderful way of enjoying the pristine waters that surround Marco Island: waverunner safaris which leave right from the beach and take you through the 10,000 islands. You’ll see incredible scenery and wildlife along the way. Please note that there are age restrictions so ask about the requirements when you make your booking.
Capt. Ron’s Awesome Everglades Adventures (777-9975) www.evergladesjetskitours.com also offer 2 and 3 hour guided waverunner excursions to the 10,000 islands leaving from the Caxambas boat ramp. If you prefer to go it alone you could rent a wave runner from Splittin Waves www.splittinwaves.com , 239-970-2215.
Other On the Water Sports
Or why not learn to Waterski or Wakeboard with waterski professional Captain Dustin Beatty, of Waterski & Wakeboard Charters in his purpose built ski boat? 825-7015 www.waterskimarcoisland.com. Or how about a high performance thrill ride on Palm Breeze Charters’ Cigarette boat? 206-0909 www.palmbreezechartersmarco.com.
Rent a Bike/Scooter/Surry/Electric Car
Renting a bike or scooter from Scootertown at 1095 Bald Eagle Drive is a fun way to get around Marco Island. They also offer rental tandems, beach strollers and skates as well as surries, which are great fun for all the family, call 394-8400 www.islandbikeshops.com. Or rent a scooter or GEM electric car from Marco Island Electric Cars and Scooters, 9 Front Street, 239-682-3389
Marco Movies
After all that fresh air you’ll be ready to kick back and watch a good movie at Marco’s unique movie theater. They offer four separate screens and, believe it or not, you can enjoy anything from a cold beer to a full meal while watching the movie. Call 642-1111 or visit www.marcomovies.com for schedule.
DAY 5 - Shopping, Spa or Boating
Shopping!
We’re only a small island, but Marco has lots of great one-of-a-kind stores and we have everything covered right here on the island. Our main shopping centers are the Esplanade, Island Plaza, Marco Town Center Mall, Marco Walk, Olde Marco and the Shops of Marco, and there are also many other smaller malls and stand alone stores dotted around the island like Sunsations and Sunshine Booksellers on S. Collier Blvd. See our advertisers by category index on page 129 of our e-magazine. to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
A Day at the Spa
Fresh salt air and sunshine can play havoc with your skin and hair, so why not pamper yourself with a luxurious day at one of Marco’s fabulous beauty salons/spas? We recommend: Angel Nails & Spa; 642-303, The Spa, Hiltron Marco Island, 642-2144, www.thespahiltonmarcoisland.com, Mailees Spa & Nails; 394-8339, Marco Nail Spa; 389-5259 www.marconailspa.com, Salon & Spa Botanica; 394-6633 www.salonandspabotanica.com, and, last but certainly not least, Skin Renewal Systems; 394-1083 www.skinrenewalmarco.com.
Rent Your Own Boat
If shopping or the spa is not for you, why not rent a boat now that you’re feeling a little more at home in the area? Rose Marco River Marina, 394-2502 www.marcoriver.com rent top quality boats. Try your hand at fishing, tour the canals, or take a beach picnic with you to one of the gorgeous deserted islands close to Marco for some wonderful shelling.
Marco Island Princess
Round off a great day with a trip on this beautiful brand new 90’ boat which offers sunset and dinner cruises and leaves from Rose Marco River Marina daily (642-5415) www.sunshinetoursmarcoisland.com.
DAY 6 - Nature & Naples
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
You’ll pass right by this facility on 951 on your way to Naples. It’s a great place to learn about local flora & fauna and they have recently unveiled an interesting interactive exhibit on climate change and the potential effect this might have on South West Florida.
Prime Outlets
Also on your way to Naples you’ll pass this strip mall of brand name factory stores which offers some great bargain shopping (if you mention The Marco Review you can pick up a VIP Discount Card from their Management Office) and if you’re a shopaholic, you’ll also want to visit the larger Miromar Outlets on I-75 at exit 123, about 40 minutes from here.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
This is one of my favorite places in the whole world! The board- walk through ancient forest is alive with incredible wildlife. If you can, go on a sunny day because dappled sunlight filtering through the trees makes everything especially beautiful. Choose the long walk (2½ miles) or take a shortcut - either way it’s amazing. 239-348-9151 www.corkscrew.audubon.org/
Sight-Seeing in Naples
From upmarket shopping areas like Fifth Avenue and Waterside to the seemingly endless sandy beach, there’s lots to see and do and a great choice of fine restaurants in this up-market city. Another great way to see the sights of Naples is to set sail on Sweet Liberty, the area's largest sailing catamaran. 239-793-3525 www.sweetliberty.com
Adventure Golf
On the way back from Naples work off a few of those calories with a round or two of miniature golf at Coral Cay. It’s fun for all ages and you’ll pass it on your left on US41. Don’t forget to take their coupon from our coupon section.
DAY 7 - A Fond Farewell
A Final Walk on the Beach*
End as you started, with a walk on the beach - this time from the other public access at Tigertail Beach.
Drive to the Everglades
Now it’s time to explore the Everglades on your own. The Collier-Seminole State Park www.floridastateparks.org/collier-seminole/ is the first attraction you’ll come across as you join US 41 heading east.
Then there’s Port of the Islands, where you can take an eco boat tour, a Manatee Sightseeing trip or go fishing or kayaking.
Just a few miles further on US 41 you’ll pass Fakahatchee Strand, www.floridastateparks.org/fakahatcheestrand/ a delightful boardwalk where you’ll likely see baby alligators and wonderful birds.
Then you can stop by Everglades City to take a small airboat ride at Jungle Erv’s (1-877-695-2820), a kayak tour with Everglades Area Tours, 239-695-3633 www.evergladesareatours.com or Naples Kayak Company at Glades Haven, 239-262-6149 www.saltwatersportsflorida.com.
Then, if you follow the road a little further into Chokoloskee you can visit Ted Smallwood’s Store, a fascinating old Indian trading post.
And last, but not least, to see lots of alligators, take a walk on the short boardwalk at H.P. Williams and a drive along the dirt road there that takes you alongside a lovely canal which is always alive with birds and alligators.
Sunset Sail*
And now we’ve saved one of the best ‘til last... a romantic sunset sail into the Gulf of Mexico either with Off the Hook Adventures (571-4665) www.offthehookadventures.com, Cross Cruises (580-8765), Cool Beans Cruises (777-0020) www.coolbeanscruises.com or Serenidad (272-0939) www.sail-marco.com. The perfect ending to the perfect week!
The Marco Review is your best guide for the hundreds of activities available on Marco Island
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