19th Floor Penthouse Condos with Spectacular Views of the Gulf Waters
Everglades National Park
Discover the beauty and mystic of Everglades National Park. Explore the diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and outdoor activities of this unique Southwest Florida area. Everglades National Park is a short drive from Marco Island, FL. We provide recommendations for how to visit this massive park.
Marco Island offers many fun activities for children, including a pool and the Dolphin Explorer tour.
Kayaking at Tigertail Beach and visiting Everglades City are great adventures for families.
Kids can enjoy mini-golf, sightseeing cruises, and beach activities like collecting seashells.
Visit the Golisano Children’s Museum and Naples Zoo for interactive and educational experiences.
Don’t miss local treats like ice cream at Sweet Annies and adventurous experiences with Pirates of Marco Island.
Things To Do With Children in Marco Island
Before arrival, many of our guests inquire about things to do with children in Marco Island. We love our young visitors to Sea Mar Condo and wanted to put together a list of the many fun activities for children in Marco and the surrounding areas.
Fun, Fun, Fun…..
Our pool is great! The pool is open from morning until dusk.
2. We highly recommend that you take youngsters on the “DolphinExplorer” tour. We have done this excursion several times and it is always fun and informative for both adults and children. Their website is www.dolphin-study.com. This tour is an interactive study of the dolphins around Marco Island. They get the kids very involved on the tour and their ongoing dolphin experience. https://dolphin-study.com
3. We enjoy kayaking at Tigertail Beach or Rookery Bay. Several places will deliver kayaks and paddleboards to South Seas. Once you leave the pool area and cross the boardwalk to the beach, you will turn right to get to the Tigertail launching area. Rookery Bay is a short 10 minute drive from our condos.
4. Everglades City is located about a 45 minute drive from Marco Island. It is a great place to take the kids to see alligators or go on an airboat ride or swamp buggy ride. The Gulf Coast Visitors Center in Everglades City also offers an awesome Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour.
5. Marco Golf and Garden has mini-golf and is located at 971 Winterberry Drive.
Family Fun…....
6. One of the most fun things we have done is a sightseeing cruise or a dinner cruise on the Marco Island Princess. The cruise is beautiful (especially sunset), the food is good, and the prices are very reasonable. Children 4-11 are half price and those under 4 are FREE. We have done this cruise several times – for dinner and sightseeing and it was great each time. (239) 642-5415
7. The Snook Inn has waterfront dining with live music each night. Several other restaurants have live music as well (The Speakeasy and The Boardroom). Many parents love dancing with the kids to the music.
8. A fun FREE adventure is just to walk the beach collecting sea shells or go on a shelling tour. There are many colors and shapes on the beach. We have shelling baskets in the condo and there is a shell washing station around the gated area to the beach.
Fun for Children!
9. Golisano Children’s museum of Naples is a 30 minute drive from Marco Island and is great for young children. The museum offers a lot of interactive experiences. It is located at 15080 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34109. https://www.cmon.org
And Lots More Fun……
10. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is in Naples. What child doesn’t enjoy a trip to the zoo? http://www.napleszoo.org
11. We also have games, puzzles and beach toys in Sea Mar Condo for our young visitors to enjoy. Or make a nice “Dolphin Snack” – the kids will love it! https://seamarcondo.com/dolphin-snacks-for-everyone
12. The Marco movie Theater is located in the Marco Town Center at 599 S Collier Boulevard and is a great place to take the kids on a rainy day or on a day you are taking a break from the beach. They offer at-your-sea-dining options of casual American foods for you to enjoy during the movie.
Island FUN!
13. Rent a bicycle from Marco Bike Rentals and bike around the island.
14. See the fire dancer at Quinn’s Restaurant at the Marco Marriott Hotel. The show begins each night at sunset and is a high energy performance that kids love! They can also meet the fire dancer and have their pictures taken with him after the show.
15. Take an airboat ride with Corey Billie’s Airboat Rides. Children get the chance to get up close to alligators and other wildlife. This was at the top of our nieces fun things to do during their vacation. https://cbairboatrides.com/
16. Family fishing the Gulf waters. Marco Island is know for it’s spectacular fishing either on the island or on a deep sea adventure. Some captains even specialize in first timers.
17. Rookery Bay Learning Center is a fully air-conditioned 2 story facility with a variety of hands-on-experiences, including a 2,300-gallon aquarium and interactive exhibits. There is also a nature store and picnic area. Admission is free for kids on Friday. https://rookerybay.org/
18. Visit Marco Island’s Playgrounds. Both Mackle Park Playground and WaterPark and Tigertail Beach Park have full facilities. They offer play structures, swings, monkey bars, and slides as well as water activities.
Ice Cream Fun!
19. Take an ice cream break at Sweet Annies! Yummy!!!! Children of all ages enjoy this tasty treat. In addition to the ice cream there are lots of souvenirs for all ages in this cute ice cream parlor.
20. Build a sand sculpture on the beach. Who doesn’t like to play in the sand? We have the perfect toys and buckets in Sea Mar Condo to make the perfect sand castle!
21. Pirates of Marco Island. Climb aboard the Black Pearl for an interactive family adventure. Watch your children transform into little buccaneers complete with pirate tattoos and pirate’s attire! The Black Pearl offers interactive pirate themed tours, sunset cruises and special event charters. NOTE: This excursion is only available during high season on the island (January-April) https://piratesofmarco.com/
Reserve your fun family vacation now in Marco Island at Sea Mar Condo. Visit our website for rates and availability. https://seamarcondo.com
Everglades National Park is a unique ecosystem known as a ‘River of Grass’ and is crucial for Florida’s fresh water supply.
The park features diverse wildlife, including endangered species like the Florida panther and the American crocodile.
Visitors can enjoy various activities including airboat tours, hiking trails, and educational experiences at visitor centers.
The best visiting season is from December to March, when the weather is cooler and less humid.
The park is only a 45-minute drive from Marco Island, making it an ideal location for a day trip to Everglades National Park.
Everglades National Park
A River of Grass
Everglades National Park is a “River of Grass”. Others call it a swamp. It is a long, shallow river nearly 50 miles wide and about 100 miles long. The dominant life form in the “river” is periphyton. This is a mossy golden-brown substance found floating in the water. Periphytonis a complex mixture of algae, cyanobacteria, heterotrophic microbes, and detritus. It attaches to submerged surfaces in an ecosystem. It also serves as an important food source for invertebrates, tadpoles, and some fish.
Sawgrass marsh makes up about 70 percent of the Everglades. In the northern Everglades it is tall and dense. This makes some areas of water barely visible. In the south it tends to be short and less dense. Sawgrass has serrated, razor sharp blades that can cut through clothing.
Turner River Road, Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is much smaller today than in years past. Construction and drainage projects are a factor in the reduction of around 50% of the wetlands. Thus, the restoration of the Everglades has been and is an issue for many political debates. Both state and federal governments are working to restore and protect the Everglades.
The Past
Calusa (kah LOOS ah) Indians lived on and controlled most of the southwest coast of Florida. The Everglades were central to life in the Indian villages. Many were located on the mouths of rivers above the Everglades. The natives traveled by canoes through the Everglades. They hunted alligators, turtles, shellfish and small mammals. These were essential to their food supply. The teeth and bones of wildlife and reeds from plants were used for making tools. The Native Americans called the area “Pahayokee (pay-HIGH-oh-geh). This means “grassy waters”. The Calusa declined with European expansion to the area. Some were killed. Most died of diseases brought in by the European settlers.
Everglades National Park Weather
There are two seasons in the Everglades: wet and dry. This results in the alternating periods of flood and drought.
The wet (summer) season accounts for around 80% of the average annual rainfall in the area (50+ inches). It lasts from May through November. The humidity and temperatures (90+F) are high. Most afternoons have thunderstorms (and occasional hurricanes). The rainy season is important in renewing the fresh-water supply. Hurricanes can be good for the ecosystem. They make new areas for plant growth. Seeds also scatter, and storms cause water movement in the normally shallow, slow moving river. Recent hurricanes have impacted the Everglades (Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, Irma).
Rainfall is the primary method water enters the Everglades. Evapotranspiration accounts for 70-90% of the rainfall leaving the area.
The dry (winter) season is December through April. It brings cooler temperatures (55F-77F) and little rain. The dry season is especially important for the reproduction of the birds and wildlife in the area.
Fire
The dry season causes drought conditions that are perfect for fires. The Florida Everglades have recently experienced fires around the Big Cypress National Preserve. Although fire may seem to be a destructive element to nature, most often it is not. Fire is essential for maintenance and also new growth of the land.
Environmental factors are always changing the ecological system. The climate and frequency of rain, storms, and fire all change the Everglades on a continual basis.
Everglades Water Supply
Approximately one third of people living in Florida rely on water from the Everglades for their fresh water supply. This makes protecting the Everglades extremely important.
Plant Life in Everglades National Park
Wet sawgrass prairies and periphyton are plentiful in the Everglades. The river holds mangrove and cypress swamps, pinelands and hardwood hammocks. Hammocks are dry land that rise out of the grassy river. Tropical and subtropical trees such as the southern live oak grow on them.
The oldest and tallest trees in the Everglades are cypresses. They have roots especially adapted to grow underwater. Big Cypress Swamp is well known for its 500 year old cypresses.
Everglades National Park is home to at least 350 species of birds, 50 reptile species, 300 species of saltwater and freshwater fish, and 40 species of mammals. In addition, the ecosystem provides protection for 14 endangered and nine threatened species, including the Florida panther, the Atlantic Ridley turtle, the leatherback turtle, the West Indian manatee, the snail kite, the Cape Sable seaside sparrow, and the American crocodile. There are at least 36 species that live in Everglades National Park that are on the protected, threatened, or endangered list.
The Everglades are a refuge for large wading birds, such as the wood stork, great blue heron, egrets, and the roseate spoonbill and it is the most important tropical wading bird breeding ground in North America.
This area is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles co-exist together in the wild. Crocodiles are in small numbers in the coastal areas of the Everglades. On the other hand, alligators stay more inland, near the freshwater.
Even mosquitoes play an important role to the Everglades. The larvae of grown mosquitoes are food for fish. Then, the larvae become an important food source to the diets of the wading birds.
Pythons have become an invasive species to the area. Recently, professional trained python bounty hunters are helping to help remove these large snakes from the area because they pose a threat to the ecosystem food source.
Wading Birds, including a Pink Spoonbill in Everglades National Park
Visitors to Everglades National Park
More than one million people from all over the world visit The Florida Everglades every year. It is the third biggest national park in America. Only Yellowstone and Death Valley are greater in land mass. Everglades National Park provides a fantastic learning experience to those of all ages and is also a great family adventure. Photographers find the landscape and the wildlife the perfect setting for great photos.
The busy visitor season is from December through March because it is the driest time of the year. The temperatures are also cooler, and there are fewer mosquitoes.
If you are considering a trip to the Everglades, be sure to bring along water and an insect repellant. Protective clothing may also be necessary depending on what you are doing or where you are going.
Everglades National Park Visitor Centers
Everglades National Park has 4 Visitor Centers
Shark Valley Visitor Center
Address: Everglades National Park, 36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
Hours of Operation 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mid-December – Mid-April 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mid-April – Mid-December Hours are subject to change. Phone 305-221-8776.
Visitors wanting to explore alone the area can walk the short trails and portions of the tram road, or bike. In addition, an observation tower located halfway around the tram road provides a spectacular view into the sawgrass marsh.
Guided tram tours, bicycle rentals, snacks and soft drinks are available from Shark Valley Tram Tours, Inc.
Shark Valley Trails:
Bobcat Boardwalk: sawgrass slough and tropical hardwood forests
Otter Cave Hammock Trail: tropical hardwood forest with small footbridges over a small stream.
Tram Road: flat, paved road used for tram rides, bicycling, and walking. You may see alligators, herons, egrets, turtles, and snail kites. An observation tower also provides panoramic views of the tropical hardwood hammock.
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (Park Main Entrance)
Address: Everglades National Park, 40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
Hours of Operation Mid-December through Mid-April 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mid-April through Mid-December 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hours subject to change. Phone (305) 242-7700
The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is open 365 days a year. It offers educational displays, orientation films, and informational brochures. Also, special collections by local artists are often on display. In addition, books, film, postcards, and insect repellent may for purchase in the adjoining bookstore. A short drive from the visitor center is a series of popular walking trails. The main park road runs 38 miles from the Ernest Coe Main Entrance through the park to the Flamingo Visitor Center.
Trails from Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center:
Anhinga Trail: Four miles from the main entrance, the Anhinga Trail is a self-guided 0.5 mile round trip trail. It winds through a sawgrass marsh, where you may see alligators, turtles, herons, egrets, and other birds, especially during the winter. Because of the wildlife, this is one the most popular trails in the park.
Gumbo Limbo Trail: This self-guided, 0.5 mile round trip tail is 4 miles from the main entrance. The paved trail meanders through a shaded hammock of gumbo limbo trees, royal palms, ferns, and air plants.
Pahayokee Overlook: Located 13 miles from the main entrance the trail is 0.25 miles. An observation deck on this loop provides views of the Everglades.
Mahogany Hammock Trail: Located 20 miles from the main entrance this trail is 0.5 miles round trip. It is a self-guided boardwalk that meanders through a dense hardwood hammock with gumbo-limbo trees, air plants. Another significant feature of this trail is the largest living mahogany tree in the United States.
Alligators are Commonly seen in Everglades National Park
Flamingo Visitor Center
Address: Everglades National Park, 1 Flamingo Lodge Hwy, Homestead, FL 33034
Hours of Operation 8am – 4:30pm mid-November through mid-April No regular hours off season – intermittent staffing (Mid-April through mid-November).
Hours are subject to change. Phone (239) 695-2945
The Flamingo Visitor Center lies roughly 38 miles south of the park main entrance at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Visitors should expect to drive about an hour before arriving at Flamingo.
The Flamingo Visitor Center offers educational displays, informational brochures, and backcountry permits. Campground facilities, a public boat ramp, a marina store, and hiking and canoeing trails are also located near the visitor center.
Flamingo Marina Rentals and Boat Tours (239) 695-3101 Houseboat, canoe, kayak, bicycle rentals and boat tours are available through the marina store. The marina is open year round.
Flamingo Trails:
West Lake Trail: Located 7 miles north of the Flamingo Visitor Center on the park road, this is a 0.5 mile round trip trail. It is a self-guided boardwalk trail. The trail leads to a forest of white mangrove, black mangrove, red mangrove, and buttonwood trees to West Lake.
Eco Pond Trail – Near the Flamingo Visitor Center this 0.5 mile round trail allows visitors to walk around a freshwater pond while watching wading birds, song birds, ducks, alligators and softshell turtles.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center
Address:815 Oyster Bar Ln, Everglades City, FL 34139
Hours of Operation 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Mid-April- Mid-November 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Mid-November – Mid-April Hours subject to change. Contact by Phone: 239-695-3311
The Gulf Coast Visitor Center serves as the gateway for exploring the Ten Thousand Islands. The islands are a maze of mangrove islands and waterways extending to Flamingo and Florida Bay. Thus, they are accessible only by boat.
The visitor center also offers educational displays, orientation films, informational brochures, and backcountry permits.
Boat tours and canoe rentals are available. Restaurants and stores are located nearby.
Activities:
Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour: (1 ½ hours, fee charged). Discover the Ten Thousand Islands of the Gulf Coast. Naturalists offer narrated boat tours on a year round schedule. Concessions are also available on the boats.
Everglades Highlights: (30 Minutes- held on the grounds in front of the Gulf Coast Visitor Center). Join the park staff for a short talk about important features of the Everglades. Ecological, historical and environmental issues are also part of the discussion.
Paddle the Wilderness: With a ranger as your guide, paddle through the Ten Thousand Islands to look at wildlife and mangroves while you learn about the park’s natural and cultural history.
*Reservations need to be made 7 days in advance. For reservations and further trip details, call the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at 239-695-3311.
An Airboat Tour is a Fun Way to Explore Everglades National Park
Airboat Tours
Three authorized airboat businesses offer professional airboat tours inside Everglades National Park. All three (Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park) are located along US Hwy 41/Tamiami Trail between Miami and Shark Valley.
Personal Jet Skis and Airboats are prohibited due to safety issues
Swimming is not recommended due to low visibility and the presence of alligators and crocodiles in fresh water areas and sharks, barracuda and sharp coral in the salt water areas.
Visiting Marco Island and the Everglades
Because there is no public transportation available, visiting the Everglades from Marco Island requires a car.
Everglades City is a 45 minute drive from Marco Island. It is also the closest entrance to the Everglades from the island. Loop Road, which is a 16 mile drive (gravel road) offers visitors a chance to see the beauty of the Everglades and wildlife of the area. In addition, there are several airboat and swamp buggy rides and boat tours from Everglades City.
Everglades City Airboat Tours
Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours
Jungle Erv Airboat Rides
Captain Doug’s Airboat Tours
Wootens Everglades Airboat and Swamp Buggy Tours
As long as your are in this area, The Shark Valley Visitor’s Center is 40 miles past Everglades City where a tram ride is available.
Another fun adventure is a jet ski adventure from Marco Island around the Ten Thousand Islands of mangroves off Marco Island.
We highly recommend a day trip to Everglades National Park to our guests at Sea Mar Condo https://seamarcondo.com. The park is only a short 45 minute drive from the condo and is a great day adventure. On one of our recent trips there we saw almost 30 alligators and many wading birds (including a roseate spoonbill).
Let’s leave the beach for a few hours for a day trip with Corey Billy’s Airboat Rides. This is a great adventure for the whole family and just 15 minutes from Marco Island. You can experience the Everglades history and folklore as the Seminoles lived in this 200 acre private piece of the Everglades.
Key Takeaways
Corey Billy’s Airboat Rides offers an educational and fun adventure in the Everglades, just 15 minutes from Marco Island.
The airboats use a unique design to preserve the ecosystem, providing guests with a rare glimpse of wildlife, including alligators.
Corey, a native Seminole, shares his deep appreciation for the Everglades and promotes its preservation through these tours.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially from December to April, with rides lasting 45 minutes and accommodating up to 10 people.
Guests have had memorable experiences, including close interactions with alligators, making it a top-rated attraction.
What’s Unique About an Airboat Ride?
Airboats, or fan boats, cruise through the Everglades with an aircraft or automotive engine that powers a propeller enclosed within a protective metal cage. The flat bottom design, along with the above water operating system, allows easy access to the shallow swamps, marshes, and canals. of the Everglades. The ecosystem of a swamp is particularly delicate. Oftentimes life can be found right below the water’s surface, and this is why the use of airboats is so important. Corey Billie’s first concern is the preservation of the Everglades.
Guests board the state of the art airboats for a one of a kind Everglades airboat tour experience. The guides are native Floridians who will take you deep into the preserve for a tour that’s both educational and fun. Be prepared to see fascinating tropical wildlife and lush plants. Guests are always prepared to see alligators!
Corey is a Native Seminole Who Knows the Everglades
The owner, Corey, is a true native Seminole who deeply appreciates the Everglades. Raised in a Seminole camp in Ochopee, Florida, he fondly recalls his childhood: gigging for fish in the canals alongside US41, chopping firewood for his family’s village, watching his mother and grandmother sew traditional clothing and cook traditional meals over an open fire, and learning his heritage and native language from his ancestors.
In 2008, Corey decided to pursue a lifelong dream to provide airboat tours of the Florida Everglades to entertain and educate people on the importance of preserving this beautiful and fragile land. His native American heritage gives him a unique understanding of the Everglades. His commitment to its preservation is a core principle at Corey Billie’s Airboat Rides.
Petting a Baby Alligator at Corey Billy’s Airboat Rides
Want to Pet an Alligator?
Our niece and nephew were recently our guests at Sea Mar Condo in Marco Island and took their family on a day trip with Corey Billy’s Airboat rides. The two girls loved the alligators and the interaction with their guide. They even got to pet a baby alligator!
Reservations
Corey Billie’s Airboats https://cbairboatrides.comcomfortably seat up to 10 people. Their airboats travel at up to 40 mph. The airboat rides are 45 minutes long. Parties of 10 or more must book in advance.
Hours 9am-5pm each day
20610 Tamiami Trail East Naples, FL 34114 (239) 389-4733 Reservations are highly recommended for December-April.
A Tripadvisor Review I have been on many Everglades tours, and this by far was my favorite place! We arrived at 2:45, bought our tickets & were on the boat by 3:00 with no waiting!
It was a nice, comfortable air boat with lightly cushioned seats. Our guide was WONDERFUL!!! He stopped many times to explain what we were seeing & add a few funny stories of his own. Two alligators came right up to the boat & we were able to take fantastic pictures. Our guide even offered to take our family picture & let the kids look like they were driving the boat! They loved that!! The tour was a full 45 minutes.
Afterwards we went to the back & one of the girls showed us several alligators ranging from a baby to 2 years. We were able to pet & hold each one… again, she offered to take our family picture. My kids have said this was by far their favorite part of vacation. It is worth the money and an experience that will provide you with many memories!!
We Recommend Corey Billy’s Airboat Rides to our Guests
Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com to see our rates and availability. Our website also provides more information on Sea Mar Condo and Marco Island. Let us help you make the most of your Marco Island vacation!
Marco Island offers a variety of activities for all ages, including beach yoga, paddleboarding, and eco-tours.
Start your day with coffee and breakfast at local favorites like Doreen’s Cup of Joe or Tigertail Cafe.
Explore shopping areas for unique gifts and clothing or enjoy dining with waterfront views at places like Sunset Grille.
Visit the Marco Island Historical Museum to learn about the island’s history or take a day trip to Everglades National Park.
Check in to Sea Mar Condos for a comfortable stay and make the most of your Marco Island vacation.
Tuck these ideas into your travel bag to make the most of your Marco island Vacation. There are activities on Marco Island for all ages and skill levels. From morning until late evening, you are sure to be in awe of this beautiful island. The beaches and mangrove areas offers lots to explore. Many restaurants offer great seafood and beautiful sunsets. It’s also easy to get exercise with walks along the beaches. Marco Island’s history can be explored at our local museum. Area shopping is fun. Everglades National Park is a short drive away. And Sea Mar Condos are the perfect place to stay while on the island. There is something for everyone!
1. Early Morning Exercise
Whether you take a morning walk or run or do yoga on the beach during sunrise, getting an early morning workout gets you ready for the day. In addition, the island is less crowded in the mornings. It’s peaceful, serene setting calms the mind. A favorite walk if staying on the North side of the beach is to walk Tigertail Beach. If golf is more your early morning routine, the courses in the area are especially nice!
Visit Doreen’s Cup of Joe for the perfect cup of coffee. You can also choose from their huge breakfast menu. I love the stuffed french toast covered with fruit toppings. Their fresh squeezed orange juice also makes a nice addition to your morning! If you chose to paddleboard or kayak first, Tigertail Cafe also has a nice selection of food items. Another place for a nice breakfast on the island is Red Rooster located on San Marco. And of course, there is always our oversized balcony at Sea Mar Condo for the perfect cup of coffee and breakfast.
Tigertail Lagoon is the perfect place paddleboard or kayak. The water is very calm and the scenery is spectacular! There are several companies that rent paddleboards or kayaks on the island and deliver to your location. The area around Caxambus Park is also a good place to kayak and do some shelling. In addition, several companies also offer kayak tours of Marco Island and the mangrove areas. These tours are excellent for both beginners and the more experienced. The guided tours are very informative and educational. Paddleboarding or kayaking are great activities for any age.
During the months of mid-November through mid-April, the Marco Island Farmers Market is open each Wednesday at Veteran’s Park. This is a great place to pick up small gifts as well as fresh produce and vegetables. The selection of items is unbelievable! It’s also a great place to pick up a snack or lunch from the many food vendors there. The farmer’s market is a favorite for island visitors and residents.
Marco Island has several areas that offer unique shopping. The Shops at Old Marco, the Marco Town Center and the Esplanade all specialize in unique gifts and clothing. It is fun to combine an evening dinner and shopping. Fifth Avenue South in nearby Naples is also a fun shopping experience, especially when the night ends with a Kilwin’s ice cream! I also enjoy all the fun gift shops that line the streets. This area is especially pretty in the evening hours when the area is ablaze with lights from the palm trees.
There are many eco tours available on the island that provide opportunities to see dolphin, manatee, and the many bird species that are on Marco and the surrounding area. Many of these tours are also great for children. The Dolphin Explorer focuses on educating guests about our local dolphins. This tour introduces their guests to each dolphin by name. Did you know the Marco Island Dolphins each have a name? You may even get to name a dolphin! If you prefer fishing, there are also many fishing excursions leaving the island each day. Both deep sea fishing and backwater fishing are popular with island visitors. Another option is to rent a boat and explore on your own. Many of the marinas rent pontoon or speed boats and provide easy directions on boating around the area. The Naples area also has some fantastic sightseeing tours that are worth checking out.
If you prefer boating on your own, many of the local marinas rent boats for the half day or day. They also offer navigational maps and tips for safe boating around the island https://seamarcondo.com/marco-island-boating .
The Marco Island Historical Museum provides guests an opportunity to learn about early Marco. Learn about the famous for its Key Marco Cat. It is one of the most remarkable and influential discoveries in North American archaeology. The museum explores Southwest Florida’s Calusa Indians. It brings this vanished civilization to life with informative displays. There is even an exciting recreated village scene. The museum also explores the early 1960s development of Marco Island to the present day island of paradise. Visiting the Marco Island Historical Museum is a great rainy day excursion. It is also a great way to spend a few hours away from the beach.
Everglades National Park is 15 minutes away by jet ski. Several of the island eco tours will visit the mangrove areas around the park. It is also a short 45 minute drive to Everglades City or Big Cypress Visitors Center. It’s always a fun adventure to take an air boat or swamp buggy tour. A drive around Loop Road in Big Cypress is also the perfect place to see alligators, wading and nesting birds, and beautiful scenery. A ranger station around Big Cypress offers lots of information about the park and it’s inhabitants. Everglades National Park has 3 entrances that are fairly close to Marco Island. There are many places to hike and explore. See our complete article on Everglades National Park in the link below.
Marco Island has many churches that welcome visitors for Sunday services in casual attire. On Easter Sunday, the island has a sun rise service on the beach.
10. Dine by the Water
Many of the restaurants on the island offer waterfront dining. Some like the Snook Inn also have live music each night. The seafood selections are great. Most restaurants have a wide variety of non-seafood items as well. If you prefer to catch your own meal, many of the restaurants prepare your catch for you at a very reasonable price. Restaurant selection varies from casual low-key dining to casual elegant dining. And if you need a break from seafood…Marco Island has some great burgers as well! Visiting one of the waterfront restaurants is a great way to see the beautiful island sunsets as well. Some of our favorite restaurants on the water are Sunset Grille, Sale e Pepe, Mangos, and Snook Inn.
Our property is managed by Blue Water Rentals. BWR provides around the clock service to answer any questions or maintenance concerns should they arise. The owners are Larry and Teresa Luber from Kingsport, TN. We love our guests and want to welcome you to this beautiful island paradise. We look forward to sharing our Marco Island Condo with you for the vacation of your dreams.
At Sea Mar Condos, our guests are our #1 priority. Our condos are 2 bedroom/ 2 bath penthouse condos. They are located on the 19th floors of South Seas Northwest Towers 3 and 4 in Marco Island, FL. Each condo has a king bed, 2 twins, and a queen sleeper sofa. Free wifi and 3 televisions are in each condo. The condos face South overlooking Crescent Beach. The units are fully equipped with beautiful views. A large heated pool, which is comfortable all year round, is located between our 2 condos. We strive to make our condos as comfortable and special for your vacation as they are for us when we use them.
Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com to our rates and availability. Our website also provides more information on Sea Mar Condos and Marco Island. You will find lots of information on things to see and do on Marco Island. Restaurant suggestions are also on our website. Let us help you make the most of your Marco Island vacation!
The author’s first trip to Marco Island sparked a love for the area and frequent visits over the years.
Marco Island offers beautiful beaches, both peaceful and lively, perfect for relaxation or adventure.
There are many activities, such as fishing, exploring Everglades National Park, and dining options featuring fresh seafood.
The island is family-friendly, with parks, playgrounds, and educational tours suitable for children.
The Marco Island Historical Museum provides insight into the island’s rich history and culture.
A little over 20 years ago, my husband came to me and said “Let’s go down to Marco Island this year”. He proceeded to tell me his brother and sister-in-law had been there prior and were wanting us to join them there this year for vacation.
I had never heard of Marco Island and didn’t even know what state it was in. However, since it had “island” in the name, I thought it must be on a beach somewhere. Since I love beach vacations, I was easily persuaded to go along. (I also love my brother and sister-in law and loved the idea of vacationing with them).
One Thing Leads to Another
Needless to say, our first trip to Marco Island was a success. We feel in love with the island, the locals, the beaches and the many adventures that await visitors to the area. We left Marco planning our next vacation there! For the next 10 years or so, we found ourselves vacationing on Marco at least every other year. Each time we left wanting to return as soon as possible.
Then, we found ourselves thinking about purchasing a place there for retirement – or at least a place to go in retirement. We have both just retired, but we still do not get to spend as much time on Marco as we would like. However, we do get there 3 times a year. While we are not there, we rent our condos (Sea Mar Condo)https://seamarcondo.com out so others can enjoy the beauty of Marco Island and the comfort of our units. We love sharing our piece of paradise with others and want them to enjoy it as much as we do when we are there.
Marco Island -Let’s Go!
Marco Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf of Mexico approximately 18 miles south of Naples. The island is beautifully landscaped and surrounded by the aqua waters of the Gulf. Marco has 2 very different beaches that are accessible to guests. Tigertail Beach is a peaceful and secluded – a nature lover’s dream https://seamarcondo.com/early-morning-walk-down-tigertail-beach. Crescent of South Beach is busy with watercraft, beachgoers, and luxurious hotels. Both beaches are beautiful and perfect for shelling, a long beach walk or just relaxing with a good book or nap. The sunsets on the island are spectacular!
Adventure
If you are more into adventure than hanging around the beach, Marco Island will not disappoint. The surrounding 10,000 island area is one of the best in the world for fishing. Everglades National Park is only 15 minutes away by jet ski and a short 45 minute drive by car to air boat and swamp buggy tours https://seamarcondo.com/day-trip-to-everglades-national-park. Marco Island is home to dolphin, manatee, and many species of birds including egrets, blue herons, pelicans, black skimmers, roseate spoonbills, and osprey.
There are many tour companies on the island with professional guides to help you maneuver through the mangroves in the area whether you go by jet ski, boat or kayak. Of course, you can always take the option of seeing Marco from above by parasail or a plane ride. https://seamarcondo.com/parasailing-over-marco-islands-waters
Dining
For those who love fresh seafood, you have many options. Many of the restaurants will even fix your catch of the day for dinner that evening. For those who prefer something other than seafood, the many restaurants on the island offer a wide variety of options. A lot of the restaurants on Marco also offer waterfront dining and live music. The Marco Island Princess offers a great dining experience on the water along with a sunset cruise.
Family Friendly
Marco Island is family friendly and a great place to vacation with the younger ones. The island has two parks and a kid playground. There is also a miniature golf course. Most of the tours are also suitable for children and some, especially the Dolphin Explorer, focus on educational experiences for the youngsters. Most of the jet ski tours, and kayaks are made to accommodate 2 adults and a child.
History
The Marco island Historical Museum is also located on the island and offers guests to the island an opportunity to learn the rich history of Marco, from the Calusa Indians, its development in the 1960s, to this modern day paradise. We are very excited that the Key Marco Cat is on display at the museum https://themihs.info/museum.
Book Your Vacation at Sea Mar Condo in Marco Island
Let’s go down to Marco Island! Whether your idea of a great vacation is heading down to the water with a couple of beach chairs or seeking a family adventure, this island has everything to make memories of a lifetime.
Now is the time to book your vacation in Marco Island. Be our guests at Sea Mar Condo and see for yourself what’s going on in Marco island. Visit https://seamarcondo.com for more information on Marco Island and Sea Mar Condos!
Experience the beauty of the 10,000 Islands through eco tours in Marco Island, highlighting its rich wildlife.
Various tour options include kayaking, jet skiing, and guided boat tours to explore the backwaters.
Recommended tour companies include Paddle Marco, Avi’s Water Sports, and Captain Ron’s Awesome Everglades Adventures.
Tours often depart from locations like Rose Marina and Caxambas Park, suitable for all adventure levels.
Book your stay at Sea Mar Condo to enjoy the adventure and see the incredible sights of the 10,000 Islands.
Get the BIG Picture of the 10,000 Island With an Eco Tour
We recommend that our guests at Sea Mar Condo get the BIG picture! See 10,000 islands in a day from the water. Well, it’s called 10,000 islands, but it may not be quite that many, but probably close. This peaceful adventure awaits you with a backwater eco tour in Marco Island. The Gulf waters surrounding the island are home to dolphin, manatee, wading and nesting birds. It is a bountiful habitat to many species of wildlife.
There are many ways to see the backwaters surrounding Marco Island. Among them are kayaking, jet skiing, boating, parasailing, sailing, and paddle boarding. Most of the eco tours are guided tours that help you follow through the maze of mangrove islands with your guide pointing out the best opportunities to see the area wildlife.
Kayaking with Paddle Marco
The backwater eco tours in Marco Island leave from various locations. Most leave from either Rose Marina or Caxambas Park but some have pickups on South Beach.
Some of the favorite places we have recommended to our guests at Sea Mar Condos are Cape Romano (unfortunately, the dome homes are now underwater), Keewaydin Island, and the Everglades.
Paddle Marco offers kayak tours for all ages and skill levels. Their tours are #1 rated on TripAdvisor, Google and Yelp and have been featured in USA Today and the Marco Review magazine.
Avi Langer is one of Marco’s most experienced jet ski tour guides. He is known as the “Dolphin Whisperer” because he knows the local dolphins and backwaters of the area. This tour is 2 1/2 hours with a maximum or 3-4 waverunners that accommodate up to two adults and one child per machine. The tours leave from Caxambas Park. Sunset trips are also offered.
Captain Ron has been guiding eco jet ski tours for over 30 years. Their specialty is dolphin experiences. You can see and hear the dolphins communicate with Captain Ron’s new underwater microphone. This is a 3 hour tour through the 10,000 islands and tours depart from Caxambas Park twice a day.
Marco Island Water Sports has many years of local experience adventuring through the 10,000 island mangroves and the aqua waters of the Gulf of Mexico. They offer 90 minute tours on Yamaha waverunners that are appropriate for even a novice rider. These guided tours focus on the dolphin, manatee, and wading birds in the area. The tours leave from the beach in front of the JW Marriot, the Hilton, or Crystal Shores.
This 2 1/2 hour guided jet ski tour leaves from Rose Marina. The jet skis accommodate 3 people. This tour leaves Marco to travel down the Marco River with views of Isles of Capri, Judge SS Jolley Bridge, and Goodland and onto the Cape Romano dome homes. The tour returns in the Gulf passing Blind Pass, Kice Island and Dickmans Island before reaching Caxambas Pass and Marco Island. The tour focuses on the history of Marco Island as well as the wildlife.
Florida Adventures offers a 2 hour guided jet ski tour deep into the 10,000 islands. The jet skis accommodate up to 3 people. Cape Romano is one of the many stops along the 30 mile route. You will see a variety of wildlife and you are guaranteed to see dolphins! Florida Adventures also offer boat tours, paddle board tours and guided fishing trips. The tours leave Caxambas Pass marina.
Now is the time to book your vacation in Marco Island. Be our guests at Sea Mar Condo and take your backwater eco tour in Marco island. See the 10,000 islands for yourself! Visithttps://seamarcondo.comfor more information on Marco Island and Sea Mar Condos!
