Keewaydin Boating

Discover the joy of Keewaydin boating and explore the beautiful Gulf waters around Keewaydin Island in Southwest Florida. Explore with a boat rental of your own or a guided tour.

Cape Romano and Keewaydin Islands: A Boating Adventure

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Activities and Sports, Marco Island Day Trips and Tours , , , , , 0 Comment
Home » Keewaydin Boating

Key Takeaways

  • Cape Romano and Keewaydin Islands near Marco Island offer a fun day on the water, accessible by boat.
  • Dolphin Cove Marina provided essential instructions and navigation tips before our group set off at 8 am.
  • We explored the Dome Homes at Cape Romano, which have a rich history but are now mostly underwater.
  • Boating experience isn’t necessary; basic navigation skills suffice, thanks to thorough guidance from the marina.
  • Keewaydin Island, accessible only by boat, features beautiful waters and food concessions, making it a popular destination.

A FUN DAY ON THE WATER

Cape Romano and Keewaydin islands are very near Marco Island by boat. Boating around these islands while visiting Marco Island is a fun day on the water! If fears of operating a boat on the ocean and navigating the waters around Marco Island are holding you back, fear no more!

Before Leaving the Marina

Boat Rental from Dolphin Cove Marina to go to Cape Romano and Keewaydin
A Boat Rental from Dolphin Cove Marina on Marco Island Is Affordable and Easy

Our group arrived at Dolphin Cove Marina https://www.boatrentalsofswfl.com on Bald Eagle Drive around 7:30 in the morning. Our boat was ready and waiting for us at the end of the dock. A member of the staff there provided us with instructions on operating the boat (a 21′ deck boat) and safety procedures while on the water. We were shown where life jackets were and given custom navigational charts showing the 2 locations we wanted visit. The navigational signs located in the Gulf were also explained and how to use them during our trip.

Cape Romano

We left the marina around 8 am and navigated toward Cape Romano and the Dome Homes. This took about 45 minutes, taking us past Tigertail Beach and South Beach. We went around the point of Cape Marco, past Dickmans Point and Kice Island before arriving at Cape Romano. We were able to get some fantastic pictures of the Dome Homes and docked at water’s edge of Cape Romano to walk the beach and do some shelling and sightseeing.

The Dome Homes at Cape Romano were built in 1979 by retired businessman Bob Lee from Gatlinburg, TN. He and his family lived there until 1992 when Hurricane Andrew destroyed the interior of the house. Since that time, erosion and Hurricane Irma in 2017 left the homes further from land and 2 of the 6 domes were underwater. In 2022, Hurricane Ian swept through the area. The dome homes are now completely underwater, but it is still a beautiful area to explore. Since we and our visitors are from the East Tennessee area, the now abandoned homes of Cape Romano hold a special interest for us.

Boating Cape Romano
Boat Rentals Can Accommodate from 2-16 People
Cape Romano Dome Homes
Cape Romano Dome Homes

Our group consisted of Larry and me, and a couple of our friends visiting Marco Island. Larry and I both had previous boating experience on a local lake around our home in Kingsport, TN, however Larry and I had not operated a boat on the ocean before.

Larry Navigates the Waters
Docking at Keywaydin Island

Boating Experience

Once you learn to follow the navigational signs in the water and use the map provided by the marina, boating around Marco Island was fairly easy. It does help to have previous boating experience, but previous experience on the ocean is not required. Dolphin Cove Marina did a great job of explaining everything upfront. They also provided us telephone numbers to call if we needed assistance during our boating excursion.

Keewaydin Island

After leaving Cape Romano, our group boated to Keewaydin Island to the North of Marco Island. Keewaydin is an 8 mile barrier island that has no cars, roads, or bridges. The island is part of the pristine Rookery Bay Reserve. It is only accessible by boat, and is a popular boating destination, especially on weekends. Among the boaters there, you will also find snack boat concessions selling burgers, brats, hot dogs, drinks, and ice cream. Note: There are no bathroom facilities on the island. The waters around Keewaydin are crystal clear and beautiful.

Arriving at Keewaydin
Keewaydin Island is a Popular Boating Spot on Weekends

A Fun Day of Boating The Barrier Islands

This was a fun day of boating the barrier islands of Keewaydin and Cape Romano for our group, and it is something I would definitely recommend to others. The boating was fun, the waters smooth and crystal clear, and the scenery beautiful. Renting a boat will no longer be something we hesitate to do because we know now that with the proper instruction, it is easy.

Visit our website https://www.seamarcondo.com for more information on Sea Mar Condo, Marco Island, FL. We want to make your vacation on Marco Island a trip of a lifetime!

Keewaydin Island: A Hidden Paradise for Beachgoers and Boaters

Teresa Luber Marco Island Beaches, Marco Island Day Trips and Tours, Things to See and Do in Marco Island , , , , , ,
Keewaydin Island
Home » Keewaydin Boating
Fun on Keewaydin Island
Having a Blast on Keewaydin Island

Key Takeaways

  • Keewaydin Island, north of Marco Island, is a hidden beach perfect for relaxation and wildlife watching.
  • The island boasts nearly eight miles of undeveloped, pristine white sand beaches and serves as a nesting ground for various wildlife.
  • Rookery Bay Reserve protects Keewaydin Island’s ecosystem while ensuring public access for recreational use.
  • Visitors can reach Keewaydin Island via Hemingway Water Shuttle or Keewaydin Express, but note there are no restroom facilities.
  • Explore more about vacationing on Marco Island and Keewaydin Island by visiting our website.

Vacationing on Marco Island, Florida provides the opportunity to visit one of the best, and little known, beaches on Florida’s Gulf coast. Keewaydin Island is located just north of Marco Island; however, it is only accessible by boat. This is also one of the locals’ best kept secrets. The island is a hotspot, especially on weekends, for residents who embrace the Florida lifestyle.  If you’re looking for a day on the water with sandbars, seashells and dolphin sightings, this beach is perfect. Beachgoers and boaters alike look forward to the fun Keewaydin offers.

Keewaydin is a Special Place

Keewaydin Island is a barrier island located between Naples and Marco Island. It offers nearly eight miles of deserted, white sand beach. Few homes are on the island because most of the island is undeveloped.

Sea Turtle Nesting
Loggerhead Sea Turtle on Keewaydin Island

Keewaydin is a special place. It is a sanctuary for wildlife. The island’s pristine beach is a vital nesting ground for least terns and loggerhead sea turtles. On the other hand, it is a recreational destination for local residents and tourists. One side of the island is usually lined with both recreational boats and those offering concessions. Thousands of boaters visit the island each year. At the same time, the other side of the island is quiet, pristine, and beautiful. Visiting Keewaydin provides a great opportunity to experience Florida’s natural coast.

Since 1980, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has worked with local partners to protect wildlife and habitat on the island. At the same time, the reserve strives to provide a wilderness recreation experience for people. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) purchased 85 percent of the 1,300-acre island. As managers of these state-owned lands, Rookery Bay Reserve removed 300 acres of non-native Australian pine, Brazilian pepper and melaleuca that had displaced much of the island’s native habitats and wildlife. The island hasn’t washed away as some predicted, but instead has flourished with native trees, plants and wildlife.

Keewaydin Island
Keewaydin Island

The public lands on Keewaydin belong to the people of Florida. However, the Rookery Bay Reserve remains committed to providing public access and use that is compatible with the protection of wildlife and habitats on the island.

How to Get to Keewaydin Island

Hemingway Water Shuttle

From Marco Island, the Hemingway Water Shuttle or the Keewaydin Express offers an express ride to Keewaydin Island. You can arrange with them to stay for a few hours or the day before Hemingway comes back for your return trip. Keep in mind, though, there are no bathrooms on the island. https://www.hemingwaywatershuttle.com (239) 315-1136

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!

Sea Mar Condo Logo

See 10,000 Islands in a Day

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Day Trips and Tours, Things to See and Do in Marco Island , , , , , , ,
Backwater Eco Tours Marco
Home » Keewaydin Boating

Key Takeaways

  • 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 the Mangroves of the 10,000 islands
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.

Cape Romano Dome Homes 10,000 islands

Some of our recommended tours include:

Paddle Marco https://www.paddlemarco.com/ (239) 777-5423

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’s Water Sports  https://aviwatersports.com/  (239) 777-9873

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.

Avi's Water Sports

Captain Ron’s Awesome Everglades Adventures
https://www.paradisecoast.com/profile/capt-rons-awesome-everglades-adventures/322
(239) 777-9975

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
https://marcoislandwatersports.com/
(239) 642-4FUN

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.

WOW Adventures Jet Ski Tours
www.wowjetski.com
(239) 300-3233

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 & Rentals
https://floridaadventuresandrentals.com/
(239) 348-5551

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.

Sea Mar Condo Logo

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! Visit https://seamarcondo.com for more information on Marco Island and Sea Mar Condos!