Experience the Beauty of Marco Island on Marco Pedalboat

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Marco Pedalboat is a Favorite!

Key Takeaways

  • The Marco Pedalboat offers a scenic cruise around Marco Island, highly recommended by guests.
  • It departs from Isle of Capri and provides 1.5 to 2-hour family-friendly tours, including a popular sunset cruise.
  • Guests can bring snacks and drinks, while enjoying music during the ride.
  • The boat accommodates 16 people and allows for pedaling or motorized travel, with beautiful views and interesting facts shared by the captain.
  • The Marco Pedalboat experience showcases the beauty of Marco Island on water, making it a memorable activity.
Our Marco Pedalboat Tour

Experience the beauty of Marco Island on Marco Pedalboat. We have taken several different cruises around the islands and this has been one of our favorites! We highly recommend this tour to our guests.

The Marco Pedalboat docks at Isle of Capri at 292 Capri Blvd, Naples. (239) 920-1230. https://www.marcopedalboat.com

This company offers 1 1/2 hour and 2 hour cruises. The cost is affordable and under age 2 free. The ride is family friendly. The most popular of the tours is the 2 hour sunset cruise. We took this tour recently and saw a simply stunning sunset. The captain of the boat takes complimentary photos of the passengers to send by email. The quality of the photos are really good!

Larry and I really enjoyed our sunset tour on the Marco Pedalboat! Experience the Beauty of Marco Island on the Marco Island Pedalboat!

About the Marco Pedalboat

The Marco Pedalboat seats 16 people on comfortable “bar stools” and is a large pontoon style boat. We had the option of pedaling or not. The motor really doesn’t need one to pedal at all, but it is fun to try it out! Our captain encouraged us to try pedaling just to see how much speed we could develop to move the boat. Needless to say, we didn’t quite move the boat as fast as the motor!

What You See

The Marco Pedalboat travels about Isle of Capri and Marco Island. This is a truly fun trip and seeing the beauty of Marco Island from the water is an awesome experience. We were able to see some of the more interesting homes on Marco Island; in addition, the captain told us some interesting tales/facts about some of them. Some homes are just unusual or are/were owned by celebrities. Along the way, especially in the Marco River, we saw several dolphins. This was also the first time either Larry or I have seen Black Crowned Night Herons. These are nocturnal feeding herons that are often seen near sunset.

What to Bring – Enjoy the Music

Guests on the tour are encouraged to bring snacks and/or dinner, in addition to drinks to enjoy during the cruise. Iced coolers are provided on the boat. Having your favorite snack or beverage as the boat travels the Gulf waters makes a relaxing and fun trip. Upbeat music makes the boating experience even more fun! Music requests are honored with a wide variety play list.

See some of our other recommendations for sightseeing tours on Marco Island: https://seamarcondo.com/parasailing-over-marco-islands-waters, https://seamarcondo.com/sightseeing-cruise-in-marco-island

The Marco Pedalboat is definitely something we will recommend to our guests at Sea Mar Condo! What a fun evening we had, and we can’t wait to do it again soon!

Kayaking Marco Island is Fun and Adventurous

Kayaking Marco Island is Fun and Adventurous
Home » Marco Island Boating

Key Takeaways

  • Kayaking around Marco Island offers two exciting options: mangrove tours for scenic views and open water kayaking for exploring sandbars.
  • Mangrove kayaking provides a guided experience with safety protocols and opportunities to see diverse marine life.
  • Open water kayaking allows for self-rentals or group outings, making it flexible for different preferences.
  • Shell Island and Dickman’s Point are highlights, featuring calm waters and amazing shelling opportunities.
  • Overall, kayaking around Marco Island is enjoyable for all skill levels, perfect for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike.

Mangrove or Open Water?

Kayaking around Marco Island is fun and adventurous because even for beginners it is doable. There are two types of kayaking in and around the island, thus preference and skill level are important. One option, mangrove tours are a great way to see backwaters and mangroves, live shells, and wading birds. Secondly, open water kayaking to nearby sandbars and islands is the perfect way to explore. In addition, the beaches are virtually deserted and a great place for a picnic, a long walk, and shelling.

Kayaking the Marco Island Mangroves

Kayaking in the mangrove areas offers a glimpse of the backwater areas. You may choose to rent your own kayak and explore areas in Rookery Bay, however, an organized tour with an experienced guide is always a good option. Larry and I book through Rookery Bay Learning Center with Rising Tide Kayak Tours. We meet our guide, Matt, just before 8 am at the Isle of Capri Boat Ramp. Our group consists of 8 people (including the guide). This tour is for all levels of expertise in kayaking, which makes it perfect for beginners. It will be approximately 3 hours in duration. You need to be able to paddle for most of that time. Matt takes pictures of the group to send to us later for keepsakes.

https://rookerybay.org/

https://risingtidefl.com

Our Day Kayaking Rookery Bay Estuary

Beginning the Mangrove Tour

Safety procedures of kayaking in Marco Island mangrove area are explained up front. We are also given dry bags for our belongings, which are fairly large in size. Then we are shown how to get in our kayaks. Our group leaves from the boat ramp out into a wide (and calm) area of water. Along the way to the mangrove area, our guide points out the jellyfish, coral, and wading birds.

After about an hour of paddling, Matt takes us to a very shallow area of water where we tie our kayaks together and get out to explore. While wading through this shallow area, there is a large live horse conch. We are shown the proper way to hold it and put it back in the water. In addition, the group also spot red and yellow coral, which is not safe to handle.

The Mangrove Area

Upon leaving the shallow water area, we paddle as a group to the mangrove area. This area has three types of mangroves: red, black and white plants. Matt points each out to us and tells how to identify them individually. He also tells us how mangroves reproduce by growing pods. These pods mature and drop from the tree and later attach to a rock or other plant to grow. Kayaking the Marco Island mangrove areas can be a little “tricky” because they are somewhat narrow. The water is also a little more swift at times. Larry and I are both beginner kayakers. We do not have any problems (outside of catching a tree limb a couple of times to help us along). Actually, everyone in our group does fine.

The mangrove areas are beautiful and full of sea life, plant life, and wading birds. It is a true learning experience that we highly recommend to our guests at Sea Mar Condo.

Open Water Kayaking Around Marco Island

When kayaking in open water, you can rent your own kayak or arrange to go with a group. Larry and I, along with our property manager, rent our own kayaks. Marco Island Kayak Rentals deliver to Caxambus Park Boat Dock. We start out around 8 am after receiving instructions on what areas would be best for us to explore. Our rental guide also explains about the morning and afternoon tides and how to kayak using them to our advantage.

https://marcoislandwaverunnertours.com

Shell Island

The first area we visit is Shell Island, a 15 minute paddle from the boat ramp. Water in this area is open, but is in a “no wake” zone. Paddling is in relatively calm water with a slight current. Shell Island is just as it sounds, a sandbar made of nothing but seashells. We ground our kayaks and walk around the entire sandbar in about 20 minutes. It is also great place to look for those particular shells you are seeking.

Dickman’s Point

Upon leaving Shell Island, we are on our way for another 20 minute paddle to Dickman’s Point. This is an area that a lot of shelling tours visit, thus shelling is great! Water around the island is crystal clear the day we visit. It is easy to wade around looking for the perfect shell! We find conch shells, nutmegs, scotch bonnets, sand dollars, and an alphabet cone. I am hoping to find that elusive Junonia, but no luck today. After a bit of shelling, we find some shade in a small mangrove area, eat our lunch, and take a beach walk. Around 3 pm it’s time to paddle back along Shell Island, which brings us back to the Caxambus Boat Ramp. After this, our kayaks are ready to be picked up. Kayaking around Marco Island is fun and our day has been perfect!

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!

Cape Romano and Keewaydin Islands: A Boating Adventure

Home » Marco Island 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!

Parasailing Over Spectacular Marco Island

Parasailing on Marco Island
Home » Marco Island Boating

Key Takeaways

  • Parasailing over Marco Island’s Waters provides breathtaking views of the island and the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Wildlife sightings include dolphins, manatees, pelicans, and stingrays while you soar 300 feet above the water.
  • Guests can experience this adventure with Marco Island Water Sports, starting from South Beach.
  • Remember to bring a camera to capture stunning views of the skyline and the Gulf during your flight.
  • It’s best to parasail on calm days with little wind and no storms in the area.

Nothing beats soaring over the open ocean with the sense that you are flying! Parasailing over Marco Island’s Gulf waters and beach is awesome. Parasailing offers amazing views of the island as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Get beautiful views of both South Beach and Tigertail Beach from above. Enjoy seeing wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, pelicans, and stingrays from high in the sky. Adventurous? Consider a Parasail Ride.

Although I highly recommend this adventure for our guests at Sea Mar Condo, I must admit I have not worked up the courage to parasail myself.  However, several of our guests and friends have parasailed and loved it!  I love the idea that you can soar like a bird over the ocean and see all the beauty of the island…and not even get wet!

Parasailing with Marco Island Water Sports

Marco Island Water Sports offers parasailing just off Crescent (South Beach).

https://marcoislandwatersports.com

Parasailing begins on a powerboat. You enter the boat from the shoreline, alone or with a friend. After climbing onboard you harness up and take a seat at the back of the boat. The sail is let out, as the boat takes off and before you know it you are floating 300 feet above the water. All you have to do is sit comfortably in your harness, dangle your feet and relax while enjoying the breathtaking view.  You fly like a bird for approximately 10 minutes and then you are reeled back into the boat standing up.

Remember to Bring Your Camera!

Remember to bring along a camera. From several hundred feet up in the air you can hear only the wind gently blowing in your ears. Parasailing over Marco Island’s waters offer sights that are breath taking. The skyline of Marco Island is on one side and the never ending Gulf of Mexico on the other.

Note:  It is best to parasail on a calm day with little wind, and no chance of storms in the area.

Marco Island Water Sports
560 S Collier Blvd
Marco Island, FL 34145
(239)-642-3337
www.marcoislandwatersports.com

Sky’s The Limit Parasailing (featured picture)
500 S Collier Blvd
Marco Island, FL 34145
(239) 825-4866
www.floridaparasail.com

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Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com. Our “Top 10 List” provides information on many things to see and do in Marco Island. We recommend several tour companies to make your vacation on Marco Island the best vacation ever!

A Fantastic Sightseeing Cruise in Marco Island

Marco Island Princess
Home » Marco Island Boating

Key Takeaways

  • The Marco Island Princess offers a fantastic sightseeing cruise in Marco Island, showcasing breathtaking views and delicious food.
  • Cruises depart daily from Rose Marina and provide a comfortable atmosphere with professional crew service.
  • Guests can enjoy Nature & History Lunch Cruises and the Captain’s Sunset Dinner Cruise, featuring dolphins and Gulf breezes.
  • The Marco Island Princess specializes in hosting special events, including weddings and parties, with full-service planning available.
  • For more information or to reserve a cruise, visit the website or call their event planning professionals.

If you are looking for a fantastic sightseeing cruise in Marco Island, we recommend the Marco Island Princess!  There’s nothing like stepping aboard this beautiful boat!  Getting to see Marco Island from the water is indeed a must for visitors to the island.

This is one especially of my favorite things to do on Marco Island. The food and the sightseeing are spectacular! Above all, the sunsets are beautiful.

The Marco Island Princess sails daily from her dock at Rose Marina. It cruises the pristine waterways of Marco Island.  Locals and visitors alike enjoy the outstanding cuisine. The crew is professional & friendly. There is a comfortable ambiance cruising aboard the beautiful 90’ Marco Island Princess!

Meals are prepared fresh on board for your enjoyment. The crew will attend to your every need. Two full service cash bars are set up to serve your favorite drinks!

Marco Island Cruises

The Marco Island Princess offers Sightseeing as well as Nature & History Lunch Cruises. The Captain’s Sunset Dinner Cruise is especially nice. While cruising, enjoy playful dolphins, warm sunshine, and Gulf breezes.  The beautiful view changes every moment.

Aboard the Marco Island Princess

Marco Island Princess cruises can accommodate individuals, families, small and large groups and any special event!

Marco Island Special Events

Wedding Cake

In addition, the Marco Island Princess specializes in wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons, bachelorette/bachelor parties and gift brunches.   They can arrange everything from start to finish.  The staff will completely accommodate your needs. Services include table settings, custom menus, flowers, entertainment, photography, transportation, special decorations and all the extras.   Luxurious appointments and first class service are provided. The beautiful yacht accommodates parties of up to 149.   Enjoy the pristine waters of Marco Island and the Gulf of Mexico!

The Princess departs from the convenient Rose Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island, FL.  It is located just minutes from anywhere on Marco Island.  Call (239) 394-4364 today to learn more about your many options, to reserve a date, or to speak with their event planning professionals.  Don’t miss this opportunity to see beautiful Marco Island with this fantastic sightseeing cruise.

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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!

See 10,000 Islands in a Day

Backwater Eco Tours Marco
Home » Marco Island 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.

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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!

See Marco Island’s Dolphins with Avi’s Water Sports

Dolphin
Home » Marco Island Boating

Key Takeaways

  • Avi’s Water Sports offers jet ski tours that showcase Marco Island’s dolphins and unique 10,000 islands.
  • The two-hour tour costs $275 plus tax per jet ski and includes a chance to take home photos on a flash drive.
  • Known as ‘the dolphin whisperer,’ Avi attracts dolphins and creates personalized experiences for each guest.
  • Avi is a master navigator who shares stories and knowledge about the islands, enhancing every tour.
  • Visit Avi’s Water Sports website or call 239.777.9873 for more details on booking a memorable adventure.

Avi’s Water Sports offers a great way to see some of Marco Island’s favorite residents.  The island’s friendly dolphins love to show off for many of our  visitors.  Our guests at Sea Mar Condo love this adventure. We highly recommend booking this tour during your stay at Sea Mar Condo.

This jet ski tour takes visitors to Marco Island 35 plus miles into the 10,000 islands as well as visiting Cape Romano.  It is a 2 hour tour and costs $275 plus tax per jet ski on their website.

The “Dolphin Whisperer”

Avi is known as “the dolphin whisperer” because he always seems to attract dolphins on his jet ski tours.  Avi says there are three local dolphins he sees on most trips and they always make it their mission to get him, (and his camera), wet!

A highly talented photographer, Avi takes photos of your unique jet ski tour to help you relive each moment. Each tour guest can take home a flash drive of photos of your unique tour.  He is also a master navigator of the 10,000 Islands. As a result, Avi’s Water sports has spent thousands of hours on the water. He takes his guests to amazing places few others have experienced, showing them hidden spots and treasures.  Avi is an expert on jet ski safety. He is especially a patient and kind teacher to first-timers.

Avi's Water Sports

Professional and personable, you’ll be fascinated by Avi’s stories. He has a vast knowledge of the islands. His excitement shows on each and every tour.  His tours combine history, scenery, and wildlife in each outing. Each tour is unique and personalized.

Get up close and personal with Marco Island’s local dolphins. Visit Avi’s Water Sports website at https://aviwatersports.com or give them a call at 239.777.9873.

This tour is also a great way to see the beautiful 10,000 islands area surrounding Marco Island (including the dome houses at Cape Romano).

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!