Tigertail Beach Archives

An Early Morning Adventure: A Walk Down Tigertail Beach

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Beaches, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 10/30/202009/11/2025Marco Island Shelling, Sand Dollars, Tigertail Beach, Walking Marco Island Beaches 0 Comment

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Beautiful, Serene Tigertail Beach on Marco Island

Key Takeaways

An early morning walk down Tigertail Beach offers comfort and beauty, avoiding the midday heat.
Timing your walk near low tide enhances your shelling experience, with plenty of sand dollars available.
Enjoy wildlife sightings, including wading birds and possibly dolphins while walking along the lagoon.
The tranquil beach walk rewards you with serene views and the chance to collect beautiful shells.
Sea Mar Condos provide a perfect location for easy access to Tigertail Beach and top-notch accommodations.

Start Your Walk Early in the Morning

An early morning walk down Tigertail Beach, a 2.5 miles stretch of beautiful white sand is a great way to start the day! Walking early, especially in the hot weather season, is also more comfortable as the late morning and afternoon hours often become very hot.

Larry and I get up around 6:30 and start our walk around 7 am. We take along our water bottles, a snack, cameras, and shelling bags. Tigertail Beach offers a wide variety of shells, often lots of sand dollars, and is a serene and peaceful environment. Its location is also along the Great Florida Birding trail.

It is always good to time your Tigertail Beach walk around the tide chart https://www.usharbors.com/harbor/florida/marco-island-caxambas-pass-fl/tides . Timing your walk around the window of 2 hours before low tide and 2 hours after low tide offers the best shelling opportunities.

Shell Trees and Sand Dollars

One of Tigertail’s shelling trees is the first thing you will see on your walk. These trees offer one the perfect opportunity to hang your “shell print” on Marco Island. Find a shell with a little “hanging hole” in it and place it on the perfect spot on the tree for all to see! This is also a great place to get a beautiful picture of the shell tree with the ocean in the backdrop.

Sand Dollars Galore!

A little further along the beach walk, you will come to Sand Dollar Split, named for the many sand dollars that tend to wash up on this particular area of the beach. We literally have to step around all the sand dollars on our morning walk down Tigertail Beach. Sand Dollars are very fragile; however, with careful handling we collect them and bring them home for beautiful souvenirs of our trips to Marco Island. (We have instructions in Sea Mar Condo for cleaning and caring for your shells). https://seamarcondo.com/how-to-tell-which-sand-dollars-are-safe-to-take-home/

Tigertail Beach Lagoon

As you come along Tigertail Beach Lagoon, you will also notice several wading birds. The white egrets can be quite comical as they practically walk along the beach with you in their strutting fashion. Larry and I get very lucky on our walk and see a pink spoonbill (Roseate Spoonbill) in the lagoon area. This is one of my favorite birds on Marco Island, but it is not always easy to spot them.

Tigertail Lagoon is a nice place to paddleboard and it is not uncommon to see both paddleboards and kayaks in the lagoon. Many wading birds make their nests along the lagoon as well. At times during the year both least tern and black skimmers nest in large groups around the lagoon area. The best birding season is from December to March. This is the winter dry season when birdlife concentrates in the permanent bodies of water.

To Wade or Walk Around Tigertail Lagoon?

Many beachgoers take the “short cut” and wade across Tigertail lagoon to reach the beautiful white sand beach on the other side. Although very safe as the water even during high tide is around waist high, the lagoon appears to be quite “murky” because of the silt in the bottom. Walking with a shuffle is also recommended as there may be stingrays in the water at times. We also recommend wearing beach shoes. I much prefer leaving our condo and walking around the lagoon as I enjoy my beach walks over wading the lagoon waters.

A Serene and Calming Beach Walk in Early Morning

From the lagoon area, the early morning walk along Tigertail beach is peaceful, serene, and calming. You will not find a lot of other beachgoers because this is not a populated area. There are no hotels or other commercial establishments along this beach. Look to your right as you walk toward the north end of Tigertail and you will see very nice houses and a private beach area. This is the Hideaway Beach community, a private gated beach area, thus it is accessible only to residents.

Calming Blue Waters

As you continue your walk, be sure you keep an eye on the calming crystal blue waters. You may be rewarded with seeing dolphin or even a manatee. I have seen both in this area. It is also common to see lots of pelicans, osprey, and at times eagles. You will definitely be rewarded with a beauty that calms the soul.

Early Morning Walk Down Tigertail Beach — Tigertail’s Peaceful Waters

Our Tigertail Bounty

Larry and I are rewarded with some very nice pictures, a also with a lot of sand dollars (my fav), and Florida fighting conch shells (Larry’s fav) from our walk. We also get a very perfect large banded tulip along the walk as well. On our return we encounter an osprey on a tree branch that even poses for our picture taking! Our walk takes around 3 hours although we stopped for snacks, water, and picture taking along the way. Even though we have walked this part of the beach many times, it never gets old, and perhaps even more rewarding each time.

Start Your Day with Peace and Serenity

There are few places in this world where you can see this kind of beauty and experience the peace and serenity that this 2 miles of Tigertail Beach offers. Tigertail Beach was named by Coastal Living Magazine as one of the top private beaches in the world to visit.

Sea Mar Condos are located between Tigertail Beach and South (Crescent)Beach in Marco Island, FL. In addition, we are in South Seas Northwest resort in Tower 3 and Tower 4. Our location makes it easy to visit both of these beautiful beaches while staying in first class accommodations. Our views are also some of the best on the island. Come relax in Paradise!

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!

Marco Island’s Climate and Weather

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Beaches 07/13/201909/11/2025Marco Island Climate, Marco Island Weather, South Beach Marco Island, Tigertail Beach

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Marco Island’s climate and weather are all year round perfect! Did you know that Marco Island has an average of 205 sunny days each year?

Key Takeaways

Marco Island enjoys an average of 205 sunny days per year, making its climate ideal year-round.
The busy season runs from January to mid-April, with temperatures ranging from 71-75 degrees during the day.
Summer and fall are less crowded but beautiful, perfect for water sports and shelling.
Average temperatures vary by season: 71-75 degrees in winter, 78-86 in spring, and 87-88 in summer.
Sea Mar Condos offer stunning views and comfortable stays year-round on Marco Island.

The “Busy Season”

The “busy season” on the island is January through mid-April when the temperatures range from 71-75 during the day. The months of July, August, and September are the hottest months. During those months, average temperatures range from 87-88 during the day. Highs can get into the mid to upper 90s.

The winter months of January, February and March are heavily sought by Snowbirds each year. The winter months have mild night temperatures and warm, comfortable days. Marco Island is a great escape from other areas where winter brings snow and ice.

Summer and Fall on Marco Island

Although the winter months are busy each year, the summer and fall months are beautiful and less crowded on the island. There are no restaurant wait lists during those months. The Gulf water temperature is bath water warm and pleasant. My husband and I always take a Marco Island September vacation each year. It is one of our favorite months to visit the island. This is a great time to go shelling or to do water sports on Marco Island. August and September are hurricane months. It does pay to plan closer to those months. This ensures your vacation can be cancelled in the event of an evacuation notice due to bad weather.

Sea Mar Condo at South Seas — South Seas Heated Pool

The months of November and December are also very nice in Marco Island. The weather is still very warm ranging from 73 to 80 degrees with plenty of sunshine. It is a great time to sit on the beach and relax or walk along the Gulf sands. At our condo, the heated pool feels great during this time of year.

Average temperatures on Marco Island

January – March temperatures range from 71-75 during the day.
April – June temperatures range from 78-86 during the day.
July – September temperatures range from 87-88 during the day.
October – December temperatures ranges from 73-83 during the day.

Sea Mar Condos are located on the North end of Marco Island with a spectacular view of South Beach (Crescent Beach) and the Gulf water. Tigertail Beach is also easily accessible from Sea Mar Condos. We are located on the 19th floor of South Seas Tower 3 and 4. An oversized balcony is perfect for a morning cup of coffee or a late afternoon nap. We want your stay to be enjoyable every month of the year. https://seamarcondo.com

Morning OJ on Marco Island

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Restaurants 05/15/201909/11/2025Casual Dining on Marco Island, Sea Mar Condo, South Beach Marco Island, Tigertail Beach

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You Could Be Having Your Morning OJ on Marco Island!

Key Takeaways

Enjoy your Morning OJ on Marco Island with a stunning view from the Sea Mar Condos’ oversized balconies.
Sea Mar Condos provide a serene setting for breakfast or lunch, with access to beautiful views of South (Crescent) Beach and the Gulf.
Each 2B/2B condo includes a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for a beach vacation.
For the best fresh squeezed orange juice, visit Doreen’s Cup of Joe located nearby.
Book directly at www.seamarcondo.com for personal attention and to save on booking fees.

The view from the Sea Mar Condos oversized balconies do not disappoint! Our guests enjoy having their morning cup of coffee here with the warm morning sun. A glass of orange juice is just as good, especially if it is mimosa style! Our balcony and view is such a peaceful and serene setting. It is also the perfect place to sit with your favorite book while having a sandwich for lunch or pizza for dinner. Taking a nap in our comfy chaise lounge is another option!

The view from our balconies overlook the full stretch of South (Crescent) Beach and the Gulf waters. Our views are some of the best on the island. Some call it the “million dollar view” and we have to say we agree! Tigertail Beach is also easily accessible from Sea Mar Condos.

Our condos are 2B/2B and every room has a beautiful view. Sea Mar Condos have a fully equipped kitchen and we supply everything you need for a fantastic beach vacation.

Our units are located in South Seas resort, a secure gated community. Both condos are on the 19th (top floor) in Towers 3 & 4. The resort features a nice lighted covered garage, heated pool, fast elevators, and laundry facilities.

Where to Get the Best OJ on Marco Island?

We have to recommend Doreen’s Cup of Joe, which is located across Collier Boulevard from South Seas resort. They offer fresh squeezed Orange Juice (good coffee too) that is sure to please. It is also a great place for breakfast, but get there early to avoid a long wait. https://www.doreenscupofjoe.com

Reserve your spot now for that morning coffee or OJ! Visit www.seamarcondo.com for rates and availability or to contact us for a quote. Remember – booking direct with us saves you $$$ on booking fees charged by our listing sites! We provide individual and personal attention to our guests. We also have a property manager near our condos who is available 24/7 during your stay.

Parasailing Over Spectacular Marco Island

Teresa Luber Marco Island Activities and Sports, Marco Island Beaches, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 12/19/201809/11/2025Marco Island Boating, Marco Island Tours, Parasailing, South Beach Marco Island, Tigertail Beach

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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

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!

Sea Turtles: Marco Island’s Greatest Assets

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Wildlife, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 11/26/201809/11/2025Marco Island Sealife, Sea Mar Condo, Sea Turtle Nests, Sea Turtles, South Beach Marco Island, Tigertail Beach 0 Comment

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Key Takeaways

Sea turtles on Marco Island nest from May to August, mainly Loggerheads, with hatchlings emerging 60 days after the eggs are laid.
It takes a female sea turtle 1 to 3 hours to lay about 100 eggs, and they may nest multiple times per season.
Marco Island has strict lighting regulations during nesting season to protect sea turtles, and beachgoers can help by keeping the beach clear of obstacles.
There are six sea turtle species in the U.S., with Loggerheads being the most common on Marco Island, playing a vital role in the ecosystem.
To protect these sea turtles, turn off beach lights, fill holes, and follow posted guidelines during nesting season.

Sea turtles on Marco Island are one of the island’s greatest assets! There are around 80 Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests per year on Marco Island’s beaches. Whether you live here or are just visiting, you can easily participate in protecting these threatened creatures. Their important nesting environment is crucial to their survival.

Turtle Nesting Season

Each May through early August is nesting season. Female loggerhead sea turtles crawl out of the Gulf nesting on Marco Island’s beaches. Sea Turtle nests can be seen on both South Beach and Tigertail Beach. The baby turtles are called hatchlings. They will emerge 60 days after the nests are laid. Hatchlings generally are emerge from early July through October . During this time, Marco Island has strict regulations on outside lighting along and on the beach. Each turtle nest is recorded and monitored during the season.

Sea Turtle Facts

It takes a female turtle 1 to 3 hours to lay an average of 100 eggs in the sand.

*A female turtle can nest several times per season (up to 7). They may only nest every 2-3 years.
*The female turtle uses her rear flippers to dig the nest cavity. Then deposits her eggs.
*Male turtles spend their life in the open ocean. They never crawl up on the beach.
*The temperature of the sand determines the hatchling’s sex.
*It is estimated that only 1 in 1000 sea turtle hatchlings will survive to reproductive maturity.
*Sea turtles cannot retract their heads into their shells.
*A group of sea turtles is called a flotilla.

How Long Do Sea Turtles Live?
No one knows for sure. According the US Fish and Wildlife Service, scientists are uncertain how long they live. This is because there is no known way to determine their age.

Sea turtles spend almost their entire lives in the sea. They are excellent swimmers. They glide gracefully through the water with flipper-like forelimbs and a streamlined shell. Sea turtles frequently come to the surface to breathe when active. However, they can remain underwater for several hours when resting. They are always on the move. Sea Turtles travel hundreds of miles across ocean waters.

Sea Turtle Species

The six sea turtle species in the United States are; Loggerhead, Green turtle, Leatherback turtle, Hawksbill turtle, and the Olive Ridley sea turtle. Marco Island’s most common variety of sea turtle is the loggerhead, which averages 200 to 250 pounds. Larger leatherbacks and green turtles nest here in smaller numbers. Most of Marco Island’s sea turtle nests are usually on Sand Dollar, near Tiger Tail Beach. The remainder are located on the main beach and Hideaway Beach. Marco Island beach is vital to the sea turtle’s continued survival in Southwest Florida.

Among the largest of living reptiles, sea turtles have scales and a bony shell, are cold-blooded, breathe air, and lay their eggs on land. It is illegal to hunt sea turtles in most countries; however they continue to be harvested for food and are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. Sea turtles play a key role in the Gulf Coast’s fragile ecosystem. Manatee and sea turtles are the only creatures in the world to eat the sea grass which grows on the ocean floor. Sea turtles are vulnerable to oil pollution because of their tendency to float upon the ocean surface.

Your Role in Protecting Marco Island’s Sea Turtles

What can you do to protect the sea turtles on Marco Island?

*Make sure you leave the beach clear of all beach toys, fishing line, plastic bottles or any other item that would be an obstacle for turtles either leaving the water or returning to the water. The adult turtles often become entangled in fishing line. Moreover, the baby turtles can become disoriented when objects are in their path to the water.

*Turn off lights after 9 pm in condos and hotel rooms along the beach in turtle season. Avoid flash lights on the beach during turtle nesting season.

*Fill all holes along the beach that turtles could become trapped in or that could cause a female to return to the ocean instead of laying eggs.

*Comply with posted signs that are on nesting sites asking that you stay back from the nests.

*If you are lucky enough to see a nest hatching, please follow all instructions from the volunteers that are monitoring the nesting process.

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 World Famous Beaches

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Beaches 10/25/201806/22/2026Bird Watching on Marco Island, Keewaydin Island, Marco Island Birds, Marco Island Fishing, Sand Dollars, Sand Dollars on Tigertail Beach, Sea Mar Condo, South Beach Marco Island, Tigertail Beach, Walking Marco Island Beaches

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Key Takeaways

Marco Island’s beaches, like Tigertail and South Beach, offer pristine surroundings and are ideal for relaxation and nature exploration.
Tigertail Beach features a lagoon for kayaking, excellent wildlife viewing, and is one of the best birding locations in Florida.
Sand Dollar Spit is accessible by wading or kayaking and boasts breathtaking views and diverse shell varieties.
South Beach provides three miles of activities such as swimming, fishing, and dolphin watching, along with stunning sunsets.
Keewaydin Island is accessible only by boat and offers serene beach experiences, perfect for those seeking solitude.

Our location at Sea Mar Condo couldn’t be better! We are located on Tigertail Beach, overlooking South (Crescent) Beach. A quick boat trip takes you away to Keewaydin Island. We want to introduce you to Marco Island’s beaches, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. See related post: https://seamarcondo.com/marco-islands-pristine-beaches

The largest Island in Florida’s chain known as Ten Thousand Islands is Marco Island. It features two public beaches, as well as several offshore island beaches. For the beach-goer looking for quiet, pristine beaches and an escape from the party scene of other Gulf of Mexico beaches, Marco offers an ideal destination. Beautiful landscaped walkways and surrounding properties set Marco Island’s beaches apart. Enjoy miles of clean, uncrowded beaches of white sand and famous Marco sunsets. Marco Island’s beaches are world famous – one visit here and you will understand why. See related post: Walking on the Beach in Marco Island: https://seamarcondo.com/walking-the-beach-in-marco-island

Tigertail Beach – Hernando Drive on Marco Island

The Lagoon

The lagoon is a great place to paddle board or kayak while seeing nesting birds along the water’s edges. There is also a very nice children’s playground and sandwich concession stand located in the area.

Observation Tower and Fantastic Wildlife

The Observation Tower, with two levels and permanently fixed binoculars, gives unobstructed views of the lagoon and Sand Dollar Spit. It is disability accessible from the main walkway close to the snack bar, and is open from dawn till dusk.

The lagoon is also a great place to fish (either spinning or fly). It has many secluded areas around mangroves or shallow water towards the Big Marco Pass. It is an important rest area for migrating birds. In addition, it is a major nesting site in spring and summer for several endangered species. Tigertail Beach lists as Site # 73 on the Great Florida Birding Trail. You can expect to see many types of heron, ibis, egret, black skimmers, plovers, sandpipers, willets, pelican, osprey, roseate spoonbills, and even a bald eagle. There are always mullet jumping. You may also see fiddler, horseshoe and ghost crabs as well as sea stars.

Sand Dollar Spit – a Magnificent Unspoiled Gulf Beach

To reach Sand Dollar Spit and the beautiful, pristine, soft sandy beach on the other side of the lagoon, you either have to wade through it, or head south some distance to where the lagoon ends and make a turn to the north. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and make it part of a day trip. It’s a bit of a trek to walk to the spit, but it’s definitely worth it. The beach here (which abounds with seashells) is absolutely breathtaking and totally natural.

Many of Florida’s beach-nesting shorebirds face conservation challenges, but can regularly be spotted on Sand Dollar Spit and Tigertail. These include the snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer, American oyster catcher, and Wilson’s plover. Please keep your distance and never intentionally force birds to fly or run.

No two visits are ever the same in this area. You can walk for miles with just the lapping of the waves, the rustle of the sea oats and the cries of birds to keep you company. In our view, it’s the best part of the whole beach and is well worth the walk. Don’t forget to take some water and shelling bags. There are over 200 different shell varieties that can wash up on the shore.

On Tigertail Beach, the choice is Yours:

• Experience 32 acres of one of the world’s most important habitats for wintering and nesting shorebirds. Listed in the Great Florida Birding Trail Guide as one of the best all-around birding locations in southwest Florida.
• Explore the tidal lagoon. It separates the Tigertail Beach Park from the state managed Big Marco Pass Critical Wildlife Area popularly known as the Sand Dollar Spit. The lagoon is home to a wide variety of wildlife including horseshoe crabs, needle fish, Florida fighting conchs, and more.
• Enjoy the Gulf of Mexico from the Sand Dollar Spit. If you visit this site, be aware of seasonal postings designed to protect the nesting colonies. Remember to practice good birding etiquette. See related “An Early Morning Walk Down Tigertail Beach: https://seamarcondo.com/early-morning-walk-down-tigertail-beach

South (Crescent) Beach

Marco Island’s beautiful South Beach stretches the whole length of the west side of the island. Of course the beach is public property and open to all. It is perfect for beach walks, shelling, relaxation, sailing, and parasailing.

This beach is 3 miles of soft white-sand beach, wide and usually teaming with activity. South Marco Beach (also called Crescent Beach) also features beachfront property. It is lined with sabal palms and the large, luxury hotels of Marco Island. Swimmers and sunbathers populate the beach on South Marco from 8:00 a.m. until sunset each day. Crescent Beach is also a great place for beach fishing and dolphin watching.

Sunsets along this beach are unbelievable. If you are lucky, you will get to see the “Marco Flash”, a flash of deep blue or green light occurring very seldom but always just after the sun sets into the Gulf.

Resident’s Beach

This beach is private for Marco Island residents only. Actually, the beach is public, but the cafe, bath facilities, and chickee huts are private.

Keewaydin Island

Keewaydin Island beach is only accessible by boat. However, there are day trips offered each day from Marco Island to Keewaydin by Hemmingway Water Shuttle. We highly recommend Hemmingway Water Shuttle – the offer very flexible and fun trips to and from Keewaydin. https://seamarcondo.com/keewaydin-island-is-perfect-for-beachgoers-and-boaters

Beach Hours

Marco Island’s beaches are patrolled and are not available for overnight camping. Unless staying at a Marco Island beachfront resort or condo you are not permitted to enter the beaches after 10:00pm. Marco Island, and the 10,000 islands area in the Florida Everglades, is an important nesting and migrating area for birds. Wildlife and bird viewing, or “birding” is a popular outdoor activity. You should be careful not to disturb island birds and turtles when visiting Marco Island’s Beaches. Several of the island’s birds and turtles are on the endangered species list and fines are imposed for violators. Due to Marco island’s important and fragile ecosystem, dogs or pets of any kind are not allowed on any Marco Island Beaches.

Sea Mar Condos are located in South Seas Resort on the north end of Marco Island. They are 19th floor penthouse condos overlooking beautiful Crescent Beach. We welcome you to be our guests and enjoy everything that Marco Island has to offer. See one guest’s testimonial on Marco Island Beaches: https://seamarcondo.com/testimonial/beaches-in-marco-island

Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com to see our rates and availability. In addition to “Our Top 10 List” of Things to do on Marco Island, our website also provides lots more information on Sea Mar Condo and Marco Island. Let us help you make the most of your Marco Island vacation! Our TOP 10 LIST: https://seamarcondo.com/top-10-list-sea-mar-condo-marco-island-penthouse-1907

The Rare Sight of Baby Sea Turtles Hatching on Marco Island

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Wildlife 08/15/201809/11/2025Marco Island Sealife, Sea Mar Condo, Sea Turtle Nests, Sea Turtles, South Beach Marco Island, Tigertail Beach

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Key Takeaways

Witnessing baby sea turtles hatching on Marco Island is a rare and exciting experience for visitors.
The turtle patrol, including volunteers, monitors nests and provides guidance during hatchings to protect the turtles.
Visitors must follow strict rules, such as avoiding camera flashes and staying behind marked areas to prevent disturbing hatchlings.
Turtle season runs from May to October, with hatches typically occurring at night; look for volunteers near marked nests.
For a great experience, consider staying at Sea Mar Condo, close to South and Tigertail Beach during turtle season.

It is not often that beach goers get to witness baby sea turtles hatching on Marco Island, FL. Sometimes, a few lucky residents and visitors get to see exactly that.

Our Personal Experience

Larry and I, along with our guests, got a chance to see a nest of hatchlings emerge from the sand and crawl to the ocean several years ago. It was one of the most exciting events that we have ever seen. Mary Nelson (Marco Island’s “Turtle Lady” now retired) and the island’s turtle volunteers were present at our sighting. The turtle patrol monitors each one of the turtle nests on Marco Island on a daily basis. They also record each hatching, meaning they are very busy during the nesting/hatching season.

Rules to Follow

If you are present at one of the hatchings, you will be directed by the turtle patrol and a group of volunteers not to use the flash on your cameras (which can result in arrest), and to stay back behind the nest. Any misdirection on their path to the sea — from artificial lighting to items left on the beach, holes in the sand or people approaching or handling them — may leave the new babies exhausted, lost or dehydrated on the beach, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Turtle season lasts from May through October, so don’t give up on getting to see a hatching! All turtle nests are roped off with yellow caution tape and an information sheet. It is always important to stay behind the roped off areas. Only 1 in a thousand of these little guys will survive to adulthood. Therefore, it is very important to protect these awesome creatures from hatchlings to adulthood.

Tip: Turtle nests usually hatch late at night. However, flashlights are not allowed on the beach during turtle season. Walking the beach on a natural moonlit night might be your best option to see a hatching. Look for a group of volunteers around a marked off nest – this is a good indication they are waiting on a nest to hatch. Sea Turtle nests can be found on both South Beach and Tigertail Beach on Marco Island.

Come visit us at Sea Mar Condo. We are located close to both South (Crescent) Beach and Tigertail Beach. 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!

Walking on the Beach in Marco Island

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Beaches, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 08/07/201809/11/2025South Beach Marco Island, Tigertail Beach, Walking Marco Island Beaches

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Key Takeaways

Walking on the Beach in Marco Island offers a relaxing experience, perfect for exercise and reflection.
Sea Mar Condo is conveniently located near both South (Crescent) Beach and Tigertail Beach.
Tigertail Beach is ideal for shelling and observing wildlife, best explored around low tide.
South Beach provides a lively environment filled with luxury hotels, ideal for people watching and enjoying sunsets.
Visit Sea Mar Condo’s website for more information on rates and availability to enhance your vacation.

There is nothing quite as relaxing as walking on the beach in Marco Island. It is great exercise and gives one time to reflect on how beautiful life really can be. Life’s cares float away and are replaced with a calmness that is difficult to find in this busy everyday world.

Most visitors to Marco Island come for the beauty and adventures of South (or Crescent) Beach. Others come for the peace, beauty, and serenity of Tigertail Beach. Our guests at Sea Mar Condo (www.seamarcondo.com) seem to like a taste of both. We are located within easy walking distance of both beaches. https://seamarcondo.com/marco-islands-beaches

Walking Tigertail Beach

On the map, Sea Mar Condo is located at the “1 mile” mark from Residents’ Beach (a private beach area for residents of the island, but anyone can walk along the shoreline in this area). Leaving from South Seas Towers, go right at water’s edge. You can continue beyond this point to one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the world. https://seamarcondo.com/early-morning-walk-down-tigertail-beach . Coastal Living magazine named Tigertail Beach “One of the Most Beautiful Secret Beaches in the World”. It is best to walk this area of Marco Island in the period of 2 hours before low tide and 2 hours after low tide. Places along the walk can be difficult to maneuver during high tide, but there are easy trails leading around the high water areas that you can take. Tigertail Beach is perfect for shelling and viewing wildlife, especially wading and nesting birds.

Walking South (Crescent) Beach

Leaving South Seas Towers and walking toward the South end of the island takes you along Crescent or South Beach. This stretch of beach is approximately 3 miles and is lined with luxury hotels and water sports. South Beach is the perfect walk for people watching, shelling, and gazing at the beauty of this crescent shaped beach along the Gulf. The sunsets along this beach are amazing as well. During the sunset hour, it is very common for the beach to be lined with residents and visitors alike to see the spectacular colors of a Marco Island sunset.

Are you ready to go walking on the Beach in Marco Island? If so, let us know!

Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com to 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!

Let’s Go Down to Marco Island: Sun, Sand, Serenity

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Activities and Sports, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 07/26/201809/11/2025Boating Marco Island, Casual Dining on Marco Island, Everglades National Park, Key Marco Cat, Marco Island Historical Museum, Marco Island Kayaking, Marco Island Tours, Sea Mar Condo, South Beach Marco Island, Tigertail Beach

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Key Takeaways

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!

What’s Unusual About Marco Island?

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Beaches, Marco Island Wildlife 05/08/201809/11/2025Cape Romano Dome House, Casual Dining on Marco Island, Green Flash at Sunset, Marco Island Birds, Marco Island Sunset Cruises, Roseate Spoonbill, Sea Turtles, Tigertail Beach, Walking Marco Island Beaches

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Key Takeaways

Marco Island is a beautiful barrier island known for its stunning beaches and wildlife.
Visitors love the unique sunsets, including the rare ‘green flash’ phenomenon.
The island offers exciting outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and dolphin watching.
Cape Romano’s dome houses provide a quirky landmark worth exploring while visiting Marco Island.
Many visitors describe Marco Island as a unique and magical place that keeps them returning.

What’s unusual about Marco Island? What’s unique about this island that residents and visitors call “Paradise Island”? What makes it so special that once you arrive in Paradise you don’t want to leave?

Marco Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off Southwest Florida. It is linked to the mainland by two bridges south of the city of Naples. It’s home to resort hotels, beaches, marinas and golf courses, as well as a network of inland waterways.

Marco Island Beaches

The island has two beaches. Each is unique in its own way, connected into a 6 mile strip of white sand. The south end of the beach is appropriately called South Beach, also commonly called Crescent Beach. It is lined with resort hotels. This beach also has water sporting venues for boating, jet skiing, parasailing, and boat tours. In contrast, the north end of the beach is Tigertail Beach with a tidal lagoon. It is especially popular for kayaking and paddle boarding. Tigertail is also very popular for its shorebirds and shelling.

Marco Island Sunsets

Marco Island’s sunsets are famous for their unique colors and brilliance. Many of the island’s restaurants are located with views of the Gulf waters or on inlets. This allows diners to have a delicious meal of fresh seafood while viewing a beautiful sunset. Many of the island’s guest accommodations also have fantastic views of the sunsets. A favorite among both locals and island visitors is being right on the beach to see the best sunset. Around the sunset hour, the beach gets very active with beach goers. Bring a camera to capture that perfect sunset picture!

A Green Flash?

Especially unique about the Marco Island sunset is the “green flash” that you can occasionally see. The Green Flash is a real, if rare, phenomenon that looks just like its name. It is a fleeting burst of vivid green above the upper rim of the sun just as it disappears into the horizon. Some Green Flashes are bigger than others. Some are more noticeable than others. But all of them give you the feeling you’ve witnessed something magical. If you go to the beach for a sunset, you will always hear mention of the “green flash”. It is real, but not often seen!

Marco Island Wildlife

And what about the unique wildlife that inhabits Marco Island? May-September is loggerhead turtle nesting season on the island. Beach combers will see yellow roped off areas where the turtles have laid eggs. If you are really lucky, you may get to see a nest hatch. My husband and I witnessed this several years ago and it is just a “magical” experience.

Marco Island’s Tigertail Beach is also located on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The island is home to many unique birds including the blue heron, white egret, osprey, black skimmer, ibis, eagle, pelican, and roseate spoonbill. What fun it is to watch these birds in action! They either wade by the shoreline or fly high above the waters, diving to catch their food.

Roseate Spoonbills are a Favorite on Marco Island

Many tours around the island offer opportunities for guests to see dolphins, manatee, and sea turtles up close and personal. What a thrill to be boating or jet skiing with a mother dolphin and her calf playing in your wake!

Fishing in Marco Island

Backwater fishing gives you the chance to fish for Florida’s most popular game-fish among the mangroves of the 10,000 islands. Backwater fishing offers calm waters, beautiful scenery and little travel. Most popular catches are Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout, Tarpon, Pompano, Snapper, Jack Crevalle, and Ladyfish.

Offshore fishing ventures into the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing the wrecks and reefs off of the coast of Marco Island and Naples is a very popular sport. Catches like Tarpon, Red and Black Grouper, King Mackerel, Shark, Snapper, Goliath Grouper, Permit, Cobia, Barracuda and Tripletail make for an awesome adventure.

Restaurants that Prepare The Fish You Catch?

Are you ready to book a deep sea fishing excursion and bring your catch of the day to one of the island restaurants? Many island restaurants offer the service of cooking up your catch of the day!

And what about the unique fish in the Gulf waters around Marco Island? Many island visitors like to book a deep fishing trip to get that “catch” of a lifetime. Many of these catches may look a bit “unusual”!

Cape Romano Dome Houses

And speaking of what’s unusual about Marco Island. How about the dome houses at Cape Romano? These “unique” structures look like something out of the Twilight Zone. However, they were actually once upon a time a very modern home to businessman Bob Lee.

The dome houses, built in 1992, were the primary residence of Janet Maple and Lee’s grandson Mike Morgan up until 1993, a year after Hurricane Andrew. This hurricane didn’t do much damage thanks to the home’s unique elevated and rounded structure. In 2005, the house was purchased by John Tosto, just before Hurricane Wilma. Unfortunately, Wilma sadly caused a fair amount of damage to the domes. It also washed away some of the coastline. For unknown reasons, the Tosto’s never actually removed the houses. This left a pretty interesting site for locals and enthusiast visitors to explore. Cape Romano is only accessible by boat now and the domes are fully reclaimed by the sea. However, visiting Cape Romano remains one of the most popular tours off of Marco Island.

Sea Mar Condo, Marco Island, FL — Sea Mar Condo Balcony

A Unique and Magical Island!

What’s unusual about Marco Island? Whatever you consider “unique”, this island will have something to satisfy your cravings. The island is also described by many of it’s visitors as having a “magical” quality about it. In fact, many return year after year because of the island’s unique qualities. I have to admit, that is what happened to us several years ago when we decided to purchase our rental condo, Sea Mar Condo. We would love to share this magical piece of Paradise with you!

Visit our website at www.seamarcondo to see our rates and availability. Our website also provides lots of information about things to see and do in Marco Island.
Let us help you make the most of your Marco Island vacation! https://seamarcondo.com

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