Marco Island's crescent shaped beach extends the entire length of the western side of the island - which happens to overlook the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The "Marco Flash" is the flash of deep blue or green light occurs very seldom but always just after the sets into the Gulf.

Marco Island Beaches are patroled and are not available for overnight camping. Unless you staying at a beachfront resort or condo, you are not permitted to enter Marco Island Beaches after 10:00pm. Marco Island, and the rest of the 10,000 islands 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 Beaches. Several of the island's birds and turtles are on the endangered species list and fines are imposed for violators. Due to the island's important and fragile eco-system pets are not allowed on any of Marco Island Beaches.

There are three primary beach access points:

Tigertail Beach – Public

Tigertail provides the best and easiest beach access on the island. It is the best beach facility on the island and is one of the most popular beaches in Collier County and is listed as a birding site by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission on the organization's South Florida Birding Trail pamphlet.

• Open 8 AM until Sunset Daily
• Parking $8.00 - Visitors and Non Residents can purchase an annual beach parking permit for $50 - the permit will cover 12 months from the time of purchase. Annual parking permit is available for purchase on Marco Island at Caxambas Park (239-642-0004)
• Showers and Restrooms
• Concession Stand for Food and Beverages
• Rental Stand for Variety of Water Sport Toys, Umbrellas, Chairs, etc.
• Butterfly Garden
• Children's Play Area
• Volleyball Nets/Courts
• Barbeque areas with picnic tables
• Handicapped Acessible
• Entrance Located at the Intersection of Spinnaker Dr. and Hernando Dr.

Residents Beach - Main

• Open 8 AM until Sunset Daily
• Resident Permit Required for Entry
• Showers and Restrooms
• Variety of Vending Machines
• Picnic Area with Chickee Huts and Tables
• Several Chickee Huts and Benches on Beach
• Children's Play Area
• Entrance Located at the Intersection of Collier Blvd. and San Marco Road

Residents Beach - South

-- also Public Parking Lot and Access located on Swallow Avenue and is a short walk across South Collier Boulevard to a one-acre beach access. The walk is lined with sabal palm and is surrounded by plush hotels on Marco Island.

• Open 8 AM until Sunset Daily
• Resident Parking Permit Required for Resident Parking Lot
• Adjacent Lot for Public Parking
• No Facilities
• Walkway Access from Collier Boulevard North of Cape Marco

Collier County Racquet Center

1275 Marco Drive, Marco Island
Phone: 394-5454
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 10 pm
Friday, 8 am - 8 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 8 am - 6 pm

Facilities include: 4 lighted tennis courts, 2 clay courts, (2 lighted), 2 indoor racquetball/handball courts and pro shop.
 

Frank E Mackle, Jr. Community Park

1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island
Phone: 642-0575
Hours: Monday - Sunday 8 am - 10 pm

Facilities include: Community center, covered basketball courts, volleyball courts, shuffleboard courts, tot lot, exercise/jogging trail, open play area and picnic area around lake.
 

Caxambas Park

S. Collier Blvd.

Facilities include: Play area, picnic area, concessions, two lane boat ramp, bait, fuel, docking.
 

Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve

PO Box 548
Copeland, FL 34137
TELEPHONE 239-695-4593

Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve is located north of Everglades City and lies adjacent to the western border of the Big Cypress National Preserve. It is owned by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The Strand’s 74,000 acres are part of the main drainage slough of the Big Cypress Swamp. A 2,000-foot-long boardwalk at Big Cypress Bend, accessible via the US 41 (Tamiami Trail), winds through old growth cypress swampland. Trails on old logging tramroads, remaining from past lumbering operations in the early 1900’s, also provide access to the preserve.

A 2,000-foot-long boardwalk winds through virgin cypress enabling visitors to experience the beauty of this unusual swamp. Activities include wildlife viewing and guided canoe trips.

• Open from 8 am to sundown 365 days a year.
• No pets allowed.
• Firearms and intoxicants are prohibited.
• Facilities are limited.