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Writer's pictureIlan Rakhmanov

The Best Beaches on Marco Island

Marco Island beaches have won many prestigious awards and have climbed to the top of several “best of” lists. On a coast where beaches abound, that’s saying a lot. It’s easy to find a beach that is just your style, and Marco Island checks many boxes.


An abundance of warm weather year round, Marco Island features two public beaches, several private beaches for resort guests, and lots of offshore beaches on other islands. Not to mention all of the amazing beaches around nearby Naples.


South Marco Beach


Of the two public beaches on Marco Island (the other is Tigertail Beach), this may well be the more popular of the two. You will find many a beach chair and umbrella lining the shoreline at South Beach. There are mainly two reasons for this: number one, South Beach is a more traditional beach with crystal clear water, and number two, it is close to several stunning luxury hotels on South Collier Blvd.


Life jackets are available for playing in the water, and the opportunity for other watersports are plenty. Jet-ski, paddleboard, and kayak rentals are available at South Beach. Paid parking is plentiful and there are several lots in direct vicinity of beach access. It costs $8 to park.


Tigertail Beach

Tigertail Beach Marco Island South Seas West South Seas Club
Tigertail Beach Marco Island

Located on Hernando Drive, Tigertail is the granddaddy of Marco Island Beaches. Parking is a mere $8 and is abundant. It is a bargain, as the beach itself is free and the amenities are wonderful. Nicely maintained boardwalks lead down to the beach itself, and from there you can walk several trails. Bird lovers will have a field day here, as this beach is considered one of the best birdwatching locations in all of Florida. After all, it is a stop on the Bird Migration Trail, where nesting shorebirds enjoy the habitat.


Tigertail Beach is perfect for watersports. The water is flat and calm, making this a prime spot for exploring by kayak. These same calm waters mean it’s also great for families. The beach also provides life jackets to borrow for free so the kiddos can keep safe while paddling. Make it a beach day, as there’s so much for everyone in your family to do, including a large playground for the kids. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are also available for rent.


With our beautiful Marco Island luxury beachfront condo at the south seas west, you can get private access to the famous Marco Island Tigertail Beach.


Sand Dollar Island


One of the many things to do at Tigertail is to explore the tidal lagoon. Wildlife abounds here, including many species of birds, fish, and the Florida fighting conchs! The tidal lagoon joins Tigertail Beach to Big Marco Critical Wildlife Area and is known as Sand Dollar Spit. It is a top destination spot for shelling – one of the best places for this popular activity in Florida. Dare we say the world!


Pros and Cons of Tigertail vs. South Beach

Tigertail Beach Marco Island Nature, Beachfront condo rental, south seas west, south seas club, tigertail beach access, tigertail park
Tigertail Beach Marco Island Nature

Each has its good and bad characteristics, but for a prettier beach with large stretches of white sand and an expanse of beach water, South Beach takes the cake. If however, you crave more of an isolated beach feel where wildlife abounds and activities other than just lounging and swimming, Tigertail Beach is for you.


Other Marco Island Beaches

Hideaway Beach is a private beach that is only accessible by being a member or being invited by a member. Considered one of the nicer beaches on the island, locals love it as there are very few tourists here. There is a restaurant onsite serving delicious fare such as fish tacos and sweet potato fries.


Keewaydin Island is an amazing barrier island off the coast of Marco Island with some pristine beaches. Accessible only by watercraft, boat rentals and tours are available at Rose Marina on Marco Island if you want to access Keewaydin. This island is known for its party reputation, where young locals love to hang. But if this isn’t your scene, there are many other options.


Residents’ Beach is in the middle of Collier Blvd in between Tigertail and South Beach. It is a members’ only beach. If you want to become a member, simply rent a Marco Island apartment, vacation home, or condo for one month. If you are already a member and would like friends or family to join you at this beach, complete the Marco Island Civic Association form. You will have access to “the most beautiful beach in the world,” dining at the Paradise Grill, convenient parking, restrooms and showers, picnic areas with charcoal grills, a playground for the kids, and wheelchair accessibility.



Can't wait to book a beachfront condo by Tigertail beach? Check out our stunning & luxurious Marco Island Beach Condo.

Call To Book: (239) 205-8648


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