One of the best things about Naples is how much water surrounds it. The Gulf is right there to the west, Naples Bay opens up to the south, and from there a network of channels, mangrove islands, and protected waterways stretches all the way down to Marco Island and the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands.
The drive from Naples to Marco Island takes about 30 minutes by car. By boat, the trip is closer to 90 minutes following the Intracoastal Waterway, and the difference in experience is hard to overstate. The route by water passes through some of the most beautiful and undeveloped coastline in southwest Florida, with stops along the way that you simply cannot access from a road.
This is one of our favorite day trips to plan for guests chartering out of Naples.
The Route
The trip starts in Naples Bay, heading south past the waterfront homes of Aqualane Shores and out through Gordon Pass. From there, the Intracoastal Waterway runs south between the mainland and the backside of Keewaydin Island, a narrow corridor lined with mangroves and channel markers.
This stretch of water feels surprisingly remote considering how close you are to two developed cities. Once you clear Gordon Pass, development drops away and the landscape opens up into tidal creeks, mangrove shoreline, and protected estuary. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve covers over 110,000 acres along this corridor, and the wildlife reflects it. Dolphins are common in the channels. Ospreys nest on top of channel markers. Herons and egrets stand along the mangrove edges. Manatees frequent the area too, especially in the designated slow-speed zones that are posted along the route.
As you continue south past Rookery Bay and the Isles of Capri, the waterway opens into the Marco River, which leads into Marco Island's network of canals, marinas, and waterfront neighborhoods.
Where to Stop Along the Way
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Keewaydin Island is the most popular mid-route stop and for good reason. This eight-mile barrier island sits between Naples and Marco Island and is only accessible by boat. The southern tip, sometimes called Party Beach, tends to be lively on weekends with boats anchored along the shore and food concession boats selling drinks, hot dogs, and ice cream. The northern stretches of the island are much quieter, with long empty beaches, excellent shelling, and clear Gulf water for swimming. We typically anchor on the inside (bay side) of the island, where the water is calmer and shallower, and guests can wade to the beach.
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Rookery Bay is worth slowing down for even if you don't stop. The mangrove channels through this area are home to an incredible variety of birds, especially during the cooler months when migratory species pass through. If your group is interested in nature and wildlife, your captain can cruise through some of the quieter creeks in the reserve for a closer look.
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Cape Romano sits just south of Marco Island and is known for the unusual dome houses that were built on the shoreline decades ago and have since been partially reclaimed by the Gulf. The structures make for a memorable photo stop, and the beach nearby is a good spot for shelling and swimming.
What to Do on Marco Island
Once you reach Marco Island, there are a few good options depending on what your group is in the mood for.
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Waterfront dining is one of the main draws. The Snook Inn on the Marco River is a well-known stop for boaters, with dock space and a casual outdoor setting right on the water. The current at the dock can be strong depending on the tide, so your captain will handle the approach. On the Isles of Capri, just north of Marco, Capri Fish House and Pelican Bend are smaller, quieter options with easy docking and good food.
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Tigertail Beach on the northwest side of Marco Island is one of the area's best beaches. Soft white sand, calm water, and a lagoon area that is popular with wading birds and families with small children. It is accessible from the water with a short walk from the beach.
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The Ten Thousand Islands begin just south of Marco Island and extend into the Everglades. If your charter has the time, even a short cruise into the northern edge of this area gives you a glimpse of one of the most remote and pristine coastal ecosystems in Florida. Mangrove islands stretch in every direction, and the fishing for snook, redfish, and tarpon in these backwaters is some of the best in the state.
What to Bring
This is a full-day outing, so pack accordingly. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks or lunch (unless you plan to eat at a waterfront restaurant on Marco), towels, and a hat. If you want to spend time on Keewaydin Island, a beach chair or towel to sit on is nice to have. Snorkel gear is worth bringing if conditions are clear, especially around the southern tip of Keewaydin.
There are no stores or facilities on Keewaydin Island, so bring everything you need with you and take everything back to the boat when you leave.
Make The Trip with SeaEO
We run this route regularly out of our Naples location, and our captains know the channels, the tides, and the best stops along the way. A six-hour charter gives you comfortable time to cruise to Marco Island, make a stop or two on the way, eat lunch on the water, and get back to Naples without rushing. An eight-hour charter opens up the option to explore Cape Romano or dip into the northern Ten Thousand Islands.
Our boat, the Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin, is built for exactly this kind of day. The shallow draft lets us get into the tight spots along Keewaydin and the mangrove creeks. The enclosed cabin gives your group a place to cool off or get out of the sun between stops. And the sunbeds, bathroom, and Bluetooth sound system mean everyone stays comfortable for the full trip.
You can check availability and book your Naples charter at sea-eo.com.