Marco Island Florida Beaches

What's the joy of an island without beaches? Marco Island in southwest Florida has some wonderful beaches with beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Afterall, it's Marco beaches that make magic. The island - the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands - features a magnificent shoreline that stretches from Tigertail to South Beach. Enjoy miles of clean, uncrowded beaches of white sand and famous Marco sunsets. Marco Island Beaches are world famous - one visit here and you will understand why.

Marco Island's cresent 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.

The are three primary beach access points - besides the beachfront resorts and condos. They are

• Tigertail Beach
• Residents' Beach
• South Marco Beach

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 birdviewing, 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.

Residents' Beach

Collier Blvd. opposite San Marco Road
This beach is for Residents' Beach members only

South Marco Beach Public parking is on Swallow Ave. Parking for residents is on the corner of Swallow Ave. and S. Collier Blvd. Residents displaying a permit are free. Visitors pay a small fee. Has public restrooms and a telephone booth.