Best Places to Kayak in Marco Island
May 3, 2019 | Paddle Marco
Marco Island has some of the best kayaking and paddling in the world. With its intricate canal system, mangrove tunnels, beautiful bays and white sand beaches… there are many options to choose from. It can be tricky for the public to take advantage of these incredible places. Fortunately, we’ve laid out the top 3 places that are accessible to the general public to enjoy.
Caxambas Park & Marina
At the southern tip of Marco Island where Collier Blvd dead ends, lies a bustling Marina and boat launch. Caxambas Park is the fastest way to get into the 10,000 islands where you can explore beautiful barrier islands and do some world-class shelling. Dolphins are plentiful and in the summer months you can spot manatees. The park itself offers amenities such as boat fuel, live shrimp, tackle, drinks and snacks. There is a shaded picnic area and several docks for fishing. Pelicans, egrets and dolphins can be seen from shore. Locals in the area enjoy walking to the park to watch boaters, jet skiers and kayakers all launch their vessels on the boat ramp. If you have ever been to a boat ramp, especially on a holiday… then you know that this can get hectic and entertaining. The best time to launch is early morning when the park opens at sunrise. Non-motorized vessels such as kayaks and paddleboards cost $4/per vessel and motorized vessels cost $8/boat.
Want to rent a kayak from this park? Just call Paddle Marco. They have the best hourly rates on Marco Island and the nicest equipment. Kayak and paddleboard rentals include life vests, paddles, waterproof bags and a nice laminated map with shelling ID chart. Call (239) 777-5423 Starts at just $35 or go ALL DAY for $50.
• Kayak and Paddleboard rentals are available from Paddle Marco. – View kayaks and rental rates. Reservations Required.
909 Collier Ct, Marco Island, 34145
Gates open 7 AM and close at sunset. Ship store open 7 AM – 5 PM.
Isles of Capri Paddlecraft Park
Head over the SS Jolley bridge towards Naples and make your first left into the Isles of Capri. Don’t go too far! The park is only 200 FT down on your right – literally on the corner of Collier Blvd and Capri Blvd (county road 952). This park was built in 2012 just for kayakers and paddleboarders! Motorized vessels and boaters are not allowed to launch from this park. The park has limited amenities, but does have shaded picnic table areas, restrooms and a wash rack for your kayaks. Once you launch your kayak here, you’ll be within the Rookery Bay Reserve and paddling in the mangrove tunnels. These trails and tunnels are not marked and it’s very easy to get lost, so it’s wise to book a guided kayak tour with Paddle Marco to learn everything about the routes and nature in the area. There is a $4 launch fee and you pay that at a pay station. Parking is free. We highly recommend taking a guided tour with Paddle Marco so you don’t get lost – and you’ll have an amazing time too!
• Kayak rentals are available from Paddle Marco, Kayak Marco and Up a Creek Kayak Tours
Paddle Marco has the nicest equipment and best customer service in Marco Island and Naples. They also have detailed map of the mangrove tunnel trails included with every rental. Starts at just $35 or go all day for only $50.
• Biologist & Naturalist Guided kayak tours are available from Paddle Marco. – The most humorous and entertaining guides in southwest Florida. Call to book: (239) 777-5423
Reservations are required as these companies truck everything into the park.
1295 Capri Blvd, Naples, FL 34113
Gates open 7 AM and close at sunset. No staff on site.
South Beach
If you drive down Collier Blvd to the intersection of Swallow and Collier blvd, you’ll see a large parking lot. Parking is $8 and you can park your car there from dawn until dusk. Walk across Collier Blvd and head down to the beach on the public walkway. Kayak rentals can be dropped off at the 5 minute parking zone by Paddle Marco and you can carry them down to the beach for a few hours of fun. This area is very crowded on weekends with Miami folks and it often takes 30 minutes to get into the park as parking is limited. Often times, the parking lot becomes full and the guard will turn people away… so get there early if you plan on coming during the holidays or weekends.
If you’re looking to launch your kayak for free and avoid fees, you can also try the Goodland Bridge or SS Jolley Bridge. Just watch out for the currents in those areas as the Marco river produces strong tides. Honorable Mentions: Tigertail Beach & 951 Boat Ramp.
Happy Paddling!