Is Caxambas Park Open yet?

December 9, 2023 | Paddle Marco

Hurricane Ian struck Marco Island back in September of 2022. Damaging winds and storm surge compromised the seawall, fuel pumps, parking lot and docks at the popular Marina. In summer of 2023, the county opted to re-open the park partially to allow private, recreational kayakers and paddleboarders to use it to launch and explore the 10,000 islands. Commercial activity at the park has been banned ever since the hurricane hit in 2022.

So is it possible to still kayak from Caxambas Park?

Kayakers and paddlers have been wondering if it’s possible to still kayak to those beloved sand bars and barrier islands to go shelling… and the answer we tell them is, YES, you can still kayak to those areas. But… there’s a catch. You have to bring the kayak into the park on your own. That means, put it on the roof of your car or throw it into the back of your truck, van or SUV. So what if it sticks out 10 feet, right? Paddle Marco will provide you with the kayak, paddles, waterproof bag, map and ropes to get you on teh water. They’ll help you secure the kayak in or on your car. Once you get into Caxambas park, just unload the kayaks and launch! They do charge parking and $5.00 per kayak/paddleboard to launch. When you’re done, Paddle Marco will arrange to meet you somewhere in town to collect the kayaks and paddle boards.

So when will repairs be complete at Caxambas Park?

Considering that Collier County only just recently asked for bids to repair the park (December of 2023), we estimate it will not be complete until January of 2025. We have no idea why it’s taking so long to fix everything, but one can only assume, because it’s government ran. Once it’s complete, the city of Marco Island and Collier county will convene and vote to do one of 3 things:

1) Open the park to the public, with no commercial activity permitted.
2) Open the park up and allow commercial activity as it has done for decades, keeping local eco-tourism businesses alive.
3) Open the park and bid out different tourism activities (shelling, jet skis, kayaking, fishing and sight-seeing).

How can I contact Paddle Marco to arrange a kayak or SUP rental from Caxambas Park?

Give Paddle Marco a call at 239-777-5423 and they’ll meet you anywhere in Marco Island or Isles of Capri to bring your kayak or paddleboard. Then you can bring it into the park. Paddle Marco has the best equipment on the island and the best kayak rental prices. Paddle Marco also offers kayak tours from the Capri Paddlecraft Park, just 1 mile north of Marco Island. You can book your Marco Island kayak tour with them and enjoy a morning or afternoon in the mangrove tunnels.