About Marco Island

It's all in the attitude and Marco Island has that "Attitude." An easy going, sophisticated, carefree lifestyle surrounded by water, white sandy beaches and fabulous beach resorts. Water sports are high on the list of fun activities. An island paradise located off the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Marco Island is the largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands and is considered a gateway to the Everglades. In the past it was a secluded hideaway for pirates, today it is an secluded getaway for travelers.

Marco Island's Climate and Location

The Gulf water temperatures range from the mid 60's January through March and mid 80's June through September. The average air temperature in Southwest Florida is 77 degrees. Expensive homes, condominiums and resort hotels are located on quiet coves, natural lagoons and the Gulf of Mexico. Beauty, serenity warm breezes and friendly faces are common on Marco Island. Free daily entertainment with dolphin shows, singing birds, pelican parades, translucent sunrises, burning sunsets, water at every turn and perhaps a glimpse of the Florida panther. The area is also home to the only saltwater crocodile in America. Marco Island is Southwest of Alligator Alley, North of the Florida Keys and East of the Gulf of Mexico.

Early Marco Island

Captain William Collier settled his family on the island in 1871. He traded fur with the Native Americans sold his fresh smoked fish to Key West and became a business mogul. For about two dollars a day guest could rent a room in Captain Collier's home. The tourists flocked to his home and in 1896 he built a respectable inn. The turn-of-the-century inn is still standing and is home to a fine restaurant. There are other great buildings of that era tucked between new high rises and condos along the western part of the island. Man-made canals were cut through the island and the real estate development took hold. Forever changing the appearance of the island and also adding diversity at the same time.

Marco Island's Historic Past

Marco Island can be traced back 3,500 years ago to the Calusa Indians who left behind shell mounds. Recycling was paramount to them as they used clamshells, fish bones and other discarded materials for the mounds, which have survived natural disasters and the influx of modernization. The mounds are the highest area in Collier County. Preserving the historic past and educating future generations these mounds stand as an ecological preservation. The island was a secluded hideaway for pirates and a great land for famous explorers.

Marco Island Wildlife

More than 200 species of birds, including the American Bald Eagle call this treasure their home. It also provides habitat for loggerhead turtles, dolphins and the endangered West Indian Manatee. The manatee's name comes from Greek mythology, where they were known as sea-nymphs or legendary mermaids. The manatee has survived for thousands of years but now with the invasion of their habitat the future is uncertain for these solitary creatures of peace adrift in dangerous waters.

The close proximity to the Everglades adds an enchanting illusion to this tropical paradise. The water and the beaches display a charismatic charm, dangling off the edge of the busy mainland. The curvy western shore of Marco Island is a white sugar sand beach stretching for 3 1/2 miles. Power boats, fishing vessels, high-speed catamarans, sailboats, pleasure boats and cruise boats weave around the island, taking on the appearance of an interstate highway. Canoes, kayaks and personal watercraft vehicles explore the canals and waterways. Diving is a burgeoning sport in the area along with para sailing and windsurfing.