The largest of the mangrove islands of southwest Florida's coast, Marco Island is a world-class resort destination. Surrounded by miles of pristine islands, bays, and the Gulf of Mexico, the spectacular sunsets underline beautiful days on the water where it is not uncommon to see gopher and sea turtles and Southern bald eagles perching. Some refer to it as magical or mystical—and it’s definitely alluring!
Lush tropical foliage is home to 200 species of birds, creating an exciting bird-watching experience. In fact, herons may fly over your Marco Island real estate. A cornucopia of high-rise and high-end condos and investment properties on Marco Island, especially on the Western coast, offer views of sandpipers, gulls and osprey and spectacular views of the waters and the mainland. Some of the most glorious homes on Marco Island may find a visiting egret in the pond. No matter the price range, unparalleled beauty is all around. Single-family homes on Marco Island line the canals, many rented out to tourists. Look inland for Marco Island homes for sale at affordable prices, even as far as Collier County real estate goes.
Developed in the 1960s by the Mackle family, its Deltona Corporation gained national attention for the success of the project. Only recently incorporated in 1998, the town now contains 24 square miles of some of the finest real estate in the nation. In winter, an additional 20,000 people join the 17,000 year round residents.
And what is everyone doing? Venturing to the gorgeous South Marco Beach, hunting for sand dollars on Tigertail Beach (which is within view of Dollar Island), or maybe playing at a barrier island at Barefoot Beach or the popular Keewaydin Island. There’s Clam Pass coastal dunes and boardwalk and Vanderbilt Beach a tropical coastal hammock with native wildlife. Some simply laze around the pool at home. And many head out to golf at Hideaway Beach, the Island Country Club, Marco Shores Public Golf Course, or take one of two bridges to the mainland and golf in East Naples.
For the really adventurous, the abundant wildlife, including burrowing owls, frolicking dolphins and manatees, can be explored by land, boat or air. And superb fishing waits! Midst some of the world’s best game fishing waters, successful angling between two artificial reefs will bring home Tarpon, Snook, grouper, kingfish, Mackerel, Red fish, Sheepshead, and Pompano. The azure waters of the Gulf invite boaters to spend endless hours in the sun, whether to fish or just relax!
Of course, water sports provide much fun in the sun. Lots of social activities and relaxing are generated from boating, boat racing, water skiing, fishing, rafting, swimming and surfing.
And when everyone is tuckered out, it’s time for an elegant night out or a casual dinner on the beach where fresh seafood, steaks, cultural and ethnic food satisfy your yen for something great.
When the relatives come visiting, take them north to the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and its Briggs Memorial Nature Center. To the south lies the sprawling 10,000 Islands with over 70 coastal miles of fly-fishing heaven, inhabited only by the tiny fishing villages of Goodland, Everglades City, Chokoloskee, and Flamingo. Collier-Seminole State Park, the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, Big Cypress National Preserve and the 5000 square mile Everglades National Park ensure continued protection against coastal development.
The Calusa Indians inhabited the island over 5,000 years ago. In 1870, there was a Marco Village here. Take a tour of the town and see the marker of the 1880 Captain William D. Collier home site. A ferry landing ran from 1912 through 1938. There’s the Frank Cushing Archaeological Site where the Marco Cat was found, There’s a railroad turn-a-round, the site of the Burnham Clam Factory (1904-1929), a Calusa Indian burial mound and remnants of a pineapple plantation from the early 1900s.
The layers of history radiate like a special oil painting, giving pause to the timelessness of beauty and life. Retreat here to enjoy it.
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