Top Ten Adventure Activities in Naples and Marco Island Florida

Taking a trip to Southwest Florida sometime soon? If so, you’ll want to plan out some of your activities before you leave. For example, booking a tour can be done beforehand on websites like Trip Advisor or you may want to reserve a motor boat at Naples Bay Club before you hop on the plane. A little pre-trip planning can help you secure activities that are popular and get booked up several days in advance. Here are my Top Ten Adventure Activities to do in Naples, FL.

1. Kayaking: This is a great low budget yet highly-enjoyable activity for the athletic types. I recommend going early in the morning or after 5pm when it is cooler and the birds and dolphin are feeding. It can be an exciting. Some people even fish from their kayaks for the local favorite fish called Snook. On Marco Island you can rent kayaks at Tigertail Beach and in Naples try Delnor-Wiggins State Park.
2. Wave Running: My favorite place to go wave running is off Marco Island’s Caxambas Park . We’ve rented from Full Throttle as they have fast skis and you can go anywhere you want during the allotted time. Full Throttle will meet you at the parking in Caxambas Park and unload the jet skis for you into the water. Explore through the mangroves and into the Gulf Of Mexico. Ride to Marco Beach and park the ski on the beach while you get lunch at the Marriott. Check out Cape Romano if you have a map as it will take a little navigating to find. Excellent activity for 2 to 3 hours.
3. Boating: When you rent a boat, consider the types of activities you’ll want to do from the boat. if you are going fishing then consider renting a center consul boat. If you have a family with kids and/or elderly folks then consider one of the popular pontoon boats. They are very comfortable for cruising, eating and drinking. It is also very easy to get in and out of the water for swimming. There are so many options for rental so pick the place that is in the best location for you. Here are a few I’ve rented at: Isle of Capri Marina, Naples Bay Marina (my favorite) and Rose Marina in Marco Island.
4. Naples Botanical Gardens: For those of you that like horticulture then you will really enjoy spending time at the Botanical Gardens in the Bay Shore neighborhood of Naples. There is also a cafe and gift shop that has unique gifts and plants for sale. 
5. Everglades Tours: The Everglades has much to offer including airboat tours, wildlife tours and museums. 
6. Fishing: There are numerous independent captains that run daily fishing charters. See this Trip Advisor resource to find one that fits your interest.
7. Sunbathing: There are so many beaches to choose from in Naples and Marco Island. Starting from the North Naples area check out Vanderbilt Beach, I like the parking garage access and Ritz Carlton’s Gumbo Limbo beach bar restaurant for a snack and drinks. Moving south to Lowdermilk Park with volleyball courts, bathrooms and cafe. Further south is the 12th Street Pier beach near downtown Naples,  5th Ave and 3rd Street restaurants and shopping. For more privacy drive 
8. Standup Paddle Boarding: If you have your own paddle board then you can launch from any beach. If you want to rent a paddle board in Naples check out Vanderbilt Beach and if you want to rent in Marco Island I recommend going to Tigertail Beach. Tigertail is calmer than the Gulf of Mexico due to it being an inlet and bird sanctuary. Also Tigertail Beach has a sightseeing tower and they rent chairs with shade options.
9. Marco Island Shelling: Grab your bucket and shovel and pick up some shells for your arts and crafts or just for placing on your shelves as a memorabilia. Try going early in the morning or low tide and access the beach at South Beach public entrance or pay to go to Tigertail Beach and walk along the entire Tigertail Beach area. 
10. Rookery Bay Estuary Lectures: The lecture and class series at the estuary is a great option for to learn about bird migrations, nature photography and conservation topics. In addition they have great lunch and learn events that are great for socializing and meeting like minded people.