You came to plan a Marco Island beach day without captaining a boat—here’s the playbook. From Rose Marina’s dock to Keewaydin’s wild sand, you’ll ride the Hemingway Water Shuttle, know what to pack, and walk away with simple etiquette that keeps this place pristine. Rose Marina is the island’s boating gateway and home of the shuttle; the run to Keewaydin is a relaxed 30–40 minutes with multiple departures and returns daily.

Reviewer Tip: Screenshot your booking confirmation and arrive a bit early for check‑in at the shuttle booth inside Rose Marina; the crew will direct you to the boat.

Before You Go: Plan a Marco Island beach day in 5 minutes

Pack light: reef‑safe sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, a soft cooler, towels, and a trash bag. Food boats aren’t guaranteed, so plan self‑sufficiency.

Before you pack, check our Tides & sunsets guide to time your shelling and golden hour, and scan the Marco Island beaches guide for broader beach options.
Flying in soon? Lock in logistics with Airports & getting here, then browse stays in our Lodging guide.

On‑Island Vibes & Nearby Bites

Keewaydin sits in the Rookery Bay Reserve; you’re sharing the beach with shorebirds and seasonal sea turtle nests—keep off dunes and heed posted signs. Leashed dogs are allowed on Keewaydin and it’s the region’s only dog‑friendly beach, but note the shuttle itself does not carry pets.

There are no facilities; bring what you need and pack out everything. When hunger hits after your return, refuel from our local Dining guide near the marina.

Reviewer Tip: Accessibility note—Hemingway’s boat uses a wide, extendable ramp and was designed with ADA in mind, but Keewaydin’s soft sand isn’t stroller or wheelchair‑friendly. Consider a beach wagon with wide wheels.

Where You’ll Sleep, Shop & Get Around

Base yourself close to Bald Eagle Drive so the morning launch is easy—browse options in the Lodging guide.

Forgot something? Swing by local outfitters and markets listed in our Shopping guide and Local services (urgent care, marinas, groceries, pharmacies).

No car? Plan a rideshare to Rose Marina, the area’s boating hub and “home of the Hemingway Water Shuttle.”

Your Day on Keewaydin (AM → PM) + Practicalities

AM: Park at Rose Marina (guest parking available for shuttle riders), check in at the booth, and board. Keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees on the run over.

Midday: Land on the sand, set up above the wrack line, leash pups, keep music low, and give wildlife space. If food boats happen to show, great—if not, your cooler has you covered.

Late‑day: Pack out every crumb, smooth over sand pits, and be back at the pickup spot ahead of your reserved return—boats cycle on a repeating cadence throughout the day.

Practicalities: The shuttle departs from Rose Marina at 951 Bald Eagle Drive—Marco’s central gateway to water outings and charters. If weather shifts, the crew may adjust timing; have a flexible plan and check our Things to do or Events calendar for a backup afternoon.

Operator, Gateway & Official Info

Book and check the latest schedule with Hemingway Water Shuttle (departures/returns from Rose Marina; ride time about 30–40 minutes; ADA ramp; no pets on board; on‑site parking).

See official visitor info about Keewaydin, leash rules, and the island’s conservation setting from the Paradise Coast tourism board.

Know your launch point: Rose Marina is the shuttle’s home base and the area’s boating hub.