Craving adventure and freedom on the water? Marco Island offers countless ways to take control of your journey—whether you’re kayaking through mangrove tunnels, slicing across the Gulf on a jet ski, or charting your own path aboard a mini-catamaran. Whether you go solo or with a guide, these excursions are perfect for explorers who want to make memories on their own terms.

Go Your Own Way: Boat Rentals

Want the flexibility to cruise where and when you like? Port 32 Marina has a fleet of boats available for half-day, full-day, or multi-day rentals—from deck boats to center consoles. Whether it’s a laid-back cruise, island-hopping, or a fishing day, there’s a boat for every adventure.

Staying at The Boathouse Motel? You can dock your rental right outside your room—super convenient for spontaneous sea escapes.

Paddle Power: Kayaks & Paddleboards

If peaceful paddling through lush mangroves is more your speed, kayaking is the way to go. The Ten Thousand Islands are rich with wildlife and stunning views. You might see manatees, ospreys, or dolphins right alongside your kayak.

• Marco Island Boat Tours offers a Boat-Assisted Kayak Eco Tour, with a guide-led boat ride into remote areas, then kayaking in calm waters.
• Paddle Marco provides daily 9:00 AM guided tours through mangrove tunnels, led by naturalists. You’ll also get free HD photos from your trip!
• Prefer independence? Paddle Marco and Rookery Bay offer kayak and paddleboard rentals with delivery to homes, condos, and local launch points. Rentals are also available at South Beach (near the JW Marriott).

Don’t miss a paddle trip to Goodland or Isles of Capri. At Capri Fish House, grab lunch and rent kayaks onsite for a post-meal adventure with great dolphin-spotting potential.

Mini Catamarans & Compact Cruising

For a fast, nimble ride, try a two-person mini-catamaran. These small but mighty boats offer thrilling speed and smooth rides through shallow areas and wildlife zones.

• Marco Island Eco Tours runs 2.5-hour guided excursions aboard Craigcat® Tahiti boats from Goodland Boating Park.
• Go Cats on the Water provides custom Go Cat boats—designed to glide over waves, not crash through them, for a dry and exciting ride.

High-Speed Jet Ski Adventures

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Jet ski and WaveRunner tours are a heart-pounding way to explore the coastline and backwaters.

• Avi’s Watersports and Marco Island Watersports offer guided tours and rentals. You’ll zip past mangroves and possibly race alongside dolphins.
• Staying at JW Marriott, Hilton, or Marriott Crystal Shores? Access jet ski rentals right from the beach.
• Not staying at a resort? Use the public boardwalk between Hilton and Crystal Shores to find Marco Island Watersports’ beach hut. Turtle Lot (721 S. Collier Blvd) has public parking, but it fills fast—plan ahead!

Recommended Gear for Water Adventures

Make the most of your self-piloted excursions with these essentials:

• Dry bag for phones, keys, and valuables
• Waterproof phone pouch or action camera like a GoPro
• Cooler with drinks and snacks
• Reef-safe sunscreen and polarized sunglasses
• Water shoes and quick-dry clothing
• Lightweight sun shirt and hat for UV protection
• Bug spray and binoculars for wildlife watching
• Towel and small backpack for storage
• Hair ties or headbands for windy rides

Boating Safety 101

Before you captain your own vessel, take note of Florida’s rules:

• Anyone born after Jan 1, 1988, needs a Boater Safety Card (NASBLA certified).
• Temporary certificates are available online via BoatTests101 or Boat-Ed.
• Want a permanent option? Try the free course at BoatUS Foundation.
• Under 15? Florida law prohibits anyone under that age from operating jet skis—even with certification.

Adventure, Your Way

Whether you’re zipping through mangroves, coasting on a kayak, or flying across the Gulf on a mini-cat or jet ski, Marco Island gives you the keys to your own aquatic adventure. Guided or solo, fast or slow, there’s a perfect way for every explorer to discover the magic of these waters.