As a paradisical tropical island along Florida's Gulf Coast, Marco Island checks all the boxes for a cool summer vacation destination. However, along with those cool characteristics also comes considerable heat in the summer months. With summer temperatures reaching 90°F and above, you'll definitely need a few cooling activities to beat the heat on Marco Island from June through August.
Not to worry though, as we have a few great tips for keeping cool in the summer sun on this island paradise. Here's how you can stay cool during your summer vacation on Marco Island.
Head To The Beach
Seeing as it's an island and all, the first tactic for escaping the summer heat is to head for the nearest public access beach. There are two beaches available for public access on Marco Island, Tigertail and South Marco Beach.
Probably the most well-know beach on Marco Island, Tigertail Beach is actually split in two. The actual "Tigertail" beach section is along a swimmer-friendly lagoon. The other side, Sand Dollar Island, is a more conventional beach that opens up to the actual Gulf Coast waters. Either side offers up wonderful, cooling relief from the summer sun.
The other public beach, South Marco Beach, is (unsurprisingly) located at the south end of Marco Island. Although it's not quite as active as Tigertail, South Marco Beach brings a more relaxed vibe with its less crowded scene and calmer waters for swimming. One could go so far as calling it a chill spot to cool off and beat the summer heat.
Take A Day Trip To Keewaydin Island
Just a short boat ride away from Marco Island is Keewaydin Island. Just as with the aforementioned Tigertail and South Marco Beaches, the beaches on the small Keewaydin Island are for public use. Keewaydin also features the only beach in the area that's pet-friendly; so you can bring your furry friend along for some refreshing swims!
As it's a separate island from Marco Island, Keewaydin is only accessible by boat. You can either rent a boat on your own to get there, or you can take the Hemingway Water Shuttle that makes seven trips throughout the day to and from the island. The shuttle is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your pet aboard so long as they stay on a leash.
Embark On A Boating Or Shelling Tour
If you want to include a little extra adventure on your mission to stay cool in the Marco Island summer sun, then you should definitely take one of the many boating and shelling tours available. Although tours vary by length and time of day, pretty much all of them will take you deeper into Florida's Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Here you'll not only discover even more pristine white sandy beaches, but you also have the chance to view plenty of exotic wildlife such as dolphins, river otters and over 200 species of birds.
For a quick reference to great local boating and shelling tours on Marco Island, head over to our Area Tours page.
Relax In Comfort At Your Vacation Home
Who says you need to leave your (vacation) house to have a great time? Sometimes the perfect summer day just comes from relaxing in air-conditioned comfort at a nice house with a great view. Our luxurious rental homes on Marco Island offer all that and more for your summer vacation needs. In addition to the comfy indoor amenities, you can choose a waterfront home with close beach access, a home with a private pool, and/or a home with a great shaded patio to kick back and relax on.
Click the link below to book your summer stay on Marco Island, and be sure to also check out our Marco Island Activities page for more great things to do on Marco Island this summer!