Captain's Picks: Things to Do in Marco Island & Naples
Our captains spend 300+ days a year on the water, and we get asked every day: “What else should we do while we’re in town?” Here are the experiences we genuinely recommend to our guests — the tours, sights, and adventures we would send our own families on when visiting Marco Island and Naples.
Sunset & Sightseeing
Sunset Catamaran Sailing Excursion
★ 4.8 · 628 reviews
Sail into a Gulf of Mexico sunset aboard a smooth-riding catamaran. Enjoy panoramic views of Marco Island’s coastline, dolphins playing in the wake, and a front-row seat to some of Florida’s most spectacular sunsets. Perfect for couples and special occasions.
On the Water
Charter Fishing with Native Guides
From $575 · 4-8 hours · ★ 5.0
Skip the middleman — book directly with us! Backwater, offshore, and family combo charters throughout the 10,000 Islands with USCG-licensed captains who fish these waters 300+ days a year. 1,450+ five-star reviews.
On the Water
Easy Ride Pedal Kayak Tour Marco Island & Naples
★ 5.0 · 1,091 reviews
Glide through the mangrove ecosystems of Marco Island and Naples on a modern pedal-powered kayak — keeping your hands free for photos, wildlife spotting, and actually enjoying the ride. Beginner-friendly and surprisingly peaceful. Family-approved.
Family-Friendly
Family Beach Photography with Jillian Lee Photo
Capture your Marco Island vacation with a professional beach photo session by Jillian Lee — a Naples native with 17+ years of experience. Featured in Vogue Italia and trusted by local families for timeless portraits you’ll treasure forever.
On the Water
Backwater CraigCat Tour of the 10,000 Islands
★ 4.9 · 932 reviews
Drive your own CraigCat — a nimble two-person powerboat — through narrow mangrove tunnels and hidden backwater channels of the 10,000 Islands. A one-of-a-kind self-guided adventure you won’t find anywhere else in Florida. No boating experience needed.
Family-Friendly
Family-Friendly Fishing & Eco Tours
From $475 · 3 hours · ★ 5.0
Mix fishing with sightseeing or shelling on our family-friendly combo charters. Spot dolphins, manatees, and exotic birds throughout the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge while the kids reel in their first fish. Flexible — no pressure, all fun.
Wildlife & Nature
Corey Billie's Airboat Rides
Skim across the grasslands of the Everglades on a traditional Florida airboat with Corey Billie’s — a local, family-run operation with deep roots in Southwest Florida. Look for alligators, wading birds, and wild Florida scenery most visitors never see.
Wildlife & Nature
Marco Island Safari Truck Tour
★ 4.9 · 89 reviews
Climb aboard an open-air safari truck for a guided adventure through Southwest Florida’s wild backcountry. Spot alligators, wild boar, and native birdlife while learning about the Everglades ecosystem from knowledgeable local guides. Great for kids and adults alike.
Wildlife & Nature
Marco Island Wildlife Sightseeing & Shelling Tour
★ 5.0 · 1,083 reviews
Cruise the 10,000 Islands with a local captain spotting dolphins, manatees, and exotic birdlife before stopping at a secluded barrier island beach for world-class shelling. A perfect blend of sightseeing and beachcombing that showcases everything magical about Southwest Florida’s wildest waters.
Family-Friendly
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
One of Southwest Florida’s most beloved family attractions. Walk through 43 acres of lush tropical botanical gardens while visiting lions, giraffes, zebras, alligators, and more. Perfect rainy-day or beat-the-heat activity the kids will talk about for years.
ON THE WATER
Jet Ski Tour Through the Mangroves
★ 5.0 · 297 reviews
Rip through the winding mangrove waterways of the 10,000 Islands on a guided jet ski tour. Experience Southwest Florida from a thrilling new perspective — aerial wildlife sightings, pristine backwaters, and an unforgettable rush.
DINING
Cook Your Catch at Crabby Lady
Waterfront Dining · Goodland, FL
After your charter, bring your fresh catch to Crabby Lady — the beloved Goodland waterfront restaurant that will clean, season, and cook your fish exactly how you like it. A true Old Florida experience with stunning sunset views.
On The Water
Parasail Adventure
★ 4.5 · 152 reviews
Take flight hundreds of feet above the Gulf of Mexico and experience Naples from a perspective most people never see. From the air, you’ll take in panoramic views of Vanderbilt Beach, turquoise waters, and the stunning Southwest Florida coastline.
Family-Friendly
E-Bike Rentals
E-bikes make seeing Marco Island an easy and enjoyable experience. Glide along scenic waterfront paths, visit local shops, and explore hidden corners of the island — all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors.
On The Water
Tiki Boat Shelling, Beach, and Fun Adventure (Sunsets Too!!)
★ 4.9 · 888 reviews
Completely flexible private tour — we can see the amazing homes of Port Royal or head back into the mangroves and experience nature, dolphins, birds, and all the wildlife this private area has to offer.
On The Water
2 Hour Tubing
Whether you’re an expert, a novice, or it’s been years since your last time on skis, we’ll provide everything you need to have a great time on the water with your friends and family.
Family-Friendly
Moke Rental
From British classic to Caribbean icon, Moke has become a symbol of fun in the sun. The electric, street-legal, open-air low-speed vehicle with style.
Family-Friendly
6 Passenger Golf Cart Rentals
★ 4.8 · 247 reviews
Enjoy the open air, easy parking, and a smooth ride in one of our golf carts. Cruise around the “Rock” Island Style in one of our street-legal golf carts. Easily buzz off to the beach, stores, and restaurants.
Planning Your Marco Island Trip? Don't Miss the Main Event.
These experiences are the cherries on top — but the main event when you visit Marco Island should be a day on the water with us. Backwater, offshore, or family combos — all delivered by USCG-licensed captains with 1,450+ five-star reviews.
Disclosure: Native Guided Fishing may earn a small commission when you book through some of the links above, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences our captains and guests have personally enjoyed.