Marco Island Real Estate

Marco Island is a barrier island located to the southwest of Naples in Collier Country. It is the largest and most developed of the Ten Thousand Barrier Islands located along the coast of Southwest Florida. Marco Island is known for its white sandy Gulf of Mexico beaches which are lined with condo developments, resorts and luxurious homes. About 17,000 residents make their permanent home on this tropical island. Read more about Marco Island real estate. 

Marco Island Condos And Homes For Sale

More About Marco Island Real Estate

Marco Island Location

Located on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico and 20 miles south of Naples in Collier County, Marco Island is the largest barrier island of the famed Ten Thousand Islands. Not surprisingly, for a year-round beach and boating resort area, approximately 47% of Marco's 24 square miles is water. The six miles of Marco Island beaches are among the broadest expanse of white, sugary sand, punctuated by private areas for residents and offshore island beaches such as Keewaydin Island.

Marco Island Recreation

With more than 100 miles of waterways, Marco Island is a boater’s paradise. The island houses several working marinas as well as the Marco Island Yacht Club. Keewaydin Island is a popular destination for locals and widely recognized as one of the best boating beaches in the area. Reachable only by water, the beach is actually a nature preserve with no bridges, cars, or roads, and provides a sun-drenched sanctuary. Exploring Marco’s network of estuaries via canoe or kayak makes it easy to get up close to the manatees, sea otters and other marine creatures native to the area. Fishing is also plentiful with options ranging from casting off the iconic Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge as well as beaching a boat on a mangrove to hook tarpon and snook. Tucked away within the lakes and wetlands are both private and public golf courses that combine love of the green with scenic wildlife and a “nature park” feel.

Beyond its sun-drenched beaches, Marco also offers upscale shopping and a variety of restaurants that specialize in al fresco dining and refreshing libations. Despite its allure, Marco has been able to preserve its secluded, island vibe with limited traffic and a casual atmosphere.

Marco Island History

Long before the tourists arrived, Marco Island was the domain of the Calusa Indians, dating as far back as 500 C.E. When Columbus famously arrived to explore the new world, the Calusa had long been active along the lower Gulf coast. The Calusa were meticulous woodworkers who carved beams and planks for their homes and docks as well as the hollowed-out canoes they used to fish and hunt. In the 1890s, anthropologists discovered the Key Marco Cat — a carved wooden artifact from the Calusas now on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Despite the Calusa influence, it was the Spanish explorers who helped name the island calling it “La Isla de San Marcos” after Gospel writer St. Mark.

Modern day development began in the late 1800s with the arrival of William Thomas Collier and his family. Collier’s second son, Captain Bill, proved to be one of the island’s most famous entrepreneurs in opening the Olde Marco Inn which endures to this day. Ferry service began on the island in 1912, which operated between Marco Island and the Isles of Capri.

Another famous Collier (no relation) and influential figure in Florida history, Barron G. Collier, purchased a large amount of land on Marco Island in the early 1920s, incorporating the island as Collier City in 1927. The Mackle brothers of Deltona Corporation helped transform the sleepy resort island into the tourist destination it is today. The brothers purchased large amounts of land for $7 million from Collier’s heirs in the 1960s. The Mackles’ vision called for a complete range of resort and leisure living with resort-style homes, hotels, a golf course, public parks and even land for medical facilities. A brilliant ad campaign brought inquiries from around the world.

The flood of interest and increase in population helped drive the construction and opening of the S.S. Jolley Bridge in 1969, making access to the island all that more convenient. Today Marco Island attracts visitors from all over the world with a peak winter season population of 40,000. Its abundance of natural resources and friendly people continue to drive demand for property.

Four Fun Facts About Marco Island

Sure, it may be the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, but that’s not the only thing that makes Marco Island unique. Noted as the gateway to the Everglades, Marco Island is four miles wide and six miles long. To add to its exclusivity, there’s just one bridge leading onto Marco Island from the mainland, and one bridge that leads off the island.

1. Waterfront homes

To say that waterfront homes are the norm is an understatement, as Marco Island itself has 100 miles of man-made, waterfront canals. Real estate on Marco Island consists of beach and Gulf-front high-rise condos, charming low- and mid-rise condos, and expansive, custom homes.

2. Beaches

Some of the beaches of Marco Island are world-renowned. Marco Island is a prime spot for shelling, and one of the best spots is Tigertail Beach. With 30 miles of Gulf coastline to explore, the white sand beaches of Marco Island are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world.

3. Recreation

Despite being an island, many people come to Marco Island and the surrounding area for golf, and there are dozens of nearby courses to choose from. Island Country Club is an 18-hole course that’s found on Marco Island. Being on Marco Island also provides a front row seat to fishing, boating, and guided experiences.

4. History

Marco Island is also full of history. Originally named La Isla de San Marco by Spanish explorers in the mid 1500s, the village of Marco wasn’t founded and developed until the late 1800s. One place to learn more about its history is the Marco Island Historical Museum.

Ancient burial mounds tied to the Calusa Indians have been found on the island. The Key Marco Cat sculpture, also found on the island, is currently on loan from the Smithsonian and on display at the museum. It’s believed that the tiny, well-preserved wood sculpture was carved by the Calusa tribe.