Five Naples and Marco Island, FL Day Trip Ideas

By Laurén Ettinger

You may plan a visit to the Naples and Marco Island, Florida area because of the warm sunshine and beaches, but so many fantastic things to do are close by. Here are five fun and exciting day trip options. 

5 easy and family-friendly Naples and Marco Island, FL Day Trip Ideas. Must Do Visitor Guides

Key West Express

Take a ferry to Key West for an unforgettable day trip from Naples or Marco Island, Florida. From lazy lounging on the beach to exhilarating activities on the water, there’s always something fun happening in Key West, Florida.

A cruise on the Key West Express ferry is the fast and fun way to visit the southernmost point in the United States. Passengers leave in the morning and are in Key West for lunch! 

Ferry’s depart from port early each morning and return in the early evening the same day. 

Key West Express cruises from Fort Myers Beach year-round. Service from Marco Island is normally only offered during the winter months. 

Dolphin and Wildlife Boat Tours

Explore the waterways around Sanibel, Captiva, Cayo Costa State Park, and Pine Island Sound on a guided sunset, sailing, wildlife, fishing, or shelling cruise with Captiva Cruises. 

Captiva Island is an easy drive from Naples or Marco Island, Florida, once aboard, Captiva Cruises crew will share their in-depth knowledge and passion for the area while passengers marvel at wildlife. 

Cruise to Cayo Costa State Park, Florida state treasure. The island is accessible only by boat and boasts nine miles of preserve, pristine beaches, and ideal shelling.

Looking for something customizable? Private charters are a popular option. Fishing, shelling, island hopping, lunch, cocktail, and dinner cruises can all be arranged.

Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda

Located on pristine Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda, Fishermen’s Village is a short drive south from Naples and Marco Island making it an easy day trip.

You can enjoy an array of boutique and specialty shopping, waterfront restaurants, and a variety of recreational activities including fishing charters, out island sightseeing tours, sunset cruises, boat and kayak rentals from the marina, as well as tours of the nearby Military Heritage Museum.

Visit Goodland, Florida

Goodland is an easy day trip from both Marco Island and Naples. Goodland, Florida is a small community off State Road 92 at the southeast corner of Marco Island that offers visitors laid back charm, a variety of waterfront restaurants–featuring music and dancing, and family-friendly water sport activities. 

Learn more about Goodland, Florida here.

Pure Florida Fishing Charters

Pure Florida offers private and shared offshore deep sea, calm bay, and near coastal fishing charters for beginners to seasoned anglers of all ages. 

All charters include quality rods, reels, bait, and licenses. They will even clean, ice and bag your catch!

 Pure Florida offers fishing charters from Fort Myers and Naples, Florida. 

5 easy and family-friendly Naples and Marco Island, FL Day Trip Ideas. Must Do Visitor Guides

Written by: Laurén Ettinger | Author Website

Laurén Ettinger runs the travel and vanlife blog Flit Float Fly Away where she shares travel tips and stories from life on the road with her dog. She is the Assistant Editor at Siesta Publications for Must Do Visitor Guides where she manages social media, writes blog articles, and assists in editing print and online copy. Laurén also works as a freelance copy editor and proofreader. She holds a M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University's School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution and a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.A. in Global Studies from Appalachian State University. Follow her adventures on instagram or her blog www.flitfloatflyaway.com