• Keywaydin Island is an 8-mile long barrier island located between Naples and Marco Island, Florida and is part of the pristine Rookery Bay Reserve.
  • Keywaydin Island is an 8-mile long barrier island located between Naples and Marco Island, Florida and is part of the pristine Rookery Bay Reserve. Photo by Debi Pittman Wilkey

Keewaydin Island in Southwest Florida

Keywaydin Island is an 8-mile long barrier island located between Naples and Marco Island, Florida and is part of the pristine Rookery Bay Reserve.

Although some lots were sold off and developed in the past, the island has preserved its natural state with many mangroves, birds and native wildlife.  Keewaydin is largely undeveloped and offers miles of soft white sandy beaches and is only accessible by boat.

Keewaydin Island is also Naples and Marco Island’s only beach where dogs are allowed–dogs must be leashed at all times as the island is a habitat for protected species of wildlife including loggerhead turtles.

You will need to bring everything you’ll need for your stay – cooler, beach chairs, towels, sunscreen, beach umbrella etc.

Keewaydin Island is serviced by snack boat concessions selling burgers, brats, hot dogs, sandwiches, ice cream, and cold drinks (including adult beverages). You can also bring your own cooler with drinks and snacks.

There are no bathroom facilities available.

How Do You Get To Keewaydin Island?

The easiest way to reach the island is via the Hemingway Water Shuttle which runs seven times daily year-round and departs from Rose Marina in Marco Island.

Of course, there are also jet ski and boat rentals available and regular sightseeing boat trips with stops at Keewaydin for exploring and shelling.

Rent a boat or jet ski from Pure Florida Boat RentalsExtreme Boat Rentals, or Rose Marina.

Hop on a sightseeing cruise with Sweet Liberty Catamaran Sailing CruisesPure FloridaThe Dolphin ExplorerCool Beans CruisesNaples Beach Water Sports or Marco Island Water Sports