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How to Visit Keewaydin Island
Eight miles of undeveloped beach, reachable only by boat: the best tours, shuttles, charters and boat rentals to Keewaydin, and what to know before you go.
By Scott Carr and Kelly Carr
Updated
Boats anchored along Keewaydin Island's sandy shore
Just south of Gordon Pass, Keewaydin Island (locals also call it Key Island) runs eight miles toward Marco Island with no bridge, no road and no development to speak of. Most of it belongs to the State of Florida and is managed by the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, so what you get is wild beach, some of the best shelling on the Gulf coast, and dolphins on the ride over. Sea turtles nest here in summer, and shorebirds nest in posted areas in spring.
There are no restrooms, shade, lifeguards or fresh water on the island, so bring what you need and take your trash home. The easiest way over is with someone who knows the water: a shelling tour, a water shuttle or a private charter. Experienced boaters can rent their own. Here are the best ways to visit Keewaydin Island.
4.9723 Google reviews
Good for3 hours · Up to 12 guests
The best all-round Keewaydin trip. Sand Dollar Shelling and Boat Tours leaves from Naples Bay Resort with no more than 12 guests and spends about two hours of each three-hour trip on the beach, with dolphins on the way out. The USCG-licensed captains are shell experts who'll show you what to look for and what has to go back in the water.
Editor's Tip
Pick your slot: the 8am trip is best for serious shellers, the late-morning trip suits kids, and the 3pm trip has the best light for photos.
4.8404 Google reviews
880 12th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
Good forSailing catamaran · Morning
Sail to the island in comfort. Sweet Liberty's Beach Island Shelling Cruise leaves Naples City Dock at 9:30am aboard a 53-foot sailing catamaran and spends about an hour on Keewaydin before heading back by 12:30pm. Plenty of room and shade on board, and you're welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks.
4.61344 Google reviews
Good forEco tour · Boat rentals
Two ways over with one company. Pure Florida's three-hour Dolphin Watch & Eco Shelling Tour cruises down Naples Bay and through Rookery Bay before landing on Keewaydin for beach time and shelling, with shell bags provided. Or rent one of its deck boats, which take up to 10, and make your own stop on the island.
Editor's Tip
On the tour, wear shoes you can get wet: you'll wade ashore for the beach stop.
2864 Riverview Dr, Naples, FL 34112
Good forWater shuttle · From Naples
Just want the beach? Gulf Breeze Charters runs the Naples water shuttle to Keewaydin, dropping you on the sand and collecting you later, with departures from early morning to mid-afternoon set around the tides. Book online, and your confirmation tells you where to meet.
5.024 Google reviews
Good forPrivate · Up to 6 guests
Keewaydin on your own schedule. Only Tides Charters runs private boat trips for up to six guests from Naples, from a lazy beach day on Keewaydin to low-tide shelling charters timed for the best finds. The captain brings a cooler, water, beach chairs and shade, so all you need is your sunscreen.
Editor's Tip
Ask for a trip around low tide if shelling is the goal. Leave glass at home: it isn't allowed on the beach.
4.4117 Google reviews
Good forDeck boats · Pontoons
For confident boaters. Port O Call Marina on Naples Bay rents new deck boats and tritoons for up to 12 by the half or full day, with GPS, VHF radios and biminis for shade. From the marina it's a run down Naples Bay and out through Gordon Pass to the island.
Editor's Tip
Ask for a briefing on the route before you leave: Gordon Pass has strong tidal currents, and Naples Bay has slow-speed manatee zones outside the channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Keewaydin Island?
Only by boat. From Naples, boats head out through Gordon Pass, at the south end of Naples Bay, and the island stretches south from there. Join a shelling or eco tour, take a water shuttle, book a private charter or rent a boat. There's also a water shuttle to the south end from Rose Marina on Marco Island, about 30 to 40 minutes each way.
What should I bring to Keewaydin?
Everything you'll need for the day: water, food, sunscreen and shade (an umbrella or canopy), plus a bag for shells and another for your trash. There are no restrooms, shade structures, lifeguards or fresh water on the island. Glass isn't allowed on the beach. Food boats sometimes come by in season, but don't count on them.
Are dogs allowed on Keewaydin Island?
The state rules for the preserve prohibit unleashed animals, so if you bring a dog, keep it on a leash. Check with your boat first: many tours and shuttles don't take dogs.
Where is the Keewaydin boat party?
The busiest anchorage is at the island's southern end, where boats anchor off the beach or pull up onto the sand, especially on weekends. For a quieter day, the shelling tours and shuttles land on less crowded stretches; arrive early on busy days.
What are the rules for wildlife on Keewaydin?
Leave live shells, sand dollars and starfish in the water. Sea turtles nest on the beach from May through October, so fill in holes, take your gear with you and don't disturb marked nests. From March to August, keep out of posted shorebird nesting areas. About 15% of the island is private, mostly homes on the Gulf side, so respect posted signs. You can camp in designated areas on a first-come, first-served basis.